Unexpected Changes (19 page)

Tabitha

I’M NOT
SURE IF IT
was being home in my own bed, or curled into Carter’s side the whole night, that caused me to sleep through my alarm. Dashing around my room to get ready, he gets a glimpse into my madness. The ‘clothes are being thrown around, hopping on one foot’ Tabitha.

I’ve got my appointment this morning and I can’t be late. I bounce into the kitchen, stopping to look around. When I notice Carter is out of my sight, I look in the cupboard for my thermos. Remembering that I moved it, I need to sneak out and retrieve it from its hiding spot.

Coast is clear, sperm located and stuffed into my messenger bag. I don’t stop to kiss Carter bye, as I need to escape and quickly. As I shut the door, I scream out “Bye. Love you,” and I’m off and down the path before he can stop me. I haven’t told Carter I have an appointment this morning, as I’m not sure what the outcome will be.

We haven’t discussed it and I don’t plan to either. Never in my life have I had to worry about something this important. The whole way to the office, I chastise myself for being so reckless. Life has always been planned out, well the important things have been, because I sure as hell didn’t expect to fall in love with Carter Northwood.

Circling around the garage, I finally find a spot to park. Not able to bring myself to get out just yet, I look over and notice the thermos sticking out of my bag.

It causes me to question why I thought it was a magnificent idea. I was pissed with Cory for ruining my plan, but now I’m happy I chose this path.

As I make my way to the front of the office, I wonder, am I ready for this? Do I want to know the results? This could possibly change it all, once again.

I try to calm myself before I walk in, and send up a silent prayer to all the glitter Gods. A week ago, this was different. Now I need it to be routine. I’ve got to follow the new plan; work, love, proposal, marriage, and then baby. That is, if I go the natural way. The way I was headed with my frozen sperm was different. Order, pace around like a mad person, defrost, insert and wait. Easy as pie.

Shaking it all off, I sign in and wait to be called. As I sit here in the lobby, I take a chance to look around. They all seem excited to be here, unlike me. One’s rubbing her swollen stomach as she leans into her partner. It’s cute and it causes my heart to swell.
Will Carter be that way? Is he going to talk to our child before it’s born?
I ask myself.

“Tabitha, you can come on back,” the nurse says as she pokes her head out of the door.

“Morning,” I say, following her to an empty room.

“So what brings you today? We just saw you a few weeks ago.”

“Oh … umm … I might be pregnant and, I need to return that,” I say as I point over to my bag and it earns me a questing glare from the nurse.

“Go ahead out to the restroom and give us a urine sample. I’ll get the test done and send Dr. Tucker in soon,” she explains and walks out of the room.

I make my way down the corridor and do what I was instructed. As I get back into the exam room, I slide the thermos out of my bag. Perched on the waiting table, I cradle the stupid sperm as if it’s an infant.

Lost in my own world, swinging my feet back and forth, I jump when Dr. Tucker opens the door.

“Good morning, Tabitha. What brings you back so soon?” he asks as he pushes his rolling chair in front of me and takes a seat.

“First, I need to return this,” I say, handing him baby 03172000.

Dr. Tucker takes it from my hands and turns it around a few times as he inspects the metal thermos. Looking up at me he asks, “Is this what I think it is?”

“Yes and I no longer need its services, so can I have a refund or send it back?”

He reaches out and lays a soft touch to the top of my knee as he looks at the thermos and back to me. “I thought this is what you wanted? We went through everything before you ordered.”

Taking a deep breath, I release it and explain, “I did, but now things are different, doc. I have real spunk and the frozen stuff is not going to replace it. My baby is made out of love and, well, extremely horny love.”

Dr. Tucker looks down at his chart and then over to the counter top. Placing my once child down on it, he starts to explain. “Dear, you are not pregnant, test came back negative. I thought when they told me you were here, that you went ahead with the plan. Now, I see things have changed.”

“So you mean I’m not knocked up?”

“That’s correct. I’d like to go ahead and run some blood work, just to verify. You could be too early for our tests to detect. I’ll remind you again, the shot takes a while to come out of your system. Plus, you’ve been on it for years.”

“Can I have another shot … today?”

“No, we need to get the blood work back first. After that comes back, the nurse will call you. If the coast is clear, just come in and Natalie will administer it for you. Now, until then, use protection.”

