Breaking the Habit

-Chester-
I woke up alone again, like I had every day for the last two months.
I shifted uncomfortably, groaning at the stiffness in my neck.
The clock on the wall told me that it was nearly 11am.

It had been two weeks since Michelle fell back into a coma, and I’d spent all of my time by her side during the day, and attempting to sleep at night.

Dr. Sampson walked in, “Good morning, are we ready to get those casts off?” He asked.
“I guess being mobile would make me must a smidge less miserable.” I shrugged.
“I just left Michelle’s room. We checked in on the baby, who is growing perfectly, and has a strong fast heartbeat.” He said.
“That’s good. You guys taking her casts off too?” I asked.
“Yes, they’re taking them off now. I came to see if you were awake yet, so I could have them go ahead and come take yours off while they had the saw.”
“Yeah, any news on her brainwaves?” I asked.
“No change, still. But don’t give up hope. We do know that the original brain injury has completely healed, and, while the brain wave activity hasn’t changed, she did start breathing on her own again this morning.”
I looked up, “What?!”
“That’s right. She’s breathing on her own again, and she did it on her own. We’re hoping that the next step is new activity, and then eventually, waking up.”
The door opened, and the orthopedic surgeon walked in, “You ready to be plaster-free?”
I nodded, “Am I ever? I’m ready to go see my fiance again.”

Ten minutes and a little itching later, I was free of my casts and my neck brace.
I stood up and stretched, “This is a weird feeling.” I wiggled my fingers.
“I know that you’re eager to go see Michelle, so I’ll leave you to it, but I’ll be by later to talk to you and schedule your physical therapy. Now, go on.”
He waved me out the door, and after throwing on a clean shirt and shorts, I darted down the hall.

Behind me I heard, “Hey!”
I stopped and turned around.
Mike, Kayla, Rob, Brad, and another guy I didn’t recognize were walking toward me.
“Look who’s mobile again!” Mike hugged me.
“It’s great, being able to walk and run again.” I smiled.
“Headed to see her? How’s she doing?” He walked beside me.
“She doing great, actually. I mean, she isn’t awake, but she started breathing all on her own this morning, which is a sign of progress in the right direction.”
“That’s great to hear. How’s the peanut?” He opened the door to Michelle’s room.
“Doc said it’s growing perfectly, and has a strong heartbeat, so all appears well.” I smiled.
Michelle looked normal again, like she was just sleeping peacefully, with a feeding tube in her mouth.
I’d take what I could get at this point.
I walked over, sat on the edge of the bed, and kissed her forehead, “Hello my angel. I’m mobile again, which means I won’t leave your side, and I’ll be here waiting for you to wake up. Not a minute will go by that I’m not worried about you and our sweet little baby. I’m so proud of you, breathing on your own again, now we just need you to wake up.” I pressed my forehead to hers, looking at her emotionless face.
I kept waiting for her to smile at me and laugh at me, but her face never moved.
“She’s gonna wake up, man.” Mike patted my shoulder.
I sighed, “I know, I just don’t know when, and I think that, on top of the fact that we’re having a baby, worries me.”
“She’s tough as nails, she’ll come out of it.” Mike said.
I sighed, “I miss her so much.”
“She’s probably worried about you, she can heat you, you know.” Mike said.
“I know, maybe she’ll get sick of me whining and wake up so she can tell me to shut up and grow a pair.” I said.
He laughed, “She wouldn’t say that to you.”
I chuckled, “You don’t know Michelle very well. She damn sure would say that.”
“He’s right.” Chauntelle piped up, from the back.
“She’s a little firecracker.” I said.
“So, I take it you’ll be here?” Joe asked.
“Every second until she wakes up.” I replied.
I petted her hair, and kissed her forehead, “Her and the baby are the only things that matter to me right now.” I said quietly.
“I know man.” Mike replied.

I basically camped out in the room with Michelle, sleeping on the small uncomfortable sofa in the corner.
Two more weeks went by, with occasional spikes in brain activity, but nothing more.
She continued to breathe on her own, but she was still stuck in the same sleep.
Mike and Chauntelle made a joke that maybe if I kissed her, she’d wake up, like in Sleeping Beauty, and while it made me smile, I knew it would never work.

