Nick was released a few days after returning to consciousness to go home. Kelly was so overjoyed and preoccupied with Nick’s awakening that she didn’t bother telling anyone about her pregnancy. She just didn’t feel that it was the right time; besides, she wanted to share the good news with Nick first, only she didn’t know how to break it to him. Kelly had spent many days thinking, plotting, and attempting to inform her husband of their expected arrival in short nine months.
About a week after Nick’s release from the hospital, when things had calmed down and returned to normal, the couple was relaxing together on the couch. The living room was illuminated by candles sitting on the coffee table and on the mantle above the fireplace, that also contributed to the lighting.
Kelly was snuggled up close to Nick’s chest and he had his arm draped around her shoulder as soft music filled their ears. Kelly sighed contentedly and happily while her husband held her in that comfortable embrace.
“Are you alright?” Nick asked, brushing her blonde hair aside from her neck and leaning down trailing kisses along her neck and jawline.
“Mmmhmm…” Kelly replied, enjoying the attention her husband was giving her. Nick continued to present his wife with tender kisses along her neck, then finally moved to her volumtuous ruby red lips and kissed her passionately.
For some reason, Kelly felt that she should break the moment and announce the ‘big news’ to Nick at that very moment, so after they ended their kiss, Kelly pulled back a little, forcing distance between the couple.
“Honey, I have something I need to tell you,” Kelly began with a tone not of excitement or of disappointment.
Nick studied his wife’s face illuminated by the candlelight, to find a trace of the news to come, but found none. There was a certain twinkle that sparkled in her eye that caught his attention. He always knew his wife was beautiful, but on this particular night, there was a certain radiant glow about her that caused him to study her for a moment. Her sunny blonde hair, that now looked strawberry blonde because of the candlelight, was balanced perfectly on her shoulders, and fell temptingly over her right eye. Nick bit his lip in order to suppress the urge to enrapture his wife with passionate kisses. The glow from the candles bounced off of her fair, smooth milky white complexion and cast a burning glow in the depths of her eyes.
Kelly began, “While you were in the hospital, I found out that…” Kelly paused, taking in a breath.
Even now, all Nick could focus on were his wife’s pouty, sumptuous cherry red lips.
“Nick?” Kelly called, noticing her husband’s distraction. “Are you listening? This is really important.”
“Yea, I’m listening,” Nick confirmed, transferring his gaze from her lips to her eyes.
“Well uh…I found out that I’m um…pregnant,” Kelly swallowed the lump of wonder in her throat and watched Nick for a reaction.
Nick stared at her expressionless for what seemed like an eternity, before licking his lips and beginning to speak. Kelly anticipated every word that came from his mouth and lingered on every letter that hung from his lips.
“That’s nice, Kel. Really,” Nick said his eyes directed down to the floor.
The words stung Kelly’s heart and although she didn’t expect Nick to be thrilled, she didn’t quite anticipate this reaction.
Nick finally brought himself to look his wife in the eyes and immediately he regretted what he had said, however, he felt the same about the announcement. He could read all of the hurt and pain he has just caused his wife to feel and instantly felt remorse, but it was too late.
By that time, Kelly had jumped up from the couch, ran upstairs, and shut herself in their bedroom. Ordinarily, Nick would’ve followed behind her, but he had no idea what he would say to her for comfort. He was sorry that he couldn’t be happy about having a baby, but he just wasn’t ready to be a father. Nick could hear his wife’s anguished cries from the living room, yet he still didn’t go to comfort her.
A while later, after sitting and debating, Nick went upstairs to their bedroom to check on Kelly. He turned the doorknob slowly and quickly spotted her snoozing figure stretched across the bed. He crept quietly closer to her, so as not to wake her, and noticed the crumpled tissues lying around her and the one she held tightly clutched in her hand. He also noticed that her other hand was placed protectively over her stomach. Nick climbed into bed beside of her, pushed Kelly’s hair away from her face, and kissed her softly on the forehead. Then, he turned onto his side, wanting desperately to sleep and to end this unforgettable night.