“Oh no … bases are shut down, on strike. Not even with protection will he get near all this.” I explain, earning me a laugh from Dr. Tucker.

“Oh Tabitha, you always make me smile. Now, you need anything else?”

“Yes, what about that?” I ask pointing over to what was going to be my baby.

“We can dispose of it for you, but that’s it. They frown upon returned specimens, dear.”

“Should’ve figured. Well, at least it’s out of my house. Thanks.”

“Good day, dear,” he says as he leaves me alone in the room. A part of me is happy but then the other half actually feels depressed. I was sure Carter and I had conceived a child already. Now, I have to wait for the result of my blood work. Once that confirms the coast is clear, I might be able to rest. Until then, I’ll internally stressed.

Blood drawn and checked out, I head out towards my car. Just as I’m getting inside, I hear my phone chirping from within my purse.

Fumbling around, I manage to not only locate my phone, but drop my keys.

Answering after a slew of profanities, I say, “Hello.”

“That good of a day, huh?”

“Hello, Cory. What can I do for you,” I ask, on my knees looking under my car for my keys.

“What are you doing? You sound frustrated and out of breath. Did I catch you at a bad time?” he asks in his funny Cory voice.

“No … I’m getting my keys from under the car.” I stretch my arms out and shout in victory, “Got them.”

As I stand, I can hear Cory on the other end of the phone, laughing at me. “Not funny dude … So tell me, what’s up?” I say as I unlock my car and slide in.

“I have a question. Are you and Carter going to be at the folks’ tomorrow?”

“We are, and you’re still coming right?”

“Yeah, just wanted to see if Meredith can tag along. You know she’s been gone and I thought it might be cool if she could join me,” he says as if he’s not sure of my response.

“I think that’s an excellent plan. Look, I need to hang up and get out of this parking lot. Traffic is already going to be shit and I have to go pick up Angela and them.”

“Where are you?”

“Doctor’s office.”

“You okay?”

“I’m just fabulous because I’m not having a baby, and did you know you can’t return a thermos full of sperm?”

“Okay and I wouldn’t think you could. With this conversation, I’m letting you go and will see you tomorrow.”

“Later,” I say as I click the phone off and toss it into the front seat of my car.

I take a look at the time; I’m going to be late, but it shouldn’t be a surprise. After I retrieve the Black family, I’ve been instructed to take them to the hotel. Angela texted this morning and informed me that Graham is cutting teeth or something and has turned into the devil himself.

Thankful they are staying elsewhere for that reason, I’m disappointed in the fact that I will not get to spoil Graham this evening. There is always tomorrow for that. Family, friends, food, and laughter. I need that, just about as much as I need to introduce Carter to them all. I haven’t brought anyone home since Richard, and I know my mother will be delighted.

Maybe, she’s been informed of the differences in our relationship, but not everything. Some things are best left unsaid, especially with Mom.

Carter

Tabitha ran out of here this morning like her life depended on it. She was an absolute walking wreck. Clothes are everywhere and I dare not touch them. Instead of fussing over that, I set up my makeshift office at the dining room table. Work needs to be done and phone calls need to be made—I’ve been slack long enough.

After I finish sending in my paperwork for my licenses, I confirm the furniture delivery with Kelly. She’s informed me that everything will be delivered early next week. Since I had her on the line, I invited her to the barbecue tomorrow. Tabitha thinks it will be exciting to get to know her more, and this will also allow Kelly and Jessica to bond.

Deciding to see where my girl is, I send a quick text.

Carter: What’s your ETA and Kelly is a go for tomorrow. All we need to do is send her the address.

After I text Tabitha, I hit Jack’s name, needing to confirm that he’s still on top of the board.

“Jack, my man, how’s it going?” I say when he answers the call.

“Things are looking up, and not just for you.”

“How so? Sounds like you’re happy.”

“Let’s say no news is good news, and in your case, I have good news.”

“Well, that’s what I need to hear. Lay it on me,” I say as I lean back in the chair.

“Looks like the board members all have either retired, or taken on new positions within Senator Edwards’s group, and from what Mark can tell, you are the least of his worries. Also, you might want to pick up the paper later, or do a Google search. A particular Mr. Edwards is being called out for all his indiscretions.”

“Is this your handy work?” I ask, as I wasn’t aware of this beforehand.

