Taking Chances
Page 68

“Harper, can you tell me one thing?”
“I'll tell you anything Chase.” Except for the fact that I'm carrying your baby.
“Have I – have I missed my chance?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean with you, us. Did I miss my chance?” His face was scrunched together, he looked terrified that I would say yes.
I stepped up and wrapped my arms around his waist, “I'm sorry that you would even have to ask that. I wish you knew how much I love you Chase, it's just been a hard time for me.” He pulled me closer to him and I tried to push my hips back without him noticing. “I didn't know you were still giving me time, I figured I'd already lost you.” My voice caught at the end. Oh my word, I hadn't realized until those words came out that I actually thought that. Was that the real reason why I hadn't been able to tell him yet?
“Aw hell baby. That's not possible.” He kissed the top of my head and squeezed me tight. “What's been going on? Is it still because of Brandon? Or did something else happen?”
Just then Bree walked up, “We need to go Harper.” She said softly.
I looked at her, hoping she understood that she couldn't have had better timing. There's no way I would tell Chase here, but I couldn't stand to keep talking to him without saying something about the pregnancy. Once again, Chase quickly dropped his arms and stepped back when he saw her. I wanted to roll my eyes but resisted. She heard him say “I love you” last time, and he still thought he had to hide it from her? One more day. One. More. Day.
“See you.” I touched Chase's arm before turning to Bree.
“Bye Princess.”
10
“Wake up, wake up, wake up!” Bree shouted the next morning.
“Ugh! Bree, we don't have class for four hours. Go away!”
“No way! It's your birthday you have to get out of bed!”
Oh right. Birthday. “No one cares, go back to sleep.” I grumbled and pulled the comforter over my head.
“We do, now get your ass up!” She ripped the comforter off the bed completely and threw it to the floor.
“Sometimes, I just want to punch you.”
She beamed a smile at me, “I know. You love me!”
“That too.”
I followed her down the stairs and almost peed myself when Mom and Dad yelled, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARPER!” They were putting pancakes, eggs, bacon and presents on the kitchen table when we walked in.
Jeez, could these people be any more wonderful? First Christmas, now this? We ate together and when the dishes were done I opened my presents. Bree got me three shirts that I could wear now, and when I was “ginormously huge”, Mom and Dad got me another pregnancy book as well as a baby names book, a Juicy bracelet and a green Coach baby bag from all three of them.
How would I ever thank them for so much more than just the presents? “Thank you. You guys are so amazing, I love you all.”
I was bombarded by hugs and I couldn't help but wish for Chase's arms too. I smiled when I remembered today was the day. Since Bree and I didn't have school tomorrow, we were all going out to dinner tonight, then coming back to watch movies. I read through the fourteenth week of What To Expect When You're Expecting, bookmarked my spot with the most recent ultrasound picture, thumbed through the baby name book then hopped in the shower to get ready for my day. This was the first time I'd been excited about having a birthday, and I wanted to look cute for it. So I took my time with my hair and make-up, making sure I looked perfect for my day, and for when I told Chase. I dressed in my favorite pair of dark Lucky jeans, flip flops and one of the new shirts Bree got me. It was dark gray v-neck, long and form fitting, but seriously stretchy. Yep, I'd for sure be able to wear this throughout the whole pregnancy. I almost took it back off when I saw my defined bump showing through the stretchy material, but figured it was time to stop hiding it. People may not notice that my boobs were getting even bigger, but if anyone looked down, they'd definitely know what was going on. When I walked into the kitchen Mom and Bree were thrilled at my outfit because they knew this could only mean one thing and Mom came up to pat my baby bump.
“See you tonight girls! Love you!” She had the widest smile I'd seen since we told her Chase was the father, and it was undeniably contagious.
We were almost to our first class and I did a double take to a chair sitting outside the door. I slowly walked up and grabbed the bouquet of orange lilies, tucked into the side was a note with my name on the envelope. I looked at Bree who was looking around confused, and I joined in with her. There were people I vaguely knew all over, but other than Bree and Mom, only two guys knew about these. And neither of them were around. I opened the note and a huge smile spread across my face when I read the masculine handwriting.
'Happy Birthday Princess'
I bit my lip and looked harder for a tall, tan, built, tatted up guy with shaggy blonde hair, bright blue eyes and a killer smile.
“Who are they from?” Bree grabbed the note out of my hands.
“Chase, do you see him?”
“No. That boy I swear, who knew he could be sweet?”
After another quick look, I reluctantly followed her into the classroom. No sooner had we sat down, than my phone chimed.
Chase - 'You look beautiful today.'
Me - 'Were you watching me?'
Chase - 'Maybe. I finally got to give you your lilies.'