The Gift
Chapter 24
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Lainie rolled over and answered the ringing phone. As she did, she glanced at the clock. It wasn't even 8:00 yet.
"Hello?" she croaked into the receiver.
"Wake up wake up wake up!" AJ yelled.
"AJ?"
"Yep. It's me. Get Rok on the phone for me," he laughed. "Got some good news."
"Brian," Lainie said, elbowing him gently. "It's AJ."
Brian took the phone and groaned into the receiver. He then giggled a little.
"You're kidding? This will be three, you realize," Brian said laughing harder. "Yeah. I can be ready. See ya in a little bit, buddy."
Brian handed the phone back to Lainie and she hung up. He covered his face with his hands, then let out a whoop of joy.
"What was that all about," Lainie asked, rolling over on her side.
"Baby, we've just scored our third Rolling Stone cover," he said, laughing hysterically. "We're gonna be on the cover of fucking Rolling Stone AGAIN!"
"Brian Littrell!" she exclaimed, laughing. "You never say fuck. What's come over you?"
"Sorry," he said, "I'm just excited. This is our THIRD cover! I just can't believe it. The still love us!"
"Of course they do," Lainie laughed, propping her head up on her hand. "What's not to love?"
Brian rolled over and kissed her. "Make love to me," he whispered.
Lainie smiled. "But I haven't even brushed my teeth yet," she giggled.
"Like I care," Brian said, kissing her. He rolled over on top of her and pushed her t-shirt up over her breasts. He took one of her erect nipples in his mouth and ran his tongue over it. He cupped her breast in his hand and squeezed gently.
"Owww," she exclaimed, pushing his hand away.
"I'm sorry, baby. I didn't mean to hurt you. I guess I got carried away," he said, kissing her breast softly.
As they made love, Lainie stared up into the eyes of her beautiful husband and smiled. She loved him so much. He was her dream. After they were both spent, he laid his head on her chest and listened to her heartbeat.
"Do you have any idea how much I love you?" he asked.
"Hmmm... I think I have some idea. But I still like it when you show me," she said, playing with his hair.
"Lain, I have to go to Los Angeles for the interview and photo shoot," he said quietly.
"When?" she asked, looking down at him.
"This afternoon," he responded, his voice lower.
"But... Brian I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning and a job interview tomorrow afternoon. I can't go," Lainie said, feeling a little panicked. She hadn't spent a night without him since their wedding night over 8 weeks earlier.
"I know, baby. It's just three days," he said. "It's not like it's a month or something."
"But what about our promise?" she said, feeling tears welling up in her eyes.
"I know. I'm sorry, sweetheart. If I could make them come here, I would. You know that. Can you cancel your appointments?"
"No. I can't," she said. "If I cancel my interview, I'll never get another one at Children's Hospital. It's so hard to get in there."
"Well... I guess we'll just have to spend two nights apart," he said, sticking his lower lip out. Lainie closed her eyes and two tears rolled down the sides of her face onto her pillow.
"Baby? What's wrong?" Brian asked, sitting up suddenly.
"I'm just gonna miss you," she said, sniffling. She rolled over onto her side and wiped her tears away.
"I know. I'm gonna miss you too. But it's just three days."
"I know, I know. I'll be ok. I guess I just have PMS or something," she said, trying to smile.
"Ohhh PMS... I know that's no fun."
"You're telling me."
****************************
That afternoon, Kevin, AJ, Nick, and Howie showed up at Brian and Lainie's house.
Nick hugged Brian. "I'm sorry man. I was a dick. Congratulations. I'm trying. I really am."
"I know you are," Brian said, smiling. "You'll get used to the idea."
"I'm trying," Nick said, smiling.
"ROLLING STONE!" AJ yelled.
"This is sooo cool!" Nick shouted. "Fucking Rolling Stone! Again!!!"
Suddenly, they broke out in the old Dr. Hook classic song "On The Cover of The Rolling Stone"
Well we're big rock singers
We got golden fingers
And we're loved everywhere we go
We sing about beauty and we sing about truth
At ten thousand dollars a show
We take all kind a pills
That give us all kind a thrills
But the thrill you can never know
Is the thrill that'll getcha
When you get your picture
On the cover of the Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone
Wanna see my picture on the cover
Wanna buy five copies for my mother
Wanna see my smiling face
On the Cover of the Rolling Stone
They all burst out laughing, hugging and slapping each other on the back. Lainie stood back and watched, smiling.
"Laines!" AJ exclaimed, running to her and embracing her in a big bear hug that literally lifted her off the floor.
"AJ!" she exclaimed back.
"Hey hot woman. Gimme a kiss," he said, laughing. She kissed his cheek.
"Ohh I guess that's better than nothing. I hear you went bowling without me last night," he said, raising an eyebrow. "What? Were you afraid I'd beat ya or something?"
"Oh there was no question about that. I suck. I just decided Kevin would be a better match for my friend Andi," Lainie laughed.
"Ohhhhhhh really?" AJ said, adding a little mock hurt tone to his voice. "Wellll if I'm not good enough for your friend..."
