My Sweet Canadian Girl Ch. 15

As I stared up at the sky I couldn't help but think about what our baby was going to look like. Cassie was right; I always imagined our son would have dark brown hair just a shade short of black and brown eyes like me. Obviously if we had a girl I wanted her to look like Cassie. Even if she didn't look just like her mother, inheriting Cassie's genetics meant she was sure to grow into a beautiful young woman who would make all the boys' heads spin. Suddenly I was gripped with fear as I imagined our house surrounded by young suitors, each more unacceptable than the last. Having a daughter would definitely lead to a lot of sleepless nights. I'd have to trust Cassie's judgment when it came to boyfriends if we had a girl.

"Your mom wants to say goodbye," Cassie said from the doorway. I couldn't help but smile when I turned around to look at her and she smiled back.

"Hey mom," I said taking the phone from Cassie.

"I just wanted to tell you again how happy we are for you... and ourselves too," she said laughing.

"Thanks mom," I said.

"Your father and I are going to come for a visit later this year," she said. "Next May when the baby comes we're going to stay for a long as we can."

"You're both welcome to stay here as long as you like," I said.

"I should let you go have dinner. I love you," mom said.

"I love you too mom," I said.

"Tell Cassie we love her too," mom said.

"I will. Bye mom," I said as she hung up.

"What did she say?" Cassie asked when I went back inside.

"Oh not a whole lot. She reminded me to tell you that they love you," I said smiling at her.

"That's so sweet," Cassie said with her own beautiful smile. "Let's eat dinner before we call your sister with the good news."

We ate at the small kitchen table with our chairs pulled close together. Cassie drank a tall glass of milk with dinner as had become customary over the past few months. She kept catching me staring at her with love filled eyes and shook her head with a grin. After dinner we had a slice of store bought lemon meringue pie for dessert. It wasn't quite as good as a homemade one but we enjoyed it before clearing away the dishes.

The phone call to my sister mirrored the one to my mother. I spoke to Susan for a few moments. She was suspicious over me calling her from the start and demanded to speak to Cassie as soon as I broke the news. I gave Cassie a soft kiss and wandered downstairs to watch TV while she talked to my sister. There wasn't anything on that really interested me so I left a movie playing that I'd seen several times before and racked the balls up for a few practice games of pool.

That's where Cassie found me when she was finished talking to my sister. She came over to hug me, shrugging mischievously when her touch caused my shot to go astray. I racked the balls again for a game against her while she went to get us a drink. She brought me a beer, which was a bit surprising. I knew it meant that my self imposed sobriety in support of her trying to get pregnant was over, even though she still couldn't drink for a long time yet. For herself she'd poured a glass of caffeine free diet Pepsi which she had switched to recently from her regular diet Pepsi. Whenever she won a game I claimed it was because it was two against one now. She'd just shrug and warn me to get used to it now since the odds would only get worse with each child we had.

We lay awake late planning our meal for the next day at first but soon our conversation turned to the child we were expecting. To be more accurate I should say the conversation centered around the months leading up to the birth of our first child. Cassie hadn't set up an appointment with her doctor yet but she'd let me know as soon as she did so I could make arrangements to be there with her. As we got closer to the due date, Cassie wanted to take breathing classes as a couple more to meet other parents to be than need of the lessons. We talked about transforming the upstairs bedroom nearest ours into a nursery with a fresh baby blue or pink paint job and everything else our baby needed.

It was well past midnight when we fell asleep. As a precaution I'd set my alarm to make sure I was up in plenty of time to get to the grocery store and back before we started cooking. Cassie wanted to get up until I insisted she go back to sleep. Surprisingly she didn't try to argue with me thought she did read over the list I jotted down to make sure we weren't forgetting anything. I breezed through the grocery store in record time picking out two medium sized prime rib roasts when I couldn't find one I felt was big enough plus all the fixings. The baking aisle was the only place where I had to slow down as I hunted for a few of the items Cassie needed for the dessert she was making.

