Chapter 24

24

Sofia

I carefully arrange the pillows behind Rhett's back as he settles onto the couch. "Are you comfortable? Do you need anything else?"

He gives me a grumpy look. "I'm good. You don't need to be taking care of me. You're pregnant, you need to take care of yourself."

I lean down to kiss his forehead. "This is what partners do. Aren't we partners?"

It's been a week since Rhett was released from the hospital. The doctors said he needs to take it easy for at least another couple of weeks to fully recover from his concussion and bruised ribs. I've temporarily moved in to help care for him, and to ease my own worries. The accident was terrifying, and I still sometimes wake up in a panic, reaching for Rhett to make sure he's really okay.

"How about some lunch?" I suggest. "I could make us some sandwiches."

Rhett shakes his head. "I'm not hungry, but you should eat."

I rest my hand on my growing baby bump. At almost fourteen weeks, I'm just starting to show. Of course, I look more bloated than anything.

He notices me touching my stomach. "How are you feeling?" Rhett asks softly. "I know all of this must be stressful for you and the baby."

Taking a seat next to him, I lean my head on his shoulder. "We're fine. I'm just glad you're home and recovering. But I won't lie, it was scary getting that call."

Rhett kisses the top of my head. "This is why I've avoided attachments."

We sit in silence for a while, both lost in our own thoughts. I can't help but wonder, is he starting to regret being with me… the baby?

Despite the worry of the past week, I had felt a sense of peace being here with Rhett. Is he starting to think we rushed into this relationship and pregnancy.

All I know is that without a doubt that he's the one I want by my side through it all.

"Do you regret this or us?" I ask, my stomach filling with butterflies.

Rhett looks at me, his eyes widening. "What? No, of course not. Sofia, I love you and this baby more than anything."

He shifts to face me, wincing slightly at the movement. "I'm sorry if I made you doubt that. I just hate feeling helpless and seeing you worry about me."

I feel tears welling up in my eyes. "I was just scared when you said that about avoiding attachments. I thought maybe you were regretting us."

Rhett cups my face gently. "Never. You and this baby are the best things that have ever happened to me. I'm sorry I scared you—both with the accident and my words just now."

He places his hand on my small baby bump. "This job comes with risks but having you two to come home to makes it all worth it. I love you both so much."

I lean in to kiss him softly. "We love you too. I'm sorry for doubting you."

Rhett pulls me close, being careful of his injured ribs. "Don't apologize. I know this has been stressful for you. But I promise, I'm not going anywhere. You're stuck with me."

I snuggle into his side, feeling the tension leave my body. "Good, because I don't want to do this without you."

We sit here for a while, just holding each other. I feel Rhett's breathing even out and realize he's fallen asleep. Carefully, I extricate myself from his arms and cover him with a blanket.

As I watch him sleep, I'm filled with love and gratitude. Despite the challenges, I know we can face anything as long as we're together.

I pull into my brother, Kirk's, driveway and see that Drew is already here. I've decided to tell them about the baby while Rhett is at work.

I take a deep breath before getting out of the car. I'm nervous about telling my brothers about the pregnancy, but I know I need to do it. They're my family and I want them to be part of this journey.

As I walk up to the front door, it swings open before I can knock. Kirk greets me with a big smile and pulls me into a hug.

"Hey, Sis, come on in," he says warmly. "Drew's already here."

I follow Kirk into the living room where Drew is lounging on the couch. He jumps up to give me a hug when he sees me.

"Sofia. It's been too long," Drew says, squeezing me tight.

As we pull apart, Drew looks at me curiously. "You look different. Did you change your hair?"

I laugh nervously. "No, no hair changes. But I do have some news to share with you guys."

Kirk and Drew exchange a glance before turning back to me expectantly. I take a deep breath and place a hand on my slightly rounded belly.

"I'm pregnant," I state, watching their reactions carefully. "Rhett and I are having a baby."

For a moment, there's stunned silence. Then Drew breaks into a huge grin and pulls me into another hug.

"I'm gonna be an uncle, this is awesome!" he exclaims.

Kirk's reaction is more subdued. He runs a hand through his hair, looking concerned. "Wow, that's...big news. Are you sure about this, Sofia? You haven't been with Rhett that long."

I nod, feeling defensive. "I know it's fast, but we love each other. We're excited about this baby."

He sighs. "I just worry about you, Sis. Being a single mom isn't easy?—"

"She won't be a single mom," Drew interrupts. "Rhett's a good guy. He'll stick by her." About a month ago Drew finally got to meet him and they got along really well.

I feel tears welling up in my eyes. "Kirk, please be happy for me. I need your support."

His expression softens and he pulls me into a hug. "Of course I support you, Sofia. I'm sorry. I just want what's best for you. If you're happy, then I'm happy for you."

I relax into his embrace, relieved. "Thank you. That means a lot to me."

As we pull apart, Drew claps his hands together. "All right, enough of the mushy stuff. Let's celebrate! I'm gonna be the cool uncle who spoils this kid rotten."

We all laugh, the tension broken. As my brothers pepper me with questions about the pregnancy, I feel a wave of love and gratitude wash over me. Despite the initial shock, I know my family will be there for me, Rhett, and our baby every step of the way.

"I do have one question," Drew says. "I don't want to be a party pooper, but do you want us to tell Dad?"

I shake my head. "No, no offense, he knew I was in a fire and then the hospital and he couldn't be bothered to come see me, so he really doesn't need to know about the baby."

"I get it, and don't worry we won't say anything," Kirk assures. "How did your mom take the news." My brothers get along with her, but out of loyalty to their mom they keep their distance a little bit from her, which makes things hard.

Maybe the baby will bring us all together.

"How is Rhett doing by the way?" Kirk asks.

It's been a few weeks since the accident. "He's finally back at work. He wants me to move in with him, but my lease isn't up for about six months."

"You could always sublet it," Drew suggests.

I nod. "Yeah, I could probably do that. I don't even know where to begin."

"I'll put some feelers out. Your place is really cute. I'm sure we can find someone who would want to take it over for you."

We hang out a little longer before I take my leave. I know my brothers are both going to make fantastic uncles.