One Lucky Lady (17 page)

Chapter Thirteen

(Six Months Later)

Alex looked over at her new husband. They had only been married for two months, but it seemed like they had been together for a lifetime. Her hair had grown out some and was back to her normal dark blonde color thanks to a very talented hairdresser Christine knew.

Mac’s family loved her and she loved them. Pedro and Christine lived just a few blocks over and Lucy and Alex spent a lot of time together.

It was time for them to head home from Mac’s mother’s house in Bay Minette, less than an hour from Mobile. They spent the weekend playing with Mary’s and Mattie’s children. Enjoying stories from their childhood and eating wonderful home cooked meals. Alex really didn’t want to leave.

She was hugging Sue, who had walked them out, while Mac was starting the car.
“When are you going to tell him?” Sue asked.

“Tell him what?” Alex genuinely surprised by the question, had no idea what Sue was talking about.

“Alex, honey, you’re pregnant.” If Sue had not still been holding her, Alex was sure she would have fallen to the ground.

“Sue, I… I’m not…” Sue pulled Alex back to look at her face.

“Honey, I’m a mama. I know these things. When was your last period?”

“I, uh… I’ve been really busy, but I guess it was right after we got married. Oh.” Alex felt a little light headed. Sue looked over Alex’s shoulder to make sure Mac wasn’t listening, but he was busy talking to Mattie through his open window.

“Why aren’t you wearing your wedding ring, sweetheart and why have you been so tired?” Sue didn’t sound mad at her.

“It was getting too tight…” Alex raised her left hand to look at it over her Mother-in-Law’s shoulder. “Ohmigod. I can’t believe I didn’t know. I wasn’t even paying attention. What do I do now?” Alex knew it was a stupid question. She was a nurse. She knew what she would tell someone else to do. But right now, she felt like she was probably going into shock.

Alex heard Mac behind her saying, “Alex, honey, we need to go so we can make it home before dark.”

Sue answered for her, breaking their hug and shoving a little paper bag into Alex’s hand. “She’s coming. Love you. Y’all be careful going home.” Sue walked her to the car and put her inside.

Alex hadn’t talked to Mac since they left his mother’s about thirty minutes ago. He didn’t seem to mind, but curiosity got the best of him when he saw the little bag in Alex’s hand.

“Honey, what is that?” Mac was nodding to the little brown paper bag.

Alex had forgotten about the bag until now. Her mind was trying to remember exactly when her last period was. “I don’t know. Your mom gave it to me as we were leaving.” Alex opened the bag and looked inside.

Mac could see her hands shaking. He was pretty sure his mama wouldn’t have given Alex a bag with a snake in it, but Alex was looking into the bag like that was what it contained. Mac pulled the car over and took the bag from Alex’s hand to look inside. His hands started shaking too as he pulled out the thin box containing a pregnancy test.

“Alex? Honey, is it possible that…?” His voice was a whisper, and he almost sounded strangled. He put the car in drive and had them home in ten minutes, carrying her through the door, pregnancy test in hand.

“Alex, are you okay?” Mac sounded concerned and she realized she hadn’t said anything since she looked in the bag.

“We never talked about this. We should have
talked
about this.
Why
haven’t we talked about this? Do you want kids?” Her voice had raised at least one octave with each question to end in a squeak. Alex looked like she was ready to cry. Mac was still holding her and headed to the couch. He laid her down and covered her with his body and kissed her hard.

“I didn’t. Not until you. Alex, I want kids, as many as you want. With green eyes like their mama. Honey, I love you so much.” Mac was talking against her mouth, kissing her between every sentence. “Please don’t cry, baby. Are you upset that you might be pregnant?”

She started shaking her head. “No. I’ve always wanted kids. More than one. I just…” Alex swallowed and sniffed. “I just want you to be happy.” She was smiling at him, tears running down her cheeks.

“Is it possible that you are?” Mac sounded so hopeful.

Alex nodded and he helped her to her feet and handed her the box his mother had given her.

Mac realized he had been holding his breath when she walked back into the room three minutes later, crying and smiling at the same time. She just nodded her head and walked into his arms.

He had the love of his life and now he was going to be a daddy. He knew he was an incredibly lucky man. Mac scooped Alex up and carried her to the bedroom. And she wasn’t leaving that bed she knew
exactly
how happy he was. How happy
she
made him.

Alex had the love of her life and a baby one on the way. She was part of a big happy, crazy family. Something she never thought was in the cards for her. She smiled at Mac knowing she was one lucky lady.