I was pleased to find her still in bed when I got home and laughed when she begged my permission to get up. She was the only one who knew how to make the fancy dessert she had planned which gave me no choice but to agree with a warm smile. By the time she was dressed I had the meat seasoned and sitting in our largest roasting pan awaiting her approval before they went into the oven. She guessed right away why I had bought two roasts and praised me for making such a wise decision. With my help she was able to focus on the dessert while I took care of all the prep work on vegetables. Then together we made appetizers for when our guests arrived.

Jay was the first to arrive, looking far more upbeat since the last time we'd seen him. In months past he might not have shown up at all because of his ex-girlfriend. Cassie was upstairs taking a shower when he arrived so I entertained him near the kitchen where I could keep an eye on the stove. When Cassie came downstairs looking radiantly beautiful she noted her brother's improved demeanor and asked if he'd called Emily yet. He was quick to point out that Cassie would have heard about it from her friend but at the same time promised that he was holding onto her number until the time was right.

The ringing of our doorbell saved him from any further sisterly pestering. He knew we wouldn't mention Emily around the rest of the family when they'd just learned of his breakup with Tamara in the last couple of weeks. Marc, Julie, and their kids had arrived only to be scolded by Cassie for not coming right in when we were expecting them. Madeline's first birthday had come and gone but she was still the sweetest little baby girl imaginable. My eyes met Cassie's while we were greeting them and I could almost hear her thinking that Madeline wouldn't be the youngest member of her family for much longer. Marc and Jay were itching for a game of pool and Cassie sent me downstairs with them to act as their host. Matthew was far too small to play with us but we took turns lifting him up to watch the balls fly. He didn't seem to care who won as long as we shot the balls fast.

Mr. and Mrs. Dumont arrived about thirty minutes later. Cassie and I greeted them with handshakes and hugs in the front entrance. We parted ways there with Mr. Dumont following me downstairs and Cassie's mother going up to the kitchen with her. I found myself paying close attention to the way Cassie's father interacted with his grandson Matthew who ran over to us as soon as we got downstairs. He was full excitement to show his grandfather the latest toy that he'd brought along with him. While my brother in laws continued to play pool I sat down to watch Marcel and Matthew imagining what it would be like when it was my own child sitting in Matthew's place.

Before I could get too carried away with my day dreaming I was summoned to the kitchen to carve the roasts. I sampled the first piece and put some more on a small plate for the girls to taste. Cassie asked me to stop after the first roast was sliced and arranged on a platter. There was enough to serve everyone a first plate and we could cut into the second one as needed. Mrs. Dumont went to call the other men to the dinner table as I helped Cassie and Julie begin plating our meal. When everyone was seated I went around the table pouring red wine to accompany our dinner but no one noticed when I skipped by Cassie without even asking if she wanted any. Cassie tried to deflect the praise for dinner my way of course. I gave most of the credit right back to her and pointed out that she was entirely responsible for the dessert without giving away the surprise.

Even though we had served everyone a good-sized first serving, I was surprised when no one wanted a second helping. I gave Cassie an apologetic frown and she giggled explaining it was better to have too much food than not enough. Later we could cut up the second roast to send home with Mark and Julie, plus enough for Jay to make a few sandwiches. Her parents were staying with us for a few days and would help finish the rest. I helped Cassie make tea and coffee for our guests before she unveiled her chocolate caramel cake at the table. Matthew's eyes were as wide as saucers, and his mother and grandmother weren't far behind, as Cassie explained it was a new recipe she'd baked for the first time. There were three layers of made from scratch chocolate cake with caramel between each layer and drizzled over top of the icing. I knew it would turn out perfect with Cassie baking it but it tasted even better than anticipated.

We ate dessert slowly, sipping on our tea and coffee as we chatted like one big happy family. I kept glancing at Cassie wondering when we were supposed to tell them and wishing we had planned it better before anyone arrived. Mr. Dumont had a seemingly endless amount of cop stories to tell me and there was never a good time to say, 'Oh by the way your daughter is having my baby.' After waiting politely for one of his stories to end, I excused myself to run to the bathroom before I wet my pants. I came back expecting to find Cassie clearing the table but when I entered the dining room everyone turn to stare at me expectantly.

