A Love for all Ages (Crockett County Trilogy Book 1) (31 page)

Seeing the concern in the Doctor’s eyes she replies, “I don’t
know.
I’ve always been busy, the need to stay active.
I think this
is just due to me having more down time.”
Looking down at her
cast she sees the damage from his point of view.
It looks as if the
ends have been shredded along the top part and the places by her
fingers.
“I just need to get back to work.
I have a big project
coming up and it will keep me busy for a while.”
Smiling as she
looks him in the eyes, “Really I am not normally a nervous person.”
Unable to completely explain she is involved in an investigation, her
brother was murdered and a crazy man threatened to kill her and
Chase.
Pushing these thoughts to the back of her mind she
concentrates on the Doctor.

Not sure he believes her, but with the eye contact Dr. Coup
can tell she does.
He moves to her file and writes on the chart.
Turning back to Stephanie he asks, “You wanted a pregnancy test
done.
Are you scared about the results?”
He had figured her and
the Sheriff would be involved but it wasn’t his place to assume.
“Are you scared if you’re pregnant the father of the baby will be
upset?”

His line of questions finally penetrates her mind, shocked by
the thought Chase would be upset Stephanie retorts, “Dr. Coup, if I
am pregnant Chase will be thrilled.
And to put your mind at ease, I
am not being abuse mentally or physically.” Seeing his eyebrow
raise at her tone she continues in a softer voice, “I admit I was
scared at the thought I may be pregnant, but not because of Chase.
I haven’t been around many babies and I am scared I will be a
terrible Mother.” Taking a deep breath Stephanie releases it as
she continues, “I haven’t even told Chase I think I’m pregnant.
I
wanted to make sure first.
But I know in my heart Chase loves me
and he will be excited about the baby.”

Crossing his arms over his chest Dr. Coup listens to
Stephanie. From his years of experience he can distinguish
between abuse and concern.
Also, he knows Chase personally, he
is unable to believe Chase would abuse anyone. “Well Ms. Tuney
you are in fact pregnant.”
Seeing the sparkle in her eyes he
continues, “You being nervous about becoming a new Mother is
normal.
You just need to relax and stop stressing.”
Chuckling he
adds, “And I can bet with Carrie you will get all the help you need or
want.”
Once again he writes in her file then looks back at
Stephanie. “You will need to make an appointment with an
OBGYN; I will have the nurse give you a list of Doctors.
I will write
you a prescription for prenatal vitamins you can go ahead and start
taking them.
Now how many days are you late on your cycle?”

Blushing Stephanie peers at the doctor as she informs him,
“Actually I know exactly the date I became pregnant.
I know this
sounds crazy, but I swear to you, I am not late.
I’m not due for my
cycle for another week.”
Sensing he is about to argue Stephanie
continues, “Today I am exactly ten days pregnant.” Laughing at his
expression she places her right hand over her stomach.
Knowing
for a fact she has a life growing inside her has her feeling giddy.

Scratching his head he checks her results again.
“Well if
you’re sure of the date then you know about when you’re due.”
Seeing her nod he resumes, “You are a healthy young lady; I don’t
think you have anything to worry about, however call and make an
appointment with a doctor to begin your prenatal care.”
Flipping
her file shut he informs her, “I will send in the nurse to remove your
cast and have you set for a regular brace.”
Dr. Coup finished
speaking walks out the door shutting it quietly behind him.

Waiting for the nurse Stephanie decides to call Chase to tell
him she needs a ride home.
The thought of revealing to Chase he
will be a Father has her feeling light-headed with excitement.
The
nervousness from earlier gone, as she looks down at her flat
stomach she tries to picture it round and full with a baby.
Reaching for her purse Stephanie pulls out her cell phone and scrolls
through her contacts, finding Chase she pushes the button to call
him.
As she waits for him to answer she wonders if she is typical
with the up and downs, having been a nervous wreck this morning
and now the acceptance of her pregnancy; experiencing at present
only excitement for their future as a family.

Hearing his voice say hello Stephanie informs Chase his
Mother is needed at the Diner and was hoping he would be able to
come get her as she still has about half an hour at the doctor office
due to her cast is being removed.
His agreement is instant then he
states he would leave immediately.
Once the call ends, Stephanie
giggles as she tries to figure out the best way to tell him.

