Something Worth Fighting For (33 page)

“I think I dated him.” Darcy said beside me as I burst out laughing.

“I feel like we should go on a date first or something. Damn, I need to buy him dinner.” I mumbled to her, causing her to look at the floor to hide her laughter.

“Alright, one, two, three.” I cringed as the wand slid into me and the little screen came to life. “Let’s take a look here.” The doctor moved the wand around slightly. “Hmm.. Well then...” The nurse smiled at me as I stared at the screen. “Well Mrs. Ryker, do you see what I’m pointing at?”

“Yeah?” I tilted my head to the side trying to figure it out.

“Those are your twins.”

“Excuse me?” I coughed, slapping my chest.

“Holy shit!” Darcy gasped beside me.

“I’d say your twins are about eight weeks along, your OB will be able to tell you with more certainty.”

“Twins...” I stared at the screen in wonder. The two bean shapes on the screen were there inside of me, our babies, our twins.

“Would you like a print out? We’ll send the pictures we have over to whatever doctor you choose. I would make an appointment as soon as you can.”

“Yes, please.” I nodded, staring at the screen still. I couldn’t grasp the fact that not only were we having one baby but twins.

“You okay, Ellie?” Darcy squeezed my shoulder.

“Twins.”

“Yeah, yours and Atlas’ twins.”

“Twins.”

“I think you’re in shock.” She giggled. “You absolutely have to tell him now.” I nodded without saying another word as the nurse cleaned me up and the doctor left the room, leaving me with little black and white photos of our two babies.

“Once this second bag of fluids is done you will be able to leave. We’re going to write you a couple of prescriptions and you can get them filled and that should help. Would you like any water or juice or anything?”

“Orange juice would be great.” I said, shaking my head, trying to snap myself out of the shock.

“Sure thing, I’ll be right back. You can get dressed again.” Tabitha stepped out leaving Darcy and I alone.

“We’re having twins.” I sat up, dressing myself.

“Very spoiled twins.” Darcy grinned.

“I’m... two babies.”

“Yes, two.”

“Wow.”

I was in a state of disbelief. The nurse made me finish three things of orange juice and the second bag of fluids before we were allowed to leave. By the time I was done I had to pee like it was going out of style. Darcy stopped at the pharmacy getting my medicine for me as I waited in the car, clutching the pictures of our babies.

Ellie:
We need to talk asap.

Atlas:
Let me know when you get home.

Ellie:
About 30 mins.

Atlas:
I’ll see you in 45 then.

Darcy and I left the pharmacy and headed back to the apartment. “I’m going to tell him when we get home. I’m going to show him the picture and everything. Better have Adam on standby in case he passes out or something.”

“I’ll text him and let him know.” She smiled as she pulled into the parking lot, pulling her Audi next to my Mustang. “How are you feeling?”

“Exhausted, shocked, worried, starving.” I laughed as we slowly walked up the stairs. “Here goes nothing.” I sat down at the computer signing into Skype. Atlas’ call came up first thing. I hit accept as his face came onto the screen.

“Hey Ginger.” He grinned as I put my hand on the screen to match up with his.

“Hey Cowboy.”

“What did the doctor say?” He leaned back staring into the camera at me.

“I have something called HG or hyperemesis gravidarum, I probably pronounced that wrong.”

“And what does that mean exactly? Is it treatable or... You’re freaking me out here, baby.”

“Well see that’s just it.”

“What’s just it? I’m lost here, Ellie.”

“Baby, actually, babies. That’s... what causes it.”

“What?” Atlas’ eyebrows came together, as he tried to put the pieces together. I held up two of the ultrasound pictures. “Is that...? Are you...?”

“I’m pregnant, Atlas.” I laughed as his mouth fell open.

“Are you serious, Ellie?” His face split into the biggest smile I had seen since our wedding day.

“About eight weeks.”

“I’m going to be a daddy?” He raised both arms in the air. “I’m going to be a daddy!” He jumped out of the chair as Adam sat down in it.

“Congrats. He’s running around the room right now.”

“Thanks.” I laughed as Atlas pulled Adam out of the chair.

“Twins. Two babies, you and me, we’re having twins?”