"I told them you had something important to say when you got back," Cassie said with an encouraging smile.

"I... uh... are you sure you want me to tell them?" I asked nervously.

"Yes I'm sure," she said standing up to come around to where I was standing. She took my hand in hers and joined her family in staring at me awaiting my big news.

"You're family now Rick, there's no need to be nervous. Whatever it is you can tell us," Mrs. Dumont said in a warm voice. I glanced at Cassie and she gave me tiny nod.

"We invited you all here today to tell you that Cassie's pregnant," I said never imagining it would feel so good. The whole room looked stunned for a moment. "I'm not sure how it happened either sir but I'll help you track down whoever is responsible," I said looking at Mr. Dumont. It made everyone laugh, him most of all.

"Oh Cassie I'm so happy for you," her mom said already crying as she rushed over to hug her daughter. Before I could blink Julie had joined them

"Having a baby is a big responsibility," Mr. Dumont said in a stern voice that startled me. Somehow a man of his size managed to sneak up on me.

"I..."

"Dad!" Cassie said in a cross voice.

"What? I'm not allowed to tease my son in law now?" he said innocently.

"You're supposed to shake his hand and give me a hug," she said.

"Congratulations my sweet little Sandra," he said engulfing her with his left arm. What completely shocked me was the way he gathered me in and hugged us both at once.

When Mr. Dumont let me go I was greeted with a barrage of hugs and handshakes from the rest of the family. Even as they were smiling at me their eyes kept drifting back to Cassie, not that I blamed them because mine did too. She was positively beaming as her family congratulated her over and over again. In the midst of the jubilation Julie gave me another hug and made me laugh by asking why it took so long. I knew her family would be happy to learn Cassie was pregnant but actually experiencing it was truly remarkable. As they continued to offer their congratulations I sat down next to Madeline's highchair to stare at my wife in awe of how happy she looked.

I didn't think when Madeline started to cry I just reacted and picked her up in my arms. Cassie noticed first and soon everyone was looking at me. They kept watching as Cassie came over to give me a hug and soft kiss while being careful not to crush her niece between us. Julie smiled at me and said I was doing well but it was time to check her diaper. I admitted to never having changed one by myself but had seen Cassie do it enough while we were baby-sitting Madeline that I was willing to give it a try.

Cassie and I took the baby upstairs to one of the spare bedrooms where Cassie spread a large towel on the bed for me. The moment I took her diaper off I knew why she'd started to cry. Cassie took the dirty diaper from me and put it into a plastic trash bag. I'd seen Cassie change enough diapers that what to do next came naturally. In no time I had wiped her clean, sprinkled her little bottom with baby powder, and put a fresh diaper on her that was in no immediate danger of falling off or leaking. The women of the family all proclaimed it a job well done though it was the happy giggles of baby Madeline that meant the most to me.

We spent the rest of the evening downstairs where the only distraction from the conversation was Matthew's occasional interruption to show off another of his toys. Cassie's family seemed to take great joy in trying to scare me over my impending fatherhood but I shrugged off their endless warnings in stride. Mr. Dumont finally asked me pointblank what it would take to get a rise out of me. When I explained that as long as I was with his daughter I knew our child would be fine no matter how badly I might screw up he smiled and nodded. My sweet Canadian girl gave me a hug and kiss that made her family make awe sounds. She then proceeded to tell them that I was going to be a great father in a voice that dared someone to disagree.

Matthew beginning to fall asleep in a seat near mommy or daddy was Marc and Julie's normal signal to get ready to go home and that night was no exception. Our goodbyes at the front door were longer than normal. If I didn't know it was impossible I might have been fooled into thinking Julie was as excited as us. She loved Cassie like a sister and had grown to love me too which justified her sheer joy over learning she was going to be an aunt soon. Marc was extremely happy for us too, though he couldn't resist making a joke about controlling his wife once our baby was born. It made me laugh but the girls didn't find it quite so funny. He made amends when he whispered something into Cassie's ear that made her tear up just before they left.