I was laying on the sofa surfing through channels with one arm tucked behind my head.
The sun had just gone down, and the eerie silence in the room was getting to me again.
I turned the volume up, settling for some cheesy MTV reality show, and pulled the thin hospital blanket up to my chin, rolling over to get comfortable.
I lay there for a few minutes, eyes closed, trying to fall asleep, when I thought I heard someone sigh deeply.
I peered over my shoulder at Michelle, who hadn’t moved still.
I laid back down and closed my eyes again, willing myself to just sleep, so I’d stop imagining things that weren’t happening.
Again, I heard a sound, one that sounded like her shifting in the bed.
This time, I sat up and looked at her directly.
To me, it looked like she still hadn’t moved at all.
I stared at her for a few minutes, watching her fingers, her arms, legs and feet, all while telling myself I must be going crazy.
My eyes fell on her stomach, now more round.
She was almost four months along now.
I leaned over and put my hand on her stomach, sighing, “Can you get her to wake up for me, little one?” I asked, standing to kiss her stomach.
I felt a small flutter, and smiled.
“If she were awake she’d be beside herself with excitement to feel you moving in there. She already loves you so much, sweet baby.” I said, looking at Michelle’s face.
Her blank emotionless expression erased my smile, and I hung my head, feeling the tears coming again.
I wiped my eyes and nose, and laid back on the sofa.
Soon, I drifted off into sleep.

I wasn’t sure if I was dreaming or not, but I heard Michelle’s voice, “Chester, wake up.”
I opened my eyes slowly, looking out the window behind my makeshift bed, where the sun had just begun to peek over the horizon.
“Sleepyhead.” I heard, with a light giggle.
I looked over my shoulder, and Dr. Sampson was standing next to Michelle’s bed.
I yawned, sure that I was still dreaming, and laid back down, closing my eyes again.
“He hasn’t slept well in months, I’m sure he’s exhausted.” Dr. Sampson’s voice said softly.
“Honey, wake up.” Her voice sounded so real, it broke my heart.
“I’m not doing this to myself, I’ve had this dream a thousand times already, I’m not going to get my hopes up, just to wake up and be disappointed.” I said through the pillow.
Michelle laughed, “What if you’re not dreaming this time?”
I scoffed, “Yeah, right.”
I heard shifting and light footsteps approach me, and felt a pinch on the back of my arm.
“Hey!” I jumped.
“If you were dreaming, that wouldn’t have hurt.” she said, pulling the blanket away from my face.
I felt her warm, soft hands on my arm, and her lips on the back of my head, “Don’t make me sucker punch you to prove my point, because you know I will,” she whispered.
I turned my head to look at her, and the instant I saw her bright blue eyes and lips curved into a smile, I couldn’t help but smile back, “Would you do it anyway, just so I know for sure?” I asked.
She chuckled and shrugged, “Sure.”
She balled a fist and frogged me in the shoulderblade.
It hurt like a bitch, but I smiled and sat up, kissing her, “You’re awake!” I cried.
“So are you! And boy am I happy to see you!” She giggled, hugging me.
“When did you wake up?” I asked.
“About an hour ago. Dr. Sampson checked me over and everything, but I wanted to at least let you sleep until sunrise, because I’m sure you’re probably exhausted.
“I don’t care how tired I am, you should’ve woke me up, I’m so happy to see you.” I kissed her again.
“I’m happy to see you too.” She smiled.
“I felt the baby kick last night.” I told her.
“I know, I felt it just a few minutes ago, and it’s kicking right now. All the excitement has her all worked up.” she laughed.
“She??” I asked.
“We don’t know for sure, yet. But Michelle is basing her guess on old wives tales.” Dr. Sampson said.
“Old wive’s tale?” I asked.
“Well the baby’s heart rate was 160 this morning, and I’ve always heard that a faster heart rate means it’s a girl. That and they say if you crave salty food, it’s a girl.” She shrugged.
“We’re doing and ultrasound in a little while, and we’ll find out for sure what she’s having.”
“Today?!” I asked.
He nodded, “In about an hour or so, when the Obstetrician gets in.” he said.
“I have to call everyone and tell them you’re awake.” I said.
“How about you and I catch up first, then you can call them. It’s been way too long since we’ve just talked to one another, alone, and I’ve missed you.” she laid her head on my shoulder.
Dr. Sampson left, and the two of us moved to her bed, lying face to face with each other.
“I talked to the baby every day.” I said.
“I know. I may have been in a coma, but I could hear everything happening around me.” she smiled.
“They said you could, that’s why I talked to you too.” I said.
“I know. And believe me, I wanted to talk back, but it I couldn’t.” She said.
“I know. But you can now.” I kissed her.
“And you better be ready, because I’m not going to shut up for awhile. I have three months of talking to do.” She laughed.
“Please. I’m thrilled just to hear your voice. And we both know that talking isn’t all we’re going to do.” I kissed her harder.
She kissed back, putting her leg over my hip, “Definitely need to catch up on that, too.” she whispered.
“We can wait until we get home, though. I don’t want to get caught in here.” I said.
“That’s true.” She smiled.
“So, are you still okay with naming the baby Bailee Jade if it’s a girl?” she asked.
“Absolutely.” I said.
She smiled and kissed me, “The minute we get out of here, we’re getting married. That’s all there is to it.” she said.
“I couldn’t agree more.” I said.