"I didn't say that," Lainie said. "You're just not her... type."
"Hmm and Kevin is?"
"I don't now. Kevin, how did you like Andi?" Lainie asked.
"She's great!" Kevin said, smiling brightly. "Where is she anyway?"
"She went to visit our friend Kenny down in Tampa."
"Oh," Kevin said, looking down.
"Hey don't worry. Kenny's gay," Lainie laughed.
"Oh, well, then I guess it's ok," Kevin said. "Did she say anything about me?"
"We are NOT in 6th grade here, Kev. You wanna know what she thinks of you, you ask HER, not me," Lainie said.
"Oh alright," Kevin said. "Will she be here when we get back?"
"I don't know. I hope she'll stay with me til y'all get back."
"Me too," Kevin said, smiling.
"Come on, fellas. We gotta get movin'!" AJ yelled, heading for the door. He kissed Lainie's cheek on the way out. Kevin did the same. Howie hugged her. Nick stopped in front of her and looked down at her. Neither of them smiled. Nick tried to hug her, but she didn't return the hug. He let go and stalked out.
"What was that all about?" Brian asked quietly.
"Nothing," Lainie replied. "Nick and I just had a little run-in yesterday. It's nothing to concern yourself with."
"Ok," Brian said cautiously. "I really wish you two could get along. You know I love both of you."
"I know you do, baby. I'll get over it. I told you. It's just PMS."
Brian held her tenderly in his arms and kissed her. "You be good. And be careful. Good luck at your appointments tomorrow."
"Thanks, baby. I love you. Be careful. Now go on. You're gonna be late." Lainie could feel the tears welling up again and she pushed Brian gently out the door. She didn't want him to see her cry. He was so excited about this Rolling Stone thing, and she didn't want to diminish one ounce of that happiness with her silly crying episode. She closed the door behind him and leaned against it, sobbing. She felt so alone. So empty. The huge house was so quiet. She walked over to the stairs and sat down, crying into her hands. Suddenly, Tyke ran up and licked her arm.
"Hey boy," she said, picking him up. "Daddy'll be home soon." The dog licked her face as she hugged him. Somehow, hugging the dog comforted her. His warm little body reminded her that Brian would be coming home soon. For the rest of the afternoon, the little dog was on her heels everywhere she went. She didn't mind one bit.
*****************************
"Andi, please!" Lainie begged. "I can't go by myself. You're my doctor! You have to go with me."
"Lainie, you're a big girl. You can go to the gynecologist by yourself," Andi laughed.
"But... I can't!! I don't know this person. And it's a MAN doctor. I've never been to a man doctor in my life! "
Andi sighed. "Ok. I'll go to the office with you. But you're going in the exam room by yourself."
"Ok. It's a deal."
Lainie and Andi drove to the giant hospital and wandered around until they found the right office.
"Don't you just love your yearly poke-and-prod?" Andi giggled. "That reminds me, I haven't had mine this year either. Guess I'll have to do that when I get home."
"Actually, I hate the annual poke and prod," Lainie winced. "I hate being felt up by a doctor. I hate having that vice shoved up my coochie. Ugh. I am soo not looking forward to this."
"I know. But it'll be over soon," Andi laughed. Lainie's name was called and she walked back to the nurses' station.
"Hi Lainie. I'm Tracy, Dr. Richmond's assistant. I just need to ask you some questions, ok?" the sweet, round-faced girl said.
"Sure," Lainie said, swallowing nervously.
"Ok. When was your last menstrual period?" Tracy asked.
Lainie thought about it for a minute. "You know, I honestly can't remember. I've been through a lot of stress lately. Lost my best friend two months ago, then I got married about two months ago, too. I just can't recall the last time I had a period."
"What kind of birth control are you and your husband using?" Tracy asked, raising her eyebrow.
"Welll... uhh... none," Lainie replied, sheepishly.
Tracy smiled. "Maybe we should do a pregnancy test just to be on the safe side."
Lainie's eyes grew huge. "Nooo. I'd know if I was pregnant," she laughed nervously.
"Well, just to make me feel better, why don't you get me a urine sample," Tracy said, handing Lainie a cup.
Lainie walked into the bathroom and returned a few minutes later with the specimen. She handed it with shaky hands to Tracy.
"Ok, go on into room 11, and I'll be in to take your blood pressure in just a minute," she said, smiling.
Lainie went into the room and stripped down, then wrapped the sheet around herself. She looked around the room, noticing how cold it was in there. Why did they keep those exam rooms so damned cold? She glanced at the pictures on the walls, at the drawer of speculums, the jars of cotton swabs and gauze.
Tracy came in a few seconds later and took Lainie's blood pressure. "It's 110/60. That's great," Tracy said, smiling. "The doctor will be in in just a few minutes."
