Chapter 28

Haisley worried about Mel coming over, unsure how they would mesh while alone, but she shouldn't have worried. Mel was so sweet and kind. They bonded fast, though no one else was there.

"So, how excited are you about having the baby?" Mel asked.

“Very.” Haisley cradled her belly. “This is the first time a pregnancy hasn’t ended with a miscarriage. I mean, I know it could still happen, but the other ones were already over. And the doctors seem to think this one is going to last. So what about you? It’s almost time.”

Mel laughed. “I really didn’t think I would have kids. It was the first time we actually had sex.”

“The first time?”

Mel nodded. "We'd just gotten together, and I had an IUD, and Andy used protection, though I think he forgot to roll one on. We weren't even in a serious relationship, not really. But something happened to the IUD, and now we're here. I'm thrilled, but it's going to take some getting used to the idea. "

“Wow. So you didn’t want to end the pregnancy?”

Mel shook her head. “No. By the time I figured out I was pregnant, I was in love with Andy. I’m thrilled now, and he’s excited.”

“I’m happy for you. That’s great that you two are in love with each other.”

“What about you and Peach?” Mel asked.

Heat filled her, and she didn't know what to say. Last week, they hadn't been more than friends, and now they were sleeping in the same bed, and he was kissing her before he left for work.

"Oh my goodness," Mel said as she reached out and grabbed Haisley's arm. "He's so hot. He looks so young, like a model."

Haisley laughed. “Yeah, he’s much hotter than anyone I’ve ever dated. I don’t know what to do with that.”

Mel snorted a laugh. "Take it to bed and keep it happy. That's what you do."

More heat filled Haisley, and she had to fan herself. “He’s a good man.”

Mel took a sip of tea. "You know, these guys like to be experts at things. Like I don't know firsthand, but from what the other women say, the men are pros at more than their jobs."

Haisley slapped her hands over her face, the heat almost too much. “Oh God. I can’t face any of them again, can I?”

"Please, we will all be happy for you. I mean, Andy is freaking amazing. And I'm sure Peach isn't a slouch."

Haisley felt like a teenager talking about the guys like this. “Oh God, it’s so embarrassing.”

"Don't be embarrassed. You're lucky. Do you know how few women experience sex like that? Be proud that you have a man who knows how to find your buttons, and he knows how to press them."

“You know, it’s not just the sex. I really don’t think Peach would ever hit me.”

Mel gasped. “Heck no. He never would. And if he did, I can guarantee the other guys would take him out behind the shed and teach him a lesson.”

“I’ve never been with a guy who didn’t hit me.”

Mel moved fast for a pregnant woman and had her arms around Haisley. The emotions were too much, and they were both crying. Before Mel stepped back, she kissed Haisley's cheek.

“I’m glad you’re no longer with some turd who hits women. You deserve so much more.”

“I never thought that before. Peach is different.”

“He’s what it’s supposed to be like.”

Haisley shook her head. “I just can’t believe he wants me. I mean, he knows what happened, and he’s still staying with me.”

“Don’t discount yourself. You’re a catch.”

Haisley couldn’t stop the laughter that bubbled up. “I don’t think I am, but I’m glad he thinks so.”

Mel grabbed her belly and blew out a breath. "Oof. I'm going to pop soon, and I'm not sure I'm ready."

“You’ll be a good mom.”

“I hope so. I’ve been reading and talking to people. Ingrid is a great resource. Ava didn’t know the girls when they were younger, but she did give me the advice that there are a lot of emotions, and taking five minutes to catch my breath is better than snapping.”

“Yeah. The pressure scares me.”

“Same. But I have all of you for help. That I’m not alone is a huge peace of mind. And we’ll be here to help you. ”

“Thank you. I don’t know how I’ll get through it all, but knowing I have support helps.”

They talked about babies and what brands they thought were the best. Mel said she wanted to breastfeed exclusively but knew there could be problems, so she was looking at formula companies.

“It’s hard to know what to do,” Mel said.

“You just have to do your best.”

"Yeah. I'm trying not to use products that have recently had recalls. You know, like that bacteria thing in that formula a while back. How can you know that they aren't doing something to poison the baby food?"

“What?” Haisley asked.

Mel shrugged. “It’s a thing. There have been issues with formula and baby food. I try to keep up, but honestly, it’s frightening. That’s why I want to breastfeed. At least I know what I’m putting in my body.”

“Ugh, I hadn’t even thought of that.”

“At least you know me, and I’ll keep you informed.”

"Thank you. That takes some pressure off me. But I mean, I have to be responsible for this, too. I'm afraid I'm going to fail."

Mel squeezed her hand. "No, you have support, and you'll learn. Being a mom is frightening, but you have time."

“You’re talking about stuff I had no idea about. I’m so glad I met you.”

“And I’m glad I met you. All of us are glad you’re in Peach’s life. He needs a good person to lean on. You’re exactly what he needs.”

Haisley had never thought of herself as a person someone else needed. With Peach, she felt different. She could tell he liked her, like really liked her. And she liked him. He made her feel things she didn’t know she could. Being in a relationship with Peach would change everything for her in a good way.