When the nurse opens the door she sees Stephanie grinning
at her.
Smiling in responds she asks Stephanie to follow her.
Stephanie grabs her purse on her way to the door.
Walking behind
the nurse she remembers Carrie has to be gone before Chase shows
up.
Once in the room to remove the cast Stephanie asks the
nurse, “I hate to ask but can you do me a favor?”

The nurse responds, “What do you need?”
Expecting a
request to go to the rest room, she waits by the door.
Feeling silly for wanting the nurse to tell Carrie to leave, she
blurts out.
“Can you tell Carrie Peterson she needs to leave?
She
is sitting in the waiting room, but I called Chase, he’s my boyfriend,
and he is coming to get me.”
Seeing the confusion on the nurse’s
face Stephanie smiles nervously as she realizes she is rambling.
Shrugging her shoulders the nurse leaves the room.
After a
few minutes Stephanie hears the nurse coming back.
Closing the
door behind her the nurse says, “Your friend was very excited to be
told to leave.” Moving to the table she gets out the supplies and
tools needed to remove the cast.
Stephanie grins but remains quiet as she sits down on the
chair to wait for the nurse to start the process.
Knowing Carrie is
excited to tell CJ, Stephanie says a silent prayer Carrie drives safely.

Pacing in front of the Doctor’s office Stephanie still hasn’t
figured out the best way to tell Chase.
Wanting to tell him in
private she only knows she needs to do it on the way home, but not
in the car.
Watching as Chase pulls into the parking area Stephanie
waits until he puts the car in park and opens his door, she then
begins walking to his car.
As Chase moves around the car he opens
Stephanie’s door and helps her inside.
Neither of them notices Dr.
Coup standing at this office window observing them.

Once they are on the road Chase asks, “I like the new brace,
how does your wrist feel?”
He had noticed the bright pink wrist
brace but sensing she was preoccupied he had waited to ask.

Looking down at her left hand Stephanie replies, “Dr. Coup
said three more weeks and it will be healed.
No more brace.”
Looking out the windshield Stephanie notices a park up ahead.
Twisting to face Chase she asks, “Are you in a hurry to get home?”
When Chase shakes his head no, Stephanie inquires, “If not, can we
stop at the park?”

Chase detects Stephanie is nervous about something so in
turn he becomes nervous, “Are you alright?”
Thinking back to the
last visit to the Doctor she had gotten the call from Andy about her
brother.
Not sure what to expect Chase tells her, “I have all the
time in the world for you.
We can stop at the park if you want.”

Leaning back in her seat trying to relax she feels Chase’s
concern, “I am fine.
I just want us to take a walk and talk.”
Turning her head she observes Chase noticing he is wearing jeans
and his cowboy boots, the soft brown leather ones.
The white
dress shirt emphasis his muscular torso, his broad shoulders tensed
when she said they needed to talk.
Wanting to ease his tension
just not sure how Stephanie places her hand on his leg, Chase
removes his right hand from the steering wheel placing it on top of
her hand; even with the brace she feels his tender touch.

Slowing the car he turns at the park entrance Chase notices
several families with small children playing.
Not sure what to
expect from Stephanie’s request to talk, he drives to a secluded spot
to park.
Lifting her hand from his leg Chase brings it to his lips and
kisses the area of her palm not covered by the brace.
As he looks
into Stephanie’s eyes Chase sees tears start to form.

Giving him a weak smile she pulls her hand free then turns to
open her door.
Stephanie turns back towards Chase when he asks,
“Stephanie, what is wrong?
I can’t help if you don’t tell me what
the problem is.”

Closing her eyes briefly she realizes she handled this wrong.
Instead of a calm walk Chase is now anxious from the waiting.
Leaning close to him Stephanie whispers, “Nothing is wrong; I just
want to take a walk.”
Moving the few inches separating them she
places her lips on his then pulling back she tells him, “Come on, and
relax. I promise I am fine.”

Still having an uneasy feeling, Chase smiles as he opens his
door, exiting the car he moves to open her door.
Extending his
hand he watches as she places her hand in his as he assists her out
of the car.
Chase closes the door and still holding her hand they
begin walking towards a deserted section of the park.
Still not sure
what to expect he figured privacy is the best choice.

