“Yeah, dude…. I know. ”
CHAPTER THIRTY
ARI
I watched Emma and Garrett laughing while enjoying the company of all their friends and family. I looked over at Jeff who was talking to my mom and dad. Someone was going to slip soon about the baby. I really needed to talk to Jeff soon. I almost died earlier when I’d made the comment about me getting bigger.
Matt came running up to Jeff, calling out Jeff’s name. Jeff bent down and picked up the oh-so-happy Matt. I smiled as I watched the two of them. I put my hand to my stomach and instantly felt like I couldn’t breathe. When I leaned forward, I felt a hand rubbing my back. I knew in an instant that it was Ellie.
“Breathe, baby girl. Just breathe. ”
“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I can’t do this, Ellie! What if this baby has Fragile X? I’m not like my mother. I can’t do it. I just can’t!” Holy fuck, I was having a melt-down.
Worried that Jeff might see me freaking out, I looked over and noticed he was taking Matt down to the barn. They must be going to look at the horses.
Ellie reached over and placed her finger under my chin and turned my head towards her.
“Listen to me right now, Arianna. You’re going to be fine, and this baby is going to be fine. You aren’t even sure if you’re a carrier, so stop worrying yourself sick. But, sweets, ya have to tell Jeff. You have to tell him tonight. No more excuses. You can’t keep trying to do this on your own. Jeff loves you more than life itself, and he’s going to be so damn happy. Please, Ari, go talk to him. ”
I felt the tears building up in my eyes, and I willed myself to stop them. I smiled at Ellie, I leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.
“Have I told you today that I love you?” I asked, winking at her.
“No. No, you haven’t bitch,” she said winking back with a smile.
Laughing, we stood up and hugged. I held on to her just for a few seconds longer than needed. I would be lost without this girl.
“Okay, I’m gonna go talk to him right now. I’ve been sitting here all day waiting for someone to accidentally slip and say something to him!”
Ellie let out a laugh as I turned and made my way down to the barn.
As I rounded the corner, I could hear Jeff and Matt talking.
“Where’s Ari’s horse, Jeff?”
I stopped to listen, peeking into the barn. I was curious to see if Jeff was going to remember to be specific this time.
“Well, buddy. . . she’s over on our property. I have her out in a pasture right now. She’s not the type of girl who likes to be held down in a stall for too long. She really loves to be free and run around with the sun on her. ”
“Like Ari! Ari likes the sun on her face, too, doesn’t she, Jeff?” Matt said Jeff with a huge smile on his face.
God, how I love Matt. His heart was pure, and his laughter was infectious. He was so special to us. There was something about him that just made people feel so loved when he smiled.
“Yeah, buddy, she does. Ari is just like Stargazer no one can hold her down. She’s probably the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. ”
“Jeff, you’re an assmole! Ari is a girl, not a woman!”
Oh shit! I couldn’t help it when and I let out a small giggle. I had to laugh every time Matt said assmole.
“Matt, buddy, trust me Ari is a woman,” Jeff said, placing his hand on Matt’s head.
“I’m gonna give you a hug, buddy, okay?” he asked as Matt smiled up at him. Jeff gently pulled Matt in for a hug.
I felt
a single tear run down my face. Just then, my mother walked up next to me, putting her arm around me. Reaching up, I wiped away my tear, trying to get myself back together again.
“It’s going to be okay, Ari. You know what you have to do, baby girl. ”