“Yes, sir.” I nodded, laughing.

“Oh my God... I’m so excited. Wow, I can’t wait to see you all big and pregnant and sexy. Wow.”

“Sexy? Seriously?”

“Hell yes!” He had both hands on his head as the smile never left his face. “Wow Ellie, twins. God, I love you. I love you so much, baby.”

“I love you, Atlas.” I laughed wiping my eyes.

“You have made me the happiest man in the entire world. I’m so ready to be home with you and our babies and rub your belly and... Oh man, I can’t wait.”

“Well we have to tell our families now.”

“Ma is going to be so excited. I’m so excited. I can’t believe this. This is incredible.”

“Do you want me to scan the ultrasound pictures and send them to you?”

“Yes, please.” The smile still had not left his face as he looked at me on the screen. “You have truly completed my life, Ellie. Thank you, for being my wife, my best friend, the love of my life, and now the mother of my children.”

“Thank you for choosing me.” I choked out.

“Don’t cry, baby.”

“Happy tears, just happy tears today.”

“I know. I have to go but I love you, all three of you, always.”

“Be careful, please.”

“I will.”

“We love you, daddy, always.” I blew him a kiss that he pretended to catch.

“I love you guys too, always.”

The screen went black as I leaned back into the seat, letting the tears fall. I was happy, sad, and relieved all at once.

Now I just had to tell my father.

To:
Ellie Ryker

From:
Atlas Ryker             

July 24, 2014

Hey little mama, how are you feeling? I’m still wrapping my head around the fact we’re going to be parents. I know we talked about it a lot but now it’s happening. I’m just shocked, excited, scared shitless. I know you are too. I can’t wait to be back so I can experience all of it with you. Go get you ice cream at three in the morning or whatever you want. Anything you want, always.

Things are okay here. I’m trying my best to be alert, watch my six, Uncle Adam has been closer than ever. Him and Darcy are really getting close. He talks about her a lot. Just think our best friends might be married one day. Well another set. Have you talked to Katie lately? I emailed Jacks but he hasn’t said anything so I don’t know.

Have you told your dad yet? I know you are nervous about it, I’m worried about telling my Ma too. Are you even going to tell Celeste? I know you two are working on your relationship still. Wow, I’m full of questions today. I guess I just want to know what’s going on your life while I’m over here. I miss being there for everything.

Two more months or less and I’m home to you guys. I can’t wait. I can’t wait to see you with a big belly. Damn I’m just stoked. I want this more than life. Me, you, the babies, all of it. You’re my angel, Ellie. I love you, always.

-Atlas

To:
Atlas Ryker

From:
Ellie Ryker

July 25, 2014

Hey Daddy! We’re feeling better now that the medicine has kicked in and I’m able to keep things down regularly. I still have some serious nausea in the morning but we’re surviving. Ice cream sounds pretty good, actually... I might have to look into that later. We can’t wait to have you home. I might actually fit into your clothes at some point during this pregnancy.

Darcy talks about Adam all the time. She’s loving having someone new to talk about. He’s so much better than Dean ever was to her. I’m really happy for them. I called Katie yesterday but she didn’t answer. She must have been busy with Reid or something. I’m going to try and call her again later today. Hopefully you hear from Jacks or I’ll be forced to yell at him. Darcy is really excited about being Aunt D, she keeps talking about spoiling them already. I swear my belly is already looking rounder. Maybe wishful thinking? I’ll have to start taking pictures so you can see!

I haven’t told my dad yet but I’m going over there later this week to see him so I’ll tell him then. Maybe next week. I have a doctors appointment next week so then I would have more pictures to show him? I don’t know. I guess just whenever it comes out it comes out. I’m scared of what he’s going to think. I think he’s still getting used to the idea that I’m married and not living with him anymore. Especially since he was so set on me being a spinster with a couple of dozen cats.

When do you want to tell Ma? I am not sure the next time I will see her, probably when you get home. I’m sure she’ll want to be here for that. I’m so ready for that. I honestly hadn’t even thought about telling Celeste. I’ve talked to her a few times but I don’t think we’ll ever be super close. I guess maybe I should since she’s going to be a grandmother and all but I don’t know. I’ll think about it. Have you told Felix or Ares? I haven’t told my brothers. I’ll probably tell Keller soon though.