The door opened, and a short woman walked in, “I’m Dr. Brown, the obstetrician on staff, and I hear that you’d like to find out the gender of your baby?” She asked.
We sat up, “Yes, please.”
“Follow me, then.” She smiled.
We followed her down the hall to a room with an ultrasound machine.

We found out that the baby weighed 10 ounces, already liked to suck their thumb, and was a little girl.
Michelle was overjoyed, as was I, both of us shedding tears.
“It’s Bailee Jade.” she hugged me.

We went back to her room, after Dr. Sampson deemed her fit to be released, and packed mostly my stuff up to go home.
She used my phone to call her sister, and tell her all the good news.

-Michelle-
The line rang four times, “Hey Chester, how are you?” Chauntelle asked.
I smiled at Chester
“Chester’s doing fine, thanks. But don’t you wanna know how I’m doing?” I asked.
Chauntelle screamed, “OH MY GOD MICHELLE?!?!?!? YOU’RE AWAKE!”
I laughed, “I woke up this morning. Been too busy going through the motions and procedures to make sure I’m in tip-top shape to go home, I just now had the time to call.” I said.
“You’re going home?! When?” she asked.
“In about an hour, after the paperwork is finished. You and Chris should come to the house then, so I can see you guys.” I told her.
“Of course! We’ll definitely be there!” She said.
“Great. Do not tell Dad. I’m not in the mood for him right now.” I said.
“I would never, Michelle.” She laughed.
“Good. That’s why you’re the best sister in the world.” I said.
“I’ll see you soon, I love you Mickey.” She said.
“I love you too Chaun.” I said, hanging up.

“Was the scream necessary?” Chester asked when I handed him his phone.
“If you know my sister, then yes it was very necessary.” I laughed.
He shakes his head, “Bailee has no idea, the family she’ll be born into.”
I shrugged, “She’ll have the Kennedy blood, which means she’s bound to be just as loud as we are.”
He rolls his eyes, “If I weren’t so happy to see you, I’d be annoyed by that, but as long as she’s healthy and beautiful, I’ll be happy.” he kissed me.
“Good. Let’s go home.” I picked up my bag and slipped my shoes on.