Normally Jay would have left before Marc and his family did but with a lonely apartment awaiting him he opted to stay later. We were happy to keep him company and he knew he was welcomed to stay as long as he wanted. As time passed even I could tell that his parents were finding it harder and harder to skirt the subject of his ex-girlfriend. Jay picked up on it too and finally brought her up himself. I had no idea what version of the story they'd heard but when he looked at his mother and warned her he was going to be blunt I knew which version they were about to hear. As he spoke I was nodding and listening having heard it all before until he put me on the spot by asking me to tell them about the day I went to help gather his belongings. I told it exactly as I remembered it and let Jay finish from there. By the time he was done Mrs. Dumont looked beyond furious. I would have paid money to see what she'd do if Tamara came walking through the door at that moment.

It looked to me as though a huge weight had been lifted off of Jay's shoulders. I suspected that Marc had heard the full story from Jay given how close they were leaving only his parents who needed to hear the whole truth. No doubt he had wanted to spare his mother's feelings given the bond that had grown between her and the woman who she thought would be her daughter in law one day. Jay did a good job of hiding his feelings behind the happiness he felt for his sister and I but it was impossible not to notice his relief. I had a feeling he'd call Cassie's friend Emily sooner than later now.

Mr. Dumont falling asleep in his chair became our own sign to call an end to the evening. Jay accepted a warm hug from his mother who still looked rattled more than an hour after learning the whole truth behind her son's breakup. We didn't let Jay leave without a Tupperware container of roast beef to eat over the next day or two. His mother wanted to visit his apartment the following evening to make sure is was suitable for her son to live in and nothing he said to persuade her that it was perfectly livable would do. Even explaining that Cassie had already been there and brought it up to her standards wasn't good enough.

Once he left I offered Mrs. Dumont my assistance in getting her husband up to the guestroom they were staying in for the next few days. She smiled and told me to worry about helping my pregnant wife into bed. I almost said that was how she got that way in the first place but managed to bite my tongue before embarrassing everyone involved. In our bedroom I told Cassie what I'd almost said and for a moment she looked mortified, then the laughter took over. Her face turned red and her eyes filled with tears as she pictured what her mother's reaction would have been.

At some point her laughter started to subside and it was right around the time she'd undressed to stare at me longingly. I thought that perhaps it would be one of those rare nights where we didn't make love because her parents were staying with us. Then again I doubt it was a mere coincidence that Cassie had given them the bedroom furthest from ours. Her wanton expression was easy enough to read and I wasn't about to complain that my wife wanted to make love. It was my first taste of Cassie's hyperactive sex drive when she's pregnant. She has a healthy appetite for sex at all times but whenever she's carrying a child she goes through periods of uncontrollable sexual urges mixed with times when she just wants to wear her warmest pajamas and cuddle.

Over time I learned how to help her when she was feeling bad during her pregnancy. No matter how out of whack her hormones leave her feeling while she's pregnant, she's never taken it our on me or anyone for that matter. About the worst thing she'll do is sob uncontrollably and lean on me for comfort. That night was all about screwing though. Knowing our baby was growing inside her made her want me more than ever. It started with a blowjob the moment my pants came off and ended with another what seemed like hours later. Cassie was fast asleep the instant her head touched her pillow whereas I lay awake thinking about how much I loved her as I often did.

The next day at work I had Cassie's blessing to begin spreading the news that we were having a baby. The joyful smiles from people when you tell them your going to be a father never get old. Anyone who meets Cassie seems to fall in love with her instantly and the people at my office were no exception. They offered their warm congratulations to me but I could tell some of them couldn't wait to see Cassie again to let their real excitement show. I promised to pass on their well wishes to her and told them I'd ask her to stop the office by later in the week.

An email from her had become a lunchtime tradition that I always looked forward to. She never failed to sign them Love, Cassie with an xoxo below her name. Knowing she took the time to add it each and every time made me feel special. That day's email included a host of baby related links for me to browse. They included everything from baby name sites and online clothing catalogs to local preschools and medical pages. I asked how she'd found so many in one day and smiled when as expected she wrote back right away and explained she'd been browsing the sites at work during her breaks to keep me from feeling pressured at home.