“Hey, you guys busy?”
“Uh, no, not really. What’s up?”
I look back at the door, taking a few steps away from it. “Something going on with Aubrey, she’s been acting different these past few days,” I whisper.
“What do you mean? How different?” I can hear the concern in his voice.
“She’s more tired than usual and she hasn’t been eating much. She keeps telling me she’s fine, but I don’t know. If it continues, I won’t have a choice to get her checked even if she refuses.”
“Okay, and what do you need from us?” he asks next.
“I don’t want to leave her alone, but I really need to get this baby shopping over with. I was wondering if you and Ellis would join me to get it done faster, and Veronica could stay with Aubrey.”
“Yeah, we’re on our way,” he says without hesitation.
“Thank you.” I hang up and return to the room where my Angel hasn’t moved.
“Veronica is going to spend some time with you while the boys and I go shopping. Do you need anything while I’m out?” I ask, climbing back into bed beside her.
“No, I’m okay,” she murmurs.
“How about dinner? Do you want me to pick up something? Maybe Chinese? I could try to stop at that bakery you like, like on our first date.” I take her hand in mine, kissing the inside of her wrist as she smiles.
“That would be nice.” That sounds more like my girl. Her smile fades as she starts to move, trying to pull herself up. “I should probably get out of bed if Ronnie’s coming over.” She places her feet on the floor and goes to stand but drops back down immediately, her hand coming out to the side and grabbing onto the nightstand.
“Aubrey!?” I shoot up in a hurry, rushing to her side.
“I’m fine, I’m fine,” she says quickly with her eyes squeezed shut. “I just got a little dizzy. I’ve probably been lying down too long.” She finally opens her eyes and looks at me while letting out a breath. “I promise, I’m okay.”
“I don’t like this, Angel. Are you sure you don’t want me to call the doctor? We could go in for a quick check up.” I crouch down at her feet.
She cups my cheek and smiles. “There’s no need, it already passed. I’m fine. I’m just tired, nothing to worry about. But if something changes, I’ll tell you. Okay?” She leans in and kisses me. “I love how much you worry about us, Shane, but we’re okay.”
I work my jaw, contemplating what to do. I really want her to see the doctor, but I don’t want to force her either and cause her any stress. I’ll let it go for now, but if she hasn’t improved by the time I get back, I’ll give her doctor a call and see what she advises us to do.
“Okay.”
Fifteen minutes later, Gabe, Noah, and Veronica arrive. “Thanks for coming.”
“Anytime. How is she?” Ronnie asks with a worried look.
“She claims she’s just tired, but I think you’ll see it for yourself that it’s more than that.” I sigh, hating leaving her when she’s clearly not feeling well. “She’s in the living room watching TV. Just stay by her side and maybe try to get her to eat. Marianne is here if you need anything, and call if something happens.”
“I will.” She squeezes my bicep, reassuring me, then kisses her men before heading farther into the house.
It takes us a total of three hours to get everything that Emma wrote on the list she made me, as well as a few extra things. We also got a large amount of clothing, diapers, everything the sales lady told us a newborn would need. I’m sure there are thingsthat weren’t a necessity but that doesn’t matter, and anything we might still be missing, I can get later or order it online.
Noah and Gabe help me bring everything inside and into our daughter’s room. I had to rent a truck to bring all the huge boxes back home, because none of my cars could carry that much cargo. I’ll probably need to buy one at some point. It could always be useful to have.
When we’re done, we wander into the living room where the girls are still located. Ronnie sits beside Aubrey who’s lying down asleep and pets her hair. When she notices us, she stands quietly and joins us.
“Shane, something’s not right with her. I don’t like this.” Veronica chews on her bottom lip, looking back at Aubrey with watery eyes.
“I know, I’m going to call her OB and try to get an appointment as soon as possible,” I reassure her. “I’ll keep you updated if there’s any change. Thank you for staying with her,” I say to Ronnie before turning to the guys. “And thanks for the help.”
“No problem. Let us know if we can help in any way.” Noah squeezes my shoulder as they head out.
I make my way back to Stellina’s room, moving things around to clear a path and make it look a little less messy.This will definitely take a day’s worth to set up everything. I’ll get to that tomorrow.I manage to reach the Chinese food and baked goods I promised Aubrey earlier and had left in the room while we were carrying things in.