On the way down to the car, I called Mike.
“Hello?” he asked.
“What’s up, cutie pie?” I joked.
“Oh my god, it’s you!” He cried.
“Who did you think it was, Mickey mouse? Ho-Ho How’s it going Mikey?” I laughed, in my best Mickey Mouse voice.
He laughed, “I assumed Chester let his phone die again, and was using yours to call me.” he said.
“Nope, I am of this earth again, thought I’d call and let you know.” I said.
“Well I am glad to hear it, has Chester returned to this earth yet? He’s been a zombie at best, the past few months.” he said.
I looked at Chester, who was smiling behind sunglasses, watching the road, “Yeah, I’d say he’s almost himself again.”
“Where are you guys? We want to come see you.” He said.
“We’re headed home. Should be there in about ten minutes.” I answered.
“Is it okay if we come by? Or were you two planning on celebrating first. Because I don’t want to walk in on you fucking.” he laughed.
“No, we thought we’d save that for our first night home together. My sister and brother are coming over too, so you guys should come too, we’ll make it a party.” I said.
“If I’m not mistaken, a party is what got you pregnant in the first place.” He laughed.
“I’m not drinking. I can’t. I shouldn’t anyway. I’m saying everyone together having fun, without alcohol. It can be done.” I said.
“Do YOU know how to do it?” he asked.
“Can’t be hard to do. I was sober for awhile, I was boring as hell, but I’m sure it can be done.” I said.
“We’ll see.” He laughed.
“You fuckers coming over or not? We’ve got news about the baby to share.” I said.
“Yeah, we’ll be there, it’s not twins, is it?” He asked.
“See you soon, bye Mike.” I hung up on him, laughing.

“They coming?” Chester asked.
“He had to give me shit first, but they’re coming.” I said.
“Of course he did. He missed you too.” He laughed.
“I’m sure you all did, you especially.” I said, putting my hand on his leg.
“Down girl, I know the pregnancy hormones are running rampant, but we’ll do that tonight.” He smiled, slipping his hand up my leg.
“Well that’s certainly not helping.” I laughed.
“It’s okay, you can take out your anger on me later when I unleash three months of pent up sexual tension on your ass.” He said, grinning.
I smiled, “It’s definitely going to be a night to remember.”

When we got home, he insisted on carrying everything inside.
“Just a warning, I haven’t been home since the accident. I sent Mike to get clothes and stuff, because I didn’t want to risk you waking up and me not being there.” he said, unlocking the door.
“It’s okay babe. I understand.” I said.
The house looked the exact same as it had the night we left to go to Mike’s, before the accident.
I sat on the couch, “Wow, it’s good to be home.”
Chester laughed, “This is home for now. We’re going to need to upgrade to something with more space.” he sat next to me, putting his hand on my stomach.
“Bailee is going to need her own room eventually.” I laid my head on his shoulder.
“And of course she’s not going to be our last. We’re moving to a house that’s got room for you, me, her, and at least a few more kids.” he kissed me.
“How many kids are we talking?” I asked, giggling.
“Four at least. Ten tops.” he shrugged.
“What?!” I asked.
“Relax babe, I’m kidding. We’ll have as many kids as we want. Or as few as we want. It’s up to us. Which reminds, me, when do you want to get married?” he asked.
“Tomorrow evening. On the beach, like we’d planned.” I answered.
“You’re going to throw a wedding together in 24 hours, five months pregnant for how many people?” he asked.
“Fourteen people? The boys, their dates, Chauntelle, Derek, and their dates. That’s all that’s coming, right?” I asked.
“Most likely, yeah. That shouldn’t be hard to do.” He shrugged.
“Just a small cake, a few bottles of champagne, we can probably throw together a meal to feed fourteen people, and people can take turns being the DJ, nothing too fancy.” I said.
“I have to get rings, you need a dress, I need a tux.” he said.
“All can be done in a few hours. But, we’re writing our own vows, so you’d better write something good, rockstar.” I smiled.
“Baby, I’m gonna take your breath away,
Believe me.” He kissed me.
“And I, you.” I smiled against his lips, kissing him again.
He kissed me harder, pulling my body against him, his hands wandering down my shoulders to my back.
“I want you.” I breathed, my hands on his face.
“Believe me, I want you too, baby.” he whispered.

The doorbell rang, and I sat up, “But it can wait until later, the party’s here.” I got up, and straightened my shirt.
“Believe me, it’s going to be worth the wait.” He said.