Stephanie stares at the ground as she walks not wanting to
trip and ruin this moment, wishing she had worn her tennis shoes
she begins rehearsing her speech.
After several minutes she gives
up trying to figure this out, deciding to just tell him.
Knowing in
her heart Chase will be happy she stops walking.
When he turns to
look at her she sees worry in his eyes.
Smiling brightly she begins,
“I want to tell you something, but I want your promise to not
interrupt me until I am done.
What I am going to tell you is
exciting.” Laughing shakily she adds, “Ok I admit it, it is also a little
scary.”
Seeing his confusion she demands, “Promise me.”

Totally confused about what is going on but sensing her
anxiety he states, “I promise Honey, but I need you to tell me.
You’re scaring me.”
As he searches her face he sees a calmness
enter her eyes.

Stephanie takes a deep breath releasing it she begins, “The
night of the cook out, your Mother said something to me that made
me go to the doctor today.
Yes, I know I was due a checkup from
my injuries but this was more important.”
Noting his
bewilderment Stephanie grins as she continues, “Be patient this is
important.
Think back to the last time we made love.”
When his
eyes turn smoldering; Stephanie giggles, “Now I know you
remember the excitement and the heat of our passion.”
Becoming
serious she whispers, “But that night was also a new beginning.
It
initiated a creation for our future.”
Standing in front of him she
watches as his eyes focus intently on her face.
Realizing she needs
to further explain, she whispers, “Chase, that night we made a baby.
I’m pregnant.”

Chase heard her, he knows he heard her.
As he stands
gazing into her eyes; the pleasure of her news overwhelms him.
Releasing Stephanie’s hand Chase grabs her around the waist and
lifts her up, holding her against him Chase twirls in circles laughing.
Stopping he allows Stephanie to slide down so her feet touch the
ground, Chase stoops forward kissing her lips, her eyes, her cheeks
and the tips of her nose.
Stepping back he glances down at her flat
stomach then back up to her eyes.
Laughing she tells him, “It is
too soon for me to be showing, I’m only ten days.”

Grabbing her shoulders he pulls her close wrapping his arms
around her.
Holding her tightly he tells her, “I love you.”
Not
wanting to release her but realizing they need to get home he gives
her one more bear hug.
Taking a step back Stephanie tells Chase
she loves him too.
Smiling he grasps her hand as they turn toward
the car; slowly strolling side by side she confides, “Chase, your
Mother knows I’m pregnant.
I had wanted to tell you first and we
had come up with a silly plan so you would come pick me up.
But
anyway, your Mother knows and I am guessing so does your Dad.”
Slowing her steps she begins again, “I am sorry for not telling you
when your Mother first said I was pregnant.”

Stopping Chase faces her, “What do you mean when my
Mother said you were pregnant?”
Thinking back to the cook out,
Stephanie blushing and her nervous laugh, his parents planning to
remodel their home, shaking his head he laughs out loud.
The fact
his Mother knew before him is not a problem.
“Oh Honey, my
Mother always know things before anyone else.
It’s who she is,
and we all love her.”
Resuming their walk back to the car he tells
her, “Don’t worry about this, I am the happiest man alive right now.
I am in love with a wonderful woman, you are in love with me and
we are having a baby.”

The rest of the drive is spent in silence each deep in their
own thoughts; both are focusing on how to solve the investigation
so they begin planning their future.

After taking a hot bath Stephanie had got into bed and
snuggled close to Chase she had gone right to sleep.
Exhausted
from today’s events she was worn out.
As he lays beside her
Chase allows his mind to replay the last five hours.
When they had
arrived home, he had been so excited he called both Andy and
Archie to the kitchen, he then made their announcement.
Both
men had been delighted upon hearing the news and congratulations
were offered sincerely.
Stephanie blushed when she told them
how far along she was and she had taken their teasing well.

Deciding this was a day to celebrate he had called his parents
inviting them over for steaks. He even permitted his Mother to
pretend she didn’t already know the cause of the celebration.
It
was only after they arrived did he divulge to Carrie he knew she had
known first.