Page 51 of Abigail

“So, you got big plans?” He gives Straw a knowing smirk. Straw gives him a wicked grin in return.

“Yeah, I’m gonna wear my woman out.” Straw laughs. “I already called Jolene and told her Abigail won’t be in to work today. I’m turning off her alarm, taking Ellie to school, then coming back to ravish her.” Tank rolls his eyes and shakes his head.

“Thanks for the warning, brother. I’m going to make myself scarce then.” Tanks shudders. “No way I want to spend the day listening to you get your rocks off.” Straw laughs out loud at that. “I’ve heard it often enough since Abigail moved in here. Being as I’m not getting any, I don’t want to hear any part of your plans today.”

“Go find you a woman to spend the day with,” Straw suggests. “It’s not like you’ll have a difficult time of it.” Tank gives him a mean stare.

“You know people, women especially find me intimidating,” Tank says disgustedly. “I would never hurt a woman, but they don’t know that when they meet me. All they see is a hulk without the green skin.” Straw starts to protest, but Tank holds up a hand. “Besides, there’s only one woman I want, but I don’t think she even likes me, so there’s not much chance I’ll be seeing any action any time soon.”

Tank’s words pique Straw’s interest. He raises an eyebrow in question to his friend, but Tank remains tight lipped. He looks almost shocked that he’s confessed this to Straw. “Forget I said anything,” Tank concludes.

“Oh, no brother,” Straw demands. “Spill. You got me to talk when I was mooning over Abi. Now it’s your turn.” Tank again rolls his eyes, but a slight grin crosses his face.

“Give me a little more time,” Tank replies. “I believe those were your words, too?” Straw glares at him for a second.

“Yeah, but like you told me,” Straw answers, “I’ll only be patient so long, then we will talk. You know I’ll be here for you just like you’ve been for me, right?”

“I do.” Tank nods. “Now, I’m going to shower and clear out before the festivities begin.” He rises to his feet and Straw follows. Time for Straw to put his plan into motion anyway.

Abigail stirring next to him brings him out of his thoughts. Her contented sigh makes him smile. Pulling her a little closer with the arm he has wrapped under her shoulders, he kisses her forehead. Her eyes flutter open. She blesses him with a beautiful smile. Then suddenly it fades; she’s pushing away from him running to their bathroom. He’s out of the bed, hot on her heels. He enters the bathroom to see her bent over the toilet emptying her guts. He grabs a wash cloth from the cabinet, wetting it with cool water before hurrying to her side. Helping her to hold her hair back, he places the cool cloth on her forehead as it seems her sickness has passed. She leans into him, taking the cloth to wipe her mouth.

“I’m sorry,” she apologizes. “Not a very pleasant way for you to wake up.” Straw marvels at her.

“Really, sweetheart?” he questions. “You’re the one emptying your guts. Let me help you back to bed. If you think you’re over it for now.” She nods, flushing the toilet. She lets him lead her out to their bed. Once he’s gotten her settled back in bed, he looks down at her pale face.

“You need me to get you something?” His concern growing. He’s never seen her sick before. Injured, yes, but not sick. She shakes her head, a smile forming on her lips. He frowns. What is she smiling about?

“This isn’t how I’d planned on telling you, but I guess now is as good a time as any,” Abigail says cryptically. Now he is very curious.

“Tell me what?” Straw asks, running a hand down the side of her face. He just needs to be touching her. Almost like a compulsion or obsession.

“Well,” Abigail starts. “I got some good news while you were gone.” She pauses, and he wants to scream. She’s killing him by dragging this out. He quirks a brow, urging her to continue. There’s that sneaky grin again.

“We got a court date for Ellie’s adoption decree,” Abigail informs him. His face breaking into a huge smile. Finally, Ellie will officially be his daughter. This is wonderful news, but what does that have to do with Abigail’s vomiting.

“That’s wonderful, sweetheart,” Straw tells her. “Does Ellie know yet?” Abigail shakes her head.

“No, I wanted us to tell her together.” Abigail pauses to look at him. “We have other news to tell her too, so I waited. I was getting worried that you weren’t going to make it home in time, but you did. You’re here.” She reaches up to cup the side of his face in her hand.

“What other news?” Straw’s heart begins to hammer in his chest. Putting all the pieces together, he’s confident he knows her news, but wants to hear her say it.

“You’re going to be a father,” Abigail smiles up at him. “Again.” Her hand falls to rest on her abdomen in a protective manner he’s seen women do when they’re expecting. His face lights up with delight, understanding her meaning.

“I am?” he questions, you know, just to make sure he heard her correctly. She nods vigorously smiling from ear to ear. He gathers her into his arms, holding her close to his heart. “God, Abi! You’ve made me the happiest man alive. Finding you and Ellie is the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me. Now, you’re telling me you’re carrying our baby? I don’t have words.” He feels his eyes sting as tears form. He never thought he could be so happy he’d cry, but here he is, and he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

*