Without Her

chapter 33 - temporary

Hardin's POV:

"I promise, this is the last voicemail— just whenever like whenever you come home even if it's tomorrow, can you please bring me a box of the hazelnut ice cream from Marlee? Please, I love you and thank you, and now I'm gonna hang up and not call again, I promise. Bye"

Her voicemail ends and when I was about to put my phone back, another one of her voicemails starts and I shake my head before playing it.

"God, I know I promised I wouldn't call again, but it's just– I also need you to pick up a box of Rollos and that strawberry yogurt you bought the other day? Only if you can, but I will appreciate it if you do bring it all. Whenever you're coming, I hope soon. Ugh, bye. And oh, I'm tired of leaving voicemails so whenever you get out of the meeting, just call me. Or no, don't. I am going to sleep now. Wake me up when you get home with all that stuff, yes okay bye now"

This bed rest thing for her is really exhausting for me. I'm the one who has to fulfill all her demands, and she is taking really good advantage of it, I'll give her that.

But at least I know both of them are safe, that's what matters for me.

After the Miami trip—it's been what, four days since we got back—she has been restricted to leave the house, and do minimal activities. But Tessa being Tessa, still does some of the house chores. Since I spend most of my time at home with her, I am able to help her with all that.

"I'm done for today, Denise. I'll see you Wednesday" I announce, giving her a nod before I exit the board room.

I've organized my timetable in such a way that now I get to spend weekends and most of the week at home and I will only be coming to the office every Wednesday and Friday, that too if I'm required.

After grabbing all the things Tessa wanted, I finally head towards home– seeking rest as I spent the entire day working, and my back shows no mercy in making me realize that.

"Tess, I'm home" I call while throwing the keys aside and immediately hear Tessa's footsteps preceding towards me.

I expected her to come running for her orders but instead, she looks at me with her eyes sparkling and her hands fiddling with each other behind her– telling me she's excited about something or to tell me something.

My mind is quick to assume that she felt a moment in her stomach that's why she's too excited and I keep the bags aside, waiting for her to talk.

"What is it?" I laugh at her silliness as she bites her lips together, her fingers slowly moving towards the zipper of her jacket.

My next assumption would be she's a little needy for me today, as she's almost removing her clothes in front of me now.

But my assumptions turn out to be wrong as I notice the shirt she's wearing— which says 'mommy to be', the one she had bought after our fight months ago.

I immediately understand why she's all worked up as her hand behind is hiding something and I just know it's my t-shirt that says 'daddy to be'

"Please Hardin, it's been months and my belly is starting to get big now!" she whines after noticing my expression, and knowing I would never agree to any such thing.