Strong (Book 2 in the No Control series)

“Well congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Payne. You are indeed pregnant.”
Liam squeezes my hand.
The doctor continues. “Due to your past issues, we will be doing more frequent visits and sonograms.”
“Should we be worried?” Liam asks.
“No, Liam, it’s just a precaution since this is Liz’s first pregnancy since her surgery.”
“Do you know how far along we are?” I ask.
“You seem to be six weeks.”
As he gives us the more precise date I look at Liam. He smiles. “Our wedding night?”
“And I didn’t think anything else could make that day more special.” I say.
“Everything looks good. Liz, you don’t need to do anything differently. Just eat as healthy as possible, and get some extra rest when you can. I’ll see you in two weeks.”

Liam and I stop for lunch after our appointment. “Do you want to tell your parents today, Liam?”
He smiles excitedly. “I’d like to, if you’re ready?”
“Of course. We can tell a few close friends also, but we should really hold off on everyone else till we are a bit farther along.”
After lunch, we stop at a store before heading to Liam’s parents. “Here, this is what I was thinking.” I point out the matching Granny and Grandad shirts. “We’ll wrap them up and that’s how we’ll tell them.”
Liam grins. “Perfect.”
I look down, feeling a little sad.
Liam puts his arm around my waist, kissing my cheek. “I know times like this can be hard for you, Love.”
I lay my head on his shoulders. “I miss my parents so much.”
“I know, Beautiful. I’m so sorry.”
I look up, kissing Liam. “Let’s go get these wrapped up.”


We visit with Karen and Geoff for awhile before I tell Liam. “You forgot to bring in the packages.”
He winks. “I’ll be right back.”
When he returns he hands a gift bag to Karen, then Geoff.
“What’s this for?” Karen asks.
“Open them at the same time.” Liam says as he takes my hand.
They both pull the shirts out of the bags at the same time. Reading the fronts simultaneously. Then looking at Liam and I. “Really?”
We laugh. “Yes.” Liam says. “You are going to be grandparents.”
Karen cries happy tears as we share hugs. We stay for awhile talking about the beautiful miracle I’m carrying. I feel a little tug at my heart. Somehow I feel it’s my parents, letting me know that it’s ok to be happy, even without them.

Notes