I opened the front door, greeted by my sister, “I’m so happy you’re back!” she squealed.
“I’m glad to be back, come in. Hi Chris.” I hugged him.
“Good to see you up and around, Mickey mouse.” he hugged me tight.
“Chris don’t crush the baby!” Chauntelle exclaimed.
“Sorry Mickster, I was just worried about you. And I’m happy that you’re going to be okay.”
“Look at your belly, oh you are so adorable!” Chauntelle put her hands on my stomach, smiling, then jumped back and squealed, “OHMYGODIFELTTHEBABYKICK!!!” She cried.
I laughed, “That’s just a hello.” I rubbed my belly.
“We’re waiting on a few more guests, and then we’re going to tell you guys the good news about the baby.” Chester said.
“Do you guys know the sex?” Chauntelle asked.
I smiled at Chester, “Yes, we do.”
“WHAT IS IT?” She asked.
“Nope, you’ll find out when everyone else does.” I said, shaking my head.
She made a face, “You suck.”
I smirked, “Of course I do, and I’m good at it too, why do you think Chester likes me so much?”
“Oh Michelle, that’s so gross!” She shook her head.
“Like you’ve never done it, Chaun.” I rolled my eyes, laughing.
“I don’t talk about it in front of you and Chris.” She sat down.

The doorbell rang again, and I turned to answer it, but Chester got up, “I’ll get it babe, sit down and relax.” he walked over to the door, opening it.
“Hey fellas!” He said.
“Hey Chester, good to see you smiling again.” Joe hugged him.
“I’ve got my happiness back, of course I’m smiling.” he let them in.
I struggled to my feet and hugged each of them, “Hey boys, good to see all of you again.” I said.
“Glad to have you back on the conscious plane.” Mike said hugging me.
“Good to be back.” I said.
“You wanna do it, before your sister has an aneurysm?” Chester asked.
I smiled and nodded, “Let’s, we don’t need anyone else going into a coma.” I joined him in the center of the room, taking his hand.
“Well, they did an ultrasound this morning, to make sure that the baby was okay, and to find out what we’re having.” I paused smiling at the faces of anticipation before me.
“And it’s a girl.” I said.
The room erupted in cheers and excitement, “Congratulations!” they hugged us.
“Have you agreed on a name?” Rob asked.
I nodded, cradling my belly, “Bailee Jade.”
“That is adorable!” Chauntelle squealed.
“Thank you.” I said, sitting down.
“You uncomfortable?” Dave asked.
“Only a little, I wasn’t able to really get used to the changes in my body because I was unconscious, so now I have to get used to carrying extra weight in my hips and my guts being pushed aside to accommodate the baby.” I said.
“Which means YOU have to take it easy on her, because of your daughter.” Mike told Chester.
“I’m aware, thanks.” Chester said.
“Believe me, We’ll be careful.” I said.
“There’s more good news.” Chester said, putting his arm around me.
“There’s twins.” Mike said, automatically.
“Shut up!” I shoved him.
“We’re getting married, tomorrow!” Chester announced proudly.
“OH MY GOD!!!!” Chauntelle screamed, hugging me.
I looked at Chester, “You set off this time-bomb. Chaun, why don’t you hug and scream at your new soon-to-be brother-in-law!” I told her.
She squealed again, throwing her arms around Chester’s neck, hugging him.
“You suck.” he glared, hugging her back.
I smiled, “Sure do. But me and Bailee couldn’t handle the excited jumping anymore.” I sat back down, putting my hands on my belly.
“When and where?” Mike asked me.
“The beach, and we’re thinking of starting the ceremony at about 6. That way we have today and most of tomorrow to throw together a half-ass decent wedding.” I laughed.
“We’ll do whatever we can to help, you’re family now.” Joe sat next to me, hugging me.
“Thanks Joe.” I smiled.
“I’m the maid of honor, right??” Chauntelle asked.
“Of course you are.” I said.
She squealed again.
“Does your other sister make this much noise?” Chester asked.
“Yes. Gabi is actually worse, and I’m a close second, and Chauntelle is actually the least obnoxious of the three of us.” I said.
He rolled his eyes, “I’m marrying into a family of scream queens.”
“Like you didn’t already know I can scream.” I smirked.
He grinned, “Believe me, I know. You’re the ultimate scream queen.” He sits down and kisses me.
“Can you two not make references to your sex lives in front of company? That IS my little sister.” Chris said.
We laughed, “Sorry Christopholis.” I teased.
“Don’t call me that Demon child.” He laughed.
“Oh, childhood nicknames, and nobody’s drinking vodka. It’s grandma’s house all over again.” Chauntelle laughed.
“You called her ‘Demon Child’?” Chester asked.
“Trust me, if you’d known her between the ages of 2 and 10, you’d understand. She was a mean little shit.” Chris laughed.
“And I’m willing to bet that Bailee is going to act just like her, so you get to look forward to that.” Chauntelle laughed.
“My daughter is going to be an angel. You’ll see.” Chester laughed.
“What does your family think about you having a daughter?” Chauntelle asked.
Chester’s smile faded, “I haven’t told them, we’re not exactly on speaking terms, my father and I. My sister and brother either.” He said.
“Oh, sorry.” She said.
“I guess I should let my father know that he’s going to be a grandfather.” Chester smiled a little.
“I’m sure he’ll be very excited babe. I’m sure whatever problems you two had in the past will be forgotten in light of the exciting news.” I kissed him.
“I’m sure you’re right, babe.” He said.
“I have an idea, why don’t you and I drive out for a surprise visit to your family, so we can break the news in person?” I asked.
He looked nervous, but smiled, “Okay as long as you’re with me.” he said.
“It’s going to be great babe. We’ll go Wednesday morning.” I said, laying back on the couch.

