Flirting with the Future

Hannah

Once class was over, I waited in the office for Jordan to finish wiping down the machines and pack his bag to go home.

“Are you ready to head out?” I tried to push myself up from the office chair, and he shot me an amused look before he held his hand out to help me.

“I’m surprised this thing is still here. I thought it would get replaced when you bought the new desk in here.” I smiled.

“It holds some fond memories.” He leaned in to kiss my cheek when I was upright.

“I guess you can never replace the rower at the house then.” I smirked.

“Is someone feeling a little frisky today?” Jordan gave me an indulgent smile. My moods had been all over the place, much like our sex life as of late.

“Maybe... why don’t you take me home and find out,” I teased.

“That sounds like a plan to me.” His voice dropped an octave.

The new girl working the desk waved as he led me out to the Jeep and helped me climb inside.

“I’ve been thinking about trading this in,” he told me as he pulled out of the parking space.

“Why? You ready for a newer model?” I frowned.

“No. I just thought that maybe we needed to get a small SUV or something.” He shrugged.

“I’d rather trade in my car first. You love this thing.”

“I know. But I love him more.” He nodded toward my belly with a bright smile.

“I’m sure the car seat would fit into the backseat.” I tried to glance behind me to the unoccupied back area; it looked big enough for a car seat.

“It’s not that. This model doesn’t have anchor hooks in the back. I don’t think I’d feel comfortable having him in here if the car seat can’t be anchored properly.”

My heart warmed as a bright smile pulled at my lips. Any doubts I had early on about his desire to be a father had been erased. He wanted this baby as much as I did... if not more.

“What? Why are you smiling like that?” he asked as he glanced back and forth between me and the road.

“I wasn’t sure if you even wanted kids when we started dating, and now you’ve become this super dad before he’s even born.”

“You know I don’t like to go into situations unprepared,” he told me, looking a little embarrassed.

“Oh, I’m aware.” I laughed. “But it’s kinda sexy knowing that you’re taking it that seriously. You really want to take care of us.”

His large hand squeezed my knee, and I sighed as I felt the familiar flutters start in my stomach again. It was like the baby could sense when Jordan was touching me.

I’m sure it was just some hormone release that nudged him awake, but it still warmed my heart.

“Is he giving you a hard time today?” he asked as he watched my stomach out of the corner of his eye; it shifted as the baby rolled.

“I honestly don’t know how he has any room left.” I winced.

“At least we know he’s healthy. He just managed to get the Mathis giant baby genes.”

“Well, if his father wasn’t a giant,” I responded sardonically.

“You’ve never complained about my size before… in any way.” He smirked.

“That was before I had to birth your giant offspring.” I smiled back at him.

“You’ll be fine,” he assured.

“I know I’ll be okay, but I’m not so sure about some things.” I cringed.

He laughed at the look on my face. “Han, even if things change a little, I’m still going to love you.”

“I already have stretch marks.” I frowned, thinking of the little white lines that’d appeared on my sides.

“Baby, I’m not worried about a few stretch marks,” he told me affectionately.

“Well, maybe I am.” I averted my eyes as I looked out the window.

Before I got pregnant, I was finally in a place where I was okay with my body. Now I feel like I have to start over.

“Han... I know what you're thinking. You're gorgeous. I was attracted to you when I first met you. While I'll admit I did enjoy it when you firmed up as you made progress, I love you, not your body shape.”

“You have to say that,” I pouted.

“No, I don’t. If I weren’t attracted to who you are as a person and the strength and confidence you gained over the last year, I would never have pursued you.”

“You must think I’m being vain that I’m worried about what I’ll look like when he’s born.” I sighed. I knew I was ridiculous, but they were still real worries.

“That’s not what I think at all; I know it’ll be hard for you. But when you’re ready, we can work on building your strength back up again.” He shook his head.

“Once the doctor clears you, we’ve got a whole gym in our basement, and you’re marrying a trainer. I’m sure we can figure something out.”

“Is six or seven months going to be enough time for me to fit into a dress? We didn’t want to push back the wedding for too long.”

“Han, you’ve got to stop worrying. I don’t care what dress you wear. If you’d agree to it, I’d go get the marriage license tomorrow and marry you next week.”

“Cynthia and Mollie would disown me.”

He pulled into the garage and turned off the engine. “I know you’re hormonal…”

I felt my blood pressure rise a little when he said that.

“Before you jump all over me, please just listen.”

“Okay... I’m listening.” I sighed.

“I know you’re hormonal and you’re exhausted. I can’t even imagine what you’re going through right now. But I do know that you’ve handled being pregnant with an amazing amount of grace.”

My lip quivered as he spoke softly but with conviction in his voice that made me want to listen.

“When he’s here, we’re both going to be exhausted. You’re going to have to share your body with this tiny…”

I scoffed, and he laughed softly.

“Okay, not so tiny baby, and there will be things I can’t help you with. But you don’t need to worry about me being scared away by some stretch marks and a little bit of baby weight.”

Trying to hide my sniffles, I turned toward the window, but he placed his hand on my cheek and turned me to face him.

“I love you, Hannah Daniels. I’m going to love you even more when you give me this incredible gift. And I’ll love you when you’re sleep-deprived and sobbing, telling me you hate me.”

“Why are you so perfect?” My voice shook as the tears started to pool in my eyes.

“I’m far from perfect, Hannah.” He laughed lightly. “But I love you, so I want you to be happy.”

“Even when I’m crazy?” I asked, trying to get my hormones back under my control.

“Especially when you’re crazy,” he sighed and pulled me forward, softly kissing my lips as his thumbs wiped my cheeks. “Now, let’s get you out of those sweaty clothes.”

“I’m liking where this is going,” I grinned.

He shook his head and laughed at me as I bit my bottom lip. How I could go from crying to horny in a few minutes was part of the mystery of pregnancy.

“And we can float in the pool for a while before I make dinner,” he finished.

“You didn’t say anything about swimsuits,” I pointed out.

“Our fence is tall enough. If you don’t want to wear one, I’m not going to make you,” he said, eyeing my covered breasts.

“Maybe I just want to watch you walk around without one on,” I teased.

“Why not... it’s not like you can get more pregnant.” The smirk on his face as he released my seatbelt had me scrambling for the house as fast as I could manage.