When do you leave? I know you said something about going out soon, I wasn’t sure if you had a move out date yet or not. No big deal, just let me know. Well it is a big deal but you get what I mean. I think I’m going to go find that ice cream now. Ben & Jerry’s and I have a date. Thanks for putting that in my head. Now I actually have to put on clothes and go out into the world. Sheesh.

Be careful, please. We love you, always.

              ~Ellie + Two

To:
Ellie Ryker

From:
Atlas Ryker

July 28, 2014

Hey there Mommy. I’m loving the Ellie + Two signature. I’m glad you’re feeling better and feeding my babies ice cream. Have you wanted anything crazy yet? Send me a belly picture with your next email. Even if you can’t see anything I still want to see. You’ll be happy to know that Jacks finally emailed me. He’s been out of town working so no big deal I guess. He said Reid and Katie are doing great although I’m sure you’ve already talked to her by now.

What day is your appointment? I can’t wait to see more pictures of the little people. We’re leaving next Wednesday as far as I know so hopefully I’ll be able to see them before then. I know I’ll call you before then. I should be out for a week or two at the most or at least that’s the talk going on. I really hate to tell Ma via email so maybe I’ll call her or do it on Skype or just wait until we’re actually back. I emailed Ares the day you told me so he’s doing a good job of keeping his trap shut for once. I haven’t told my dad yet but I’ll email him once I’m done with yours and let him know. Did you think about telling Celeste?

Eat some ice cream for me too. I’ll be home to get it for you myself before you know it. I’ll call soon. I love you, always.

             
-Atlas

❋❋❋

“Hey Kelly it’s your sister, call me when you get a chance. I need to talk to you. Love ya’.” I hung up, staring at Atlas’ latest email. I wasn’t sure what to reply yet so I was buying my time calling my brothers. I hit Tobias’ name next on my mission of telling my family.

“Hey Ellie.” Toby’s voice picked up on the third ring. “What’s going on?”

“Oh you know, the normal. Waiting out deployment, trying to figure out how to tell dad I’m pregnant with twins.” I heard him spit whatever he was drinking out.

“You’re what?!”

“You’re going to be an Uncle Toby.” I laughed, spinning around in the chair.

“Ellie Belle that’s amazing! I’m so happy for you. I can’t wait to meet them. Have you told Keller? He’s going to freak.”

“I tried calling him but he didn’t answer. I think they’re out in the field but I’m not sure.”

“I’ll try and call him later. How’s Atlas?”

“Over the moon. Ready to be out of the sandbox. How’s Jacob?”

“Wonderful,” he sighed dreamily.

“Well you better let me meet him soon. Before I’m all big and deformed looking.”

“You’re ridiculous.” Toby laughed.

“I have another call, I think it’s Keller. I’ll text you later. Love you.”

“Love you too, Ellie.” I clicked over answering the other call.

“Hello?”

“You rang?” Keller’s voice was amused.

“Yes, I’m selling subscriptions to the LA Times, I was wondering if you might be interested.”

“What all comes with it?”

“Sports, news, coupons, book reviews, gossip, and an announcement that your sister is pregnant.”

“Excuse me, what was that last part again?”

“You mean the gossip or that your sister is pregnant?”

“Yeah that part. Um... holy shit.”

“I kind of had the same reaction. Explains why I’ve been so sick though, right?”

“How far along are you?”

“About nine weeks, give or take a few days.”

“Wow, a baby, I’m going to be an Uncle.”

“Well that’s the thing, it’s actually babies.”

“Babies? As in more than one?” Keller coughed.

“As in two babies.”

“Did Atlas have a stroke?”

“No but I did.” I snorted crawling into bed with the laptop.

“Have you told dad and Toby?”

“Toby knows and I’m still trying to figure out how to tell dad.”

“Good luck with that.”

“No shit we figured you’d knock some base bunny up first.”

“I don’t screw base bunnies or barrack rats, It’s diseased.”

“Gross.”