“Unfortunately, I can’t take credit for it.”

“Is that so?” I say amused.

“It is. So man, how’s it going with Tabitha? You two get things worked out?”

“Things are good. I found us a bigger place yesterday and she’s accepted me living here with her.”

“I’m happy for you, Carter. You of all people deserve this. How’s Kelly?”

“Thanks, and she still hates you. I’d steer clear of that one, if I was you,” I say with a laugh. I’ve never met two people who are so not meant for each as Jack and Kelly. It’s not a mixture to combine.

“Oh, I can promise you I’m not going near her. Look man, I have to go talk with another client. Let’s get together soon. Glad to have you close again.”

“We will and same here. Oh and Jack, thanks for everything. I really mean it. I’m not just referring to Tabitha either. You know what I’m saying.”

“I do, and you’d do it for me.”

“Later,” I respond as I disconnect the call and place my phone down. Just as soon as I do, I hear the beep alerting me to a text message.

Tabitha: Hello lover boy… I’ll see you within the hour. Just dropping them off and going to head up for a few. Awesome on Kelly, I’ll forward her the address. XXXOOO

Not responding to her text, since she needs this time with them, I sit back and think of what my life has been like. Dark and alone. I never smiled, and rarely did I laugh. You would catch a fake glimpse of it when the photographers where in our faces, but that was all. Since I’ve met Tabitha, not a day has gone by that she hasn’t caused me to smile or laugh. Even when we were apart, she brought joy to me in different ways. It might have been from a memory, or a smell I would catch a whiff of.

She’s the one for me, and I know with every bit of my soul that Tabitha is my light. Once, we talked about why I was covered in black, and now, I have the perfect idea how to show her the sun she’s cast upon me.

Tabitha

WHEN I
ARRIVE HOME
, Carter is nowhere to be found. The apartment is empty and quiet as I shove things back into my closet. It’s only been a short time since he invaded my territory, but now that I plop down onto the bed, I miss him.

Throwing myself back against the mattress, I stare up at the ceiling. The sunlight is filtering through my blinds, and hits my chandelier, casting a sparkly cascade of dots around the room. Lost as I watch them dance throughout the space, I’m startled when I hear Carter from the other room.

“In here,” I yell and I feel his presence before I turn to look at him. Carter, leaned up against my door frame, causes me to lick my lips as I stare at him.

“You see something you like, Tabby Cat?”

“No, I have no idea to what you’re saying.”

“Right … How was your day? You get Angela and the boys all situated?”

“It was good, busy, and I didn’t even do anything. Prince Graham is getting so big; I tried to talk them into letting him come here. Then Logan put him down on the carpet in the hotel. Changed my mind quickly. That thing moves faster than a rabbit.”

“What? Are you referring to him as a rabbit?”

“I am and if you would’ve seen him, you’d do the same. We are not baby proof, that’s for sure.”

“We … huh?”

Not responding, I push up onto my elbows and look over at Carter. He’s still leaned up against the frame and hasn’t moved since he entered the room.

Eyeing him a little more, I proceed to ask, “Where’d you go and why do you look like you’ve been up to something?”

Carter pushes off and stalks towards me. Once he’s in front of me, he pushes me down into the mattress and straddles me. Taking one hand, he wipes the lose hair from my face and leans down towards me. Just as he gets close enough so I can feel him breathing, he stops. “Had to run an errand and then take care of something. Missed you.”

“You’ve been sneaky again, haven’t you?”

“Not at all and I don’t sneak. It’s called surprises. So you didn’t miss me?”

I ponder his question for a bit and then let a smile show. “Oh, I did miss my sneaky guy.”

“I wasn’t being sneaky, just withholding information.”

“Oh? Do I not want to know?” I ask sarcastically.

“When the time is right, you’ll know. Until then, it’s for me to know. Now can I have a kiss? I’ve missed those lips of yours today.”

“Yes, you …” and before I finish my sentence, Carter’s lips are devouring mine in the only way he knows how. It always seems as if it’s a need for him, to be able to live. He kisses with such passion and desire, he takes my breath away from me.

“Hmmm,” I moan against him and then push him up so I can look at him. I feel the need to explain why I rushed away today.

“What’s wrong?” he asks as he senses something.

“Nothing is wrong. Well, I’ll know Monday, but for now, I think it’s good.”