Lainie sat alone again, humming a tune in her head and trying to get rid of the nervous feeling in the pit of her stomach. Soon, the very cute Dr. Richmond entered the room. He looked very much like Dylan McDermott, and Lainie's eyes grew huge. No wayyyy was this guy touching her. He was too cute. She'd rather have a doc who looked like Marcus Welby or Quincy. NOT Dylan McDermott... NOOOO this wasn't happening.
"Hi Lainie, I'm Dr. Richmond," he said, shaking her hand. His hand was warm and comforting. He sat down and began to read through her history.
"Well... heckuva a first visit, huh?" he said, looking up with a smile on his face.
"Huh?"
"Looks like you're pregnant, young lady," he said, laughing.
Lainie was stunned. She got this weird metallic taste in her mouth, and the room began to spin around. She grasped the edge of the exam table to keep herself from falling.
"I'm.... pregnant?" she croaked.
"Surprise! I hope this is a good surprise," he said, smiling. "Babies are a gift from God, you know?"
Lainie nodded dumbly. She was.... pregnant. She and Brian were going to have a...... BABY. She was completely numb as the doctor examined her. She didn't even feel his hands on her... or in her. His words kept echoing in her brain... she was PREGNANT with Brian's baby.
"Lainie," Dr. Richmond said, softly. "Earth to Lainie."
"Oh, sorry. Did you say something?" she asked, shaking her head to clear it.
"I said, it appears from the exam that you're between 8 and 10 weeks pregnant. You get the first two weeks for free, so you got pregnant between 6 and 8 weeks ago," he said, smiling. "We'll need to do an ultrasound to make sure everything's going alright and to put an exact date on the pregnancy, especially since you don't know when you had your last period."
Lainie nodded, still reeling from the news. He told her to get dressed and they'd do the ultrasound.Tracy came in and escorted Lainie down to a dark little room and asked her to lie down on the table. Dr. Richmond came in a few minutes later and turned on the machine. He looked very serious for a few minutes as he ran the wand with the cold gel all over her belly. Lainie was beginning to get worried, when he finally looked at her and smiled.
"Well... there's your little baby," he said softly, turning the monitor so she could see. "I'd say you're about 9 weeks and 4 days pregnant, honey. This would make your due date... oh... around October 14. Your little baby is about an inch and half long. Do you want to hear the heartbeat?"
Lainie felt the tears stinging her eyes, as she stared at the little thing on the monitor. It looked like a butter bean, but she could actually see it's little profile. She could make out an arm and a leg, and even the tip of the baby's nose.. She smiled and shook her head.
"Not yet," she answered. "I wanna wait for Brian. But... can I have a picture of the baby?"
"Sure you can," the doctor said, patting her arm. He printed it out and handed it to her. As Lainie sat up, she was still in shock, but a slow smile was spreading across her face.
"Congratulations, Lainie," Dr. Richmond said, showing her back out to the waiting room. "See you in a month."
Lainie nodded and went back out to meet Andi.
"So... everything turn out ok?" Andi asked, smiling brightly.
"Yeah. Everything's great," Lainie said, a little dreamily. Andi frowned and studied her friend for a minute.
"You sure?"
"Yep. I'm sure." Lainie laughed and they walked out of the hospital.
******************************
Lainie lay in bed, dressed in her deep green silk pj's that she bought at Victoria's Secret. She was waiting to hear the slam of the front door that would let her know Brian had arrived home. When the sound finally came, her heart began to race. She could hear him walking up the stairs and he opened the bedroom door. He smiled when he saw her laid out on the bed.
"Hey baby," he whispered, crawling across the bed to her. He kissed her like he hadn't seen her in a month, then buried his face in her hair. "God, I missed you so much."
"I missed you too," she said, hugging him tightly. He smelled so good. It just... Brian... clean, sweet, yet masculine.
"Hmmmm do I want to make love to my wife first or take a shower?" he questioned.
"Take a shower," she said, smiling. "As much as I can't wait to make love to my husband, you've been on a plane for hours."
"You're right. Shower it is," he said, kissing her one more time. He walked into the bathroom, and saw an envelope on the counter with his name written in bright red. He smiled and opened it. There was an advertisement in it for a new Tahoe SUV and Lainie had written on it 'can I have one of these?'. Brian laughed aloud. "Yes, you can have one of these if you want it," he yelled to Lainie. On the back of the envelope was written 'look at your mirror'. Brian walked into his section of the bathroom and looked at his mirror. There was a big red heart drawn in lipstick on the mirror with a picture taped in the middle. As he walked closer, he realized it was an ultrasound picture. He pulled it off the mirror and stared at it wide-eyed for several minutes. He slowly walked back in the bedroom and sat down on the bed. Lainie had a serene smile on her face.
"Baby..." he said softly. "Is this... what I think it is?"
Lainie nodded slowly.
"Oh..." But he couldn't finish. He hugged her, feeling the tears roll down his cheeks. The love he was feeling for Lainie at that very moment was like nothing he had ever felt in his life. He finally realized that nothing else in the world mattered except his wife... and his child. His CHILD. His baby. His son. Or daughter? Oh wow... he was going to be a father.
"I love you so much," she said. "You're gonna be such a good daddy."
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