When Love's Gone Country - By Merri Hiatt Page 0,3
in an hour.”
“That’s not what I said to say.”
“Eh, close enough.”
Chapter Three
“Maybe we shouldn’t go on the trip,” Alex said, eyeing Purity with a worried expression.
“Of course we’re going. Everyone’s been looking forward to this for months. I can throw up somewhere fun just as easily as I can here. I’ll be fine.”
“I don’t know.”
Pure sat on her husband’s knee and put her hands around his neck. “I love that you’re concerned about me, really I do, but you’re going to have to get used to the idea that I’m the one who’s pregnant. You’re going to have to trust me that I’m not going to do anything that will hurt me or the baby.”
“I trust you. I’m just—”
“I know. You’re a proud papa and you want the very best for your family. This trip is a good thing. And, just think, while the baby’s brain or toes or whatever is being formed, he or she will be surrounded by all the people we love.”
“We really need to read those books about the baby’s development.”
“We will. We have lots of time.”
“Only eight months.”
“Alex, you’re going to have to learn to relax. You’re driving me crazy.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Trust the process. Women have been getting pregnant and having babies forever. It’s going to be okay.”
Alex nodded. “I’ll quit worrying. I promise.”
“I don’t need you to quit worrying. I worry, too. I just need you to be a little more patient and allow me to be sick or have swollen ankles or eat pickles and ice cream without trying to fix everything. This can’t be fixed.”
Alex took a deep breath. “Here I am trying to help you and I’m making things worse.”
“You’re not, sweetie. I love how much you care about me. I’d much rather have someone around who loves me than someone who just leaves me alone to be sick all by myself.”
“I guess.”
“Come on. I’ve got my barf bags and the truck’s all packed. Let’s get on the road.”
“You’re sure?”
“I’m positive.”
“All right then, you’re the boss.”
“I like the sound of that.”
Alex smiled, the worry lines on his forehead disappearing with the motion. “I thought you might.”
When they were settled in the truck and Alex double-checked that the trailer brake lights were working properly, he headed for McDonald’s to get Purity a Diet Coke, then they hit the freeway.
After about ten minutes, Alex asked, “Your stomach okay?”
“Fine.”
He nodded, satisfied that she was feeling okay.
Purity held back a smile. If he could carry the baby to term, he’d do it in a heartbeat. She wondered how he’d handle morning sickness, cramps, back aches, hemorrhoids and the myriad of other side effects she’d read about.
“I can’t wait to ride a horse,” Pure said.
“You’re not riding a horse.”
“Why not?”
“What if the horse bucks you off?”
“The horse won’t buck me off. I’ve been riding for years. I know what I’m doing. Besides, I’m only in my first month.”
“Even more reason to be careful.”
“I’m not going to be racing or jumping or anything. Just a gentle walk in an open meadow or something.”
“It’s not a good idea.”
“Alex, you can’t seriously think I’m just going to sit in a chair for eight months? Haven’t you heard about the women who work in rice patties? They squat down, have their babies and keep right on working.”
“I’m not going to discuss this. It’s not safe for you to be riding a horse.”
“Then I guess roping a steer is out of the question, too.”
“That’s not funny.”
“Women don’t have that many restrictions when they’re pregnant. I don’t even have a high-risk pregnancy. Now, if you were talking about Meg, I’d understand.”
“Women should be taken care of during their pregnancy. It’s just not right.”
“It’s actually better for the woman and the baby to do gentle exercise and keep active.”
“I’m not going to discuss this.”
“Maybe you should come to one of my I’m Going to be a Mommy classes. They’re really interesting and have tons of information.”
“I’m not going to be a mommy.”
“Maybe they have an I’m Going to be a Daddy class.”
“I don’t need a class. I need you to keep yourself and our baby safe.”
Purity noticed Alex’s jaw was set in a rigid stance. No use talking to him anymore now. Funny, it was that same jawline that sent shivers of chill bumps down her spine. She loved to lay kisses along it until his body began to relax.
“What?”
“I was just thinking about how sexy you are.”
“You were not. You were thinking of a way to get me to change my mind.”
“No. I