“Just the truth. Anyway, I have to run but send me pictures, email me, text me, keep me updated. I love you and take care of yourself.”

“Yeah, I love you too. Be careful, please.” I sat the phone on the bed as I pulled up a fresh email and started writing to my husband.

❋❋❋

To:
Atlas Ryker

From:
Ellie Ryker

July 30, 2014

Hey there handsome. Well I have officially told both of my brothers and neither have threatened to kill you. They were however shocked and excited. My appointment is Monday morning so I’ll email you as soon as I get home from it and that way you can have some pictures before you leave. Hopefully I’ll have more exciting stuff to tell you then but I really don’t have much now. Since I quit my job I really don’t have a lot going on. I’ve been looking for a new one but I don’t think anyone is going to want to hire a girl that’s pregnant with twins. Have you thought about what they will be? Like a boy and a girl or two boys, identical? Wow, that’s a lot to think about.

Darcy is forcing me out of the house today for food and shopping. Don’t worry I won’t over do it. But you better make Adam send her a warning just in case. I’m feeling particularly whiny today so I won’t make this too much longer. I don’t want to be Debbie Downer. I hope to hear from you soon. Be careful, please. I love you, always.

              ~Ellie

❋❋❋

My version of taking it easy and Darcy’s was drastically different. Instead of hitting every shop she saw it was only every other it seemed. Adam was never going to be able to keep up with her. She talked me into a couple of tank tops and a pair of maternity jeans but other then that I kept my pocket book tightly sealed. Babies were going to be expensive after all.

I fell into bed when we got back home at four. My eyelids were way too heavy and all I wanted to do was sleep until tomorrow. As soon as I started to drift off my phone started buzzing beside me. Growling I felt around for where I had tossed it. “Hello?” I answered softly, eyes still closed.

“Hey beautiful.” Atlas’ voice made me smile despite my sour mood.

“Hey there handsome, how are you?”

“Were you sleeping?”

“Not yet. We just got back from Darcy’s version of taking it easy. Holy hell.” Atlas laughed as I rubbed my face trying to wake up.

“I should have known. Adam told her to go easy on you but apparently she doesn’t know the meaning of the word. I’m going to have to have a talk with her about that. Did you get anything good? I’m doing okay. We’ve been getting our shit together to move out but other then that I’ve had a little down time. Been listening to you sing which is a nice change. It’s not Hawaii but it’s good enough for now.”

“I got a couple of shirts and a pair of maternity pants. Hmm, I don’t think much could top Hawaii.” I giggled thinking about sneaking down to the beach naked the third night we were there.

“You’re thinking about me naked.” Atlas accused.

“When am I not?”

“Mmm, same here.”

“You think about yourself naked too?” Atlas snorted, I imagined him rolling his eyes as he shook his head.

“Well hell yeah, you’ve seen me, why wouldn’t I?”

“Narcissistic bastard.”

“You know it, baby.” Atlas chuckled. “Actually I was thinking about you naked.”

“I’d like to think about her naked too.” I heard a male voice call from the background.

“I’ll rip your heart out if you talk about my wife, Phillips.” Atlas yelled away from the phone as I laughed.

“Ah, I see I’m the pin up girl of the tent. My father would love that.”

“He wishes.”

“My father? I highly doubt that.”

“You’re such a smartass.”

“It’s one of my better qualities.”

“What on Earth am I going to do with you?”

“Keep me, I hope.” I said, smiling.

“Count on it. I miss you, you crazy feisty woman.”

“I miss you too, baby. I wish you were here with us.” I laid my hand on my stomach, rubbing the tiny roundness.

“I wish I was too. I will be soon, I promise.” He sighed. “I have to go but I’ll call you Monday or Tuesday, one day before we head out.”

“I’ll be waiting.” I bit my bottom lip, holding in the tears.

“I know you will.”

“Be careful, please. We love you.”

“I love you guys too, always.”

I held the phone to my ear as the other end went silent. I wasn’t ready to let go yet. I didn’t want him to be gone already. Some days the phone calls made it better and some days it just made me miss him that much more. I turned over in the bed, still clutching my phone in my hand and cried myself to sleep in his pillow.