Through Thick And Thin

“I’m actually a research biologist not really a medical guy per se. I just happen to have some basic medical skills.” He took a long deep breath. “So, what did the doctor say and why didn’t you call me from the hospital?”

“I didn’t want you to worry,” she shrugged. “And I have been given bed rest. Leo gave me the week off.”

“Didn’t want me to worry?” She was about to press a finger to his lips again but he caught her wrist before she could. “You are my life. And anything, however small that affects you, I want to know about it.”

“You are sweet,” she smiled.

“Well, I wasn’t trying to be sweet,” he said as he looked into her eyes. “I mean it. You can’t keep things like that from me. You have to promise me that you won’t keep anything from me from now on.”

Amelia felt a chill run down her spine. She was keeping something from him. But it was not like she had the flu or something. This was serious. Really, really serious. She had to find the right time to tell him and she was literally in a race against time.

“Amelia,” he started as he looked at her. “Promise me.”

“I promise,” she said forcing out a smile. “And…” she started before he kissed her cutting her short.

“Baby,” he started as he exhaled loudly. She immediately noted that the tone in his voice was serious, tense even. “Speaking of promises, there is something I have to tell you.” She looked into his eyes as he pulled his finger from her lips. “Mila Richardson pulled his funding from the research facility,” he said. She sighed. Mila Richardson was the majority donor at Chad’s company. She knew that her pulling out would mean the research company would be in shambles.

“But she is the key donor of the project,” she said in a low voice and he nodded.

“I know.”

“But how is the company going to run without Richardson’s money?”

“It will, but the board had to let some people go. Forty people to be exact,” he said. She knew almost too well where this was going but she didn’t want to ask. “I was one of the forty.”

“Oh baby,” Amelia said in a soft voice. Suddenly, her news was not so important anymore. All she could do was wonder how she was going to be of help. But at the same time, a voice at the back of her head was screaming that she should just say it. She pulled him close and kissed him softly. “I’m sorry,” she said when she pulled away.

“I’m fine,” Chad said as he forced out a smile. “I will be okay.”

“I know.” She ran her fingers through his hair. “But maybe in the meantime we should save up on costs and you can stay here before you get something else.”

“Baby…I can’t…” he started but she wouldn’t hear of it.

“Chad, we have been together for a really long time and I would like to think we are still going to be together for a long time to come,” she said as she looked right into his eyes. “And I think it would make so much more sense to be in one house, don’t you agree?” she asked and he smiled.

“Yes, but…” he started again before she cut him off.

“It is the next step in our relationship anyway,” she went on.

“It is,” he agreed.

“And we already spend a lot of time together anyway, more here than at yours. You literally pay for your clothes to take up your condo.”

Chad smiled and then nodded.

“Yeah, there is that little fact.”

“Well then, what is the big deal?” she asked and he shook his head.

“It’s actually a great idea. But I always wanted to do it differently. Have always thought that you would move in with me and not the other way round.”

“What’s the big deal?”

“It’s a guy thing. Really hard to explain.”

“Well you said you would always be there for me no matter what,” she started. “So this is me being there for you. Supporting you and helping you save up before we get started with life together.”

He smiled. He understood where she was coming from but he would have done things differently given a choice. But then again, she was right. He did need to cut back on his spending and save up.

“I guess I am okay with it. For now,” he said with a smile.

“Great, because I think it’s about time we began thinking about growing this little thing we have here,” she said looking right into his eyes.

“I don’t think I follow.”

“Just come out with it, Amelia. Stop using so many words and just say it,” she thought. “What I’m trying to say Chad is that…I…” her voice trailed off. “This is so much harder than I thought. What if he hates the idea? Especially now that he is officially unemployed?”

“Baby, you are scaring me now,” Chad said in a soft voice.

“Today at the hospital, they did some tests and apart from the fatigue and anemia,” she started. “They also found out that I am pregnant.”

Chad’s eyes grew big.

“What?”

“I know this is a terrible time and I didn’t plan it or anything…it must have happened that night at the wake and….” Amelia was spiraling. Chad leaned forward and kissed her softly, silencing her. He held her face in his hands and Amelia saw his eyes tearing up. “I’m sorry baby…I shouldn’t have…” he shook his head and kissed her again.

“I have ever been happier than I am at this moment,” he said in a soft voice. He stroked the side of her face and then laughed. “I am going to be a father!”

“You’re…you’re happy?” she asked, confused.

“Happier than I have ever been,” he said excitedly. He placed his hand on her tummy and smiled. “Definitely, the happiest I have ever been,” he said again as he leaned in and pressed his forehead against hers.

This time, it was Amelia’s turn to tear up.

“I thought you would hate the idea and we had not even talked about it and…” she sniffed. “I didn’t know what to think.”

Chad stroked her hair and closed his eyes.

“You don’t have to think about anything. I am here for you and that little one growing in here for life,” he said in a whisper.