“Listen Mickey, I have to go, Adam and I are going to meet his parents for lunch. But I’ll call you first thing in the morning to help plan the wedding.” Chauntelle hugged me.
“Have fun, and I’ll see you tomorrow.” I told her, sighing.
“Alicia wants me to go to the gym with her, so I have to bail too. But I’ll be ready to help first thing tomorrow morning.” Chris said.
“Fine. You all get me back after being in a coma for three months, and you bail.” I sighed.
“You got us.” Mike said.
“That’s true.” I smiled.
“So, and I understand this is an odd question, but what’s it like being in coma?” Rob asked.
“The world’s longest and most surreal dream, ever.” I answered without a second thought.
“How so?” he asked.
“I was unconscious, but completely aware of everything happening around me. I could hear everything, and feel the temperature change in the room, but I couldn’t speak, move, or anything. It was strange.” I said.
“How weird.” Chester said.
“This coming from you, I heard everything you did and said for three months. THAT was strange.” I said.
“What the hell did I do?” He asked.
“The conversations you have with yourself are unsettling sometimes, that’s all I’ll say.” I answered.
“The demons in my head are unpleasant, so that comes as no surprise.” he answered.
“Where are you two going to put a baby? This is a one bedroom house.” Mike asked.
“The plan is to move to a bigger house before Bailee is born.” Chester answered, handing the boys a beer, and opening one for himself.
“Honey, do you really think you should be drinking?” I asked.
“I’m just having one, babe, it’s fine.” he shrugged.
“Okay, just don’t let yourself get carried away.” I got up and got a glass of water.

I leaned on the counter, looking out at everyone in the living room, laughing and having a good time.
Chester came into the kitchen, and tossed his bottle in the trash.
“What are you doing babe?” he asks, getting another beer.
I tried to ignore that, “Just getting some water. The excitement in there is making my anxiety flare up, and it’s getting hard to breathe.” I said.
“You wanna go lie down? I can handle the guests while you rest and take a nap.” he wrapped his arms around me, and kissing me.
“I wanna say that a nap is the last thing I need right now, but I need a rest from all the people. We still have a wedding to plan, and then a road trip to follow.” I said.
He helped me down the hall to our room.
I laid on the bed, pulling the blanket up to my chin, “Just an hour or so. Don’t let me sleep any longer.” I said.
“I won’t babe. Just rest. Stress isn’t good for you or Bailee.” he kissed my forehead, closed the blinds, and shut the door on his way out, darkening the room.

