Chapter 106: Naming the LJs

Monday, Hath was still feeling out of sorts, and got on the boards to talk to her friends. She knew she should talk to David, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. How did she tell the man she loved that she enjoyed it when his best friend and boss kissed the shit out of her, and she was reluctant to crawl into bed with another friend for a joke because she was afraid not of him but of what she would do? She couldn’t talk to her mother or her other friends about this, because they wouldn’t understand. The jokes that were played were harmless ones, but you had to really know the guys and their dynamics to know that.

Otherwise, it looked like they were a bunch of moral-less heathens.

She felt awful, guilt-ridden that she had these visceral, sexual reactions to Jon and Richie, and talked to Lucy and Stephanie about it. They told her that it was a normal reaction to those particular two guys; Richie because of Hath’s 20-year crush on the man, and Jon because well, he was Jon, and damned near irresistible. They were quite convincing, and Hath felt much better for having talked to them. Stephanie and Lucy asked if they were going to find out about the genders of the babies, and Hath smiled. It was that moment that David started into the office.

His heart swelled when he saw his love looking and acting more like herself. She was talking to the computer as she typed, and he chuckled softly, knowing she was on the board. David went down to the studio and got on the board himself. He thanked Lucy and Stephanie for whatever it was that they were saying that made Hath smile. Lucy told him that she just needed reassurance, and the smile fell from his face.

“Reassurance?” he typed. “She isn't having second thoughts about the wedding is she? Is THAT why she's been so sad this week? Dammit!!! Why the hell wouldn't she tell ME about this?” His heart was pounding and he felt sick. Lucy backpedaled fast, saying no, nothing like that, but it was a girlfriend thing, and she didn’t feel comfortable telling him about it. David was frantic. He wanted to believe her, but it must be bad if Lucy wouldn’t say anything about it.

Then Stephanie responded, saying Hath just needed some cheering up, and he spilled to her that he was freaked out because of what Lucy said. Stephanie thought about it for a couple minutes, then reluctantly told him what was going on.

PM FROM NINERGIRL TO I_HEART_THE_GIANTS
I swear to god