“Spill it; we can only handle one person being sneaky.”

“I had a visit with my OB/GYN this morning. Went to make sure I wasn’t pregnant. The little stick reports I’m not, but they took some blood just to make sure. I also tried to return my great idea, who would’ve thought you can’t get a refund?” I say with a shrug of my shoulder.

“Why didn’t you tell me? I would’ve gone with you. You know that, right?”

“I do, but I felt like I needed to do this myself. I can promise you the panic attack would not have been pretty.”

“Tabitha, let me explain something to you. No matter how or when it happens, I couldn’t think of anyone to share a child with, other than you. I’m not going anywhere. With you, I’m home.”

“Are you trying to get lucky, Mr. Northwood?”

“Is it working?”

“Nope, I am resistant to your charming ways.”

“How about if I tickle you? Then will you give yourself to me?”

“Do not even think about it. Do it and not only will the bases be closed until I hear back from the doctor, they will stay that way for a month,” I say sternly.

“Then we need to go out for dinner.”

“Good, I’m not cooking,” I say with a smile, and Carter leans in to place a kiss on my forehead.

“What time do we need to be at your parents’ tomorrow?”

“Two, why?”

“I have something I need to do in the morning. I’ll be back before we need to go.”

“Okay. I take it you still aren’t telling me?”

“Lips are sealed like your bases.”

“Not cool, lover boy.”

“Come, I’m hungry,” he announces as he pulls me up from the bed and swats my butt to move. It only fuels me to start making a tally of his actions. Turn around is fair play.

As we reach my car, I tell him we are having Mexican. Then it dawns on me that he might not like it. I turn slightly in my seat towards Carter. “You do like Mexican, right?”

“I do, just tell me where we’re going.”

Turning back around in my seat I smile at no one in particular. I’m just thankful he likes the same things I do. I’d hate for something so small to be our deal-breaker.

Carter

Tabitha declared last night that today was her lazy day. Not understanding the meaning behind that, I was afraid to ask exactly what it meant. Of course, she figured it out quickly from the strange expression all over my face. Her words to me were simple: bed and comfy.

Sliding out of bed, I head into the bathroom as quietly as I can. After I dress, I make my way out and over to her side. Leaning down, I dish out a quick kiss and explain I’ll be back in time for us to leave.

She tried all night to get out of me what I’m doing today, but I refuse to fill her in. I need this to be a wow factor. For her to understand exactly what she means to me. The effect of my showing it to her for the first time, the expression, that’s what I need to see. Sure, I could explain it all to her, but it wouldn’t mean the same as it being done. Plus, she might try to convince me otherwise. Tabitha’s never said anything about the tattoos I have; all she ever does is run her fingers around them each night. Her simple words:
“They’re your story, Carter.”
That’s one more reason to love her.

My Tabby Cat doesn’t try to change me. If anything, we change together. A wise man once told me that people are like the seasons; winter, spring, summer, and fall, and if you’re lucky enough, your life will be just as they are. It didn’t make sense to me for a long time, but now I understand a little better.

In life, you change. It goes from a cold winter’s night to a hot summer’s evening. Then, you experience the blossoms of spring in a new relationship. When fall comes around, you watch the leaves fall to the ground as you mourn the one you lost.

So far, we’ve experienced the winter, and currently holding in summer and spring. That’s where I plan to stay for a long time to come, as I can’t process the fall between us. I thought I’d lost her for good once, only to realize we were in our winter phase of life.

That’s why I feel it’s important to get this done today; it’s part of my master plan.

Pulling into the shop’s parking lot, I say a silent prayer to those above that this ends up looking like I described. Yesterday, I got a referral to “Ink Spot” from my guy back home. I’ve always had custom work and nothing generic will do for this.

As I walk in, I check-in and wait for Ed to come get me. When he steps around the corner, I notice the paper in his hands. Stepping up to the counter, I give him a quick hand shake and look down. Is it what I described? No … It’s ten times better than I could have envisioned it to be. Explaining in detail and the meaning behind this piece, Ed had asked to see my other work. He said it was to get a sense of my style and the healing I’ve done.

“Wow, man, I’m ready when you are,” I say.

“Give me just a moment and I’ll come back out and get you.”

With a quick nod, he’s off around the corner. Now, if it just turns out as magnificent as it looks on paper.