-Chester-
I walked back into the living room.
“Hey, where’s Michelle?” Mike asked.
“She was feeling overwhelmed by all the excitement, so she went to lie down and rest. It’s a lot for one day.” I shrugged, opening a second beer.
“She’s gonna be fine, Chester.” he reassured me.
“I know. I’m just stressing too. I’m stressing about telling my dad that we’re having a baby, and that we’re married. I haven’t seen or spoken to him in a long time. I’m also worried about Jack trying to crash the wedding and ruin it for us. I’m worried about Michelle being okay.”
“Maybe you should relax too. Tell you what, we’ll clear out of here, and let you two rest and we’ll come by in the morning to help with the wedding.” he said.
“Thanks bro.” I said, hugging him.
“No problem. Go on and get cuddled up with her.” I said.
They all left quietly, and I turned off the lights and locked the door.
It was only 11am, but we were both exhausted.
When I crawled into bed, Michelle was already sound asleep.

The bed shifted and I felt Michelle get up.
“What are you doing babe?” I asked.
“We’ve got a wedding to plan and we’ve been asleep for four hours.” She stretched.
“What time is it?” I asked, rubbing my eyes.
“3:04pm.” She answered.
“Shit we did sleep for four hours.” I sat up.
She changed clothes and brushed her hair into a ponytail.
“We have a lot to do.” She peers over her shoulder at me.
“Let’s get going.” I kissed her.

She walked down the hall, looking for her purse.
“Where is my purse?” She asks.
“Is it in the kitchen?” I pulled my shirt on, an started looking for my shoes.
“No.” She called back.
“Entryway?”
“No, I found your shoes though.” She said.
I walked into the living room, and smiled, “Mouse, your purse is on the coffee table.” I said.
She came around the corner, “Fucking pregnancy brain.” She shakes her head laughing.
“It’s okay babe. That’s what you’ve got me for.” I hugged her.
“Yeah, now go out your shoes on.” She said.
“Me? You’re not wearing your shoes!” I said.
“I’ll put mine on before we leave.” She stuck her tongue out at me.
“You can’t put your shoes on, can you?” I asked.
She gave me a look, “No.” She said quietly.
I laughed, “Sit down, I’ll help you.”
She sat, exasperated on the couch, “And I still have five months left before I can even see my feet again.” She sighed.
“Relax, you know you’re excited. Just hormones making you cranky.” I chuckled.
“You know you’re in the perfect position to get kicked in the face.” She said.
“You won’t.” I said.
She wrinkled her nose, “Regardless, shut up.”
“Let’s go babe, we have a lot to do.” I said, helping her up.
“Where to first?” She asked.
“Probably the rings. Then the dress, then tuxes, and a cake.” I told her.
“I hope that you’re okay with stopping so I can pee every ten minutes. She may not even weigh a pound, but she’s sitting on my bladder.” She sighed.
“She’s worth it, babe.” I told her.
“I know, I’m just exhausted all the time, and in constant pain.” She groaned.
“If you’re not feeling up to it, we can do this later.” I said.
“No, we’re pressed for time as it is, we’re cutting it kinda close with doing this so soon.” She said.
“Then we’ll push it back a day or two. Michelle, we’ve got nothing but time. We don’t have to rush. We know we’re getting married, and we’ll do it when we can pull it together.” I said.
She sits back down, “I just don’t want to lose our chance again.”
“We’re not going to lose our chance, babe. I love you just as much, if not more today, than I did yesterday, or the day I met you.” I said, kissing her.
“I vote we push the wedding to Saturday, to give us enough time to plan it, and right now, we get some food, because Bailee and I are starving.” She said.
“Sounds like a plan, baby.” I hugged her.

We went and got chinese food, and lounged on the couch, watching movies until she fell asleep.
I slipped her shoes off, and carried her back to our room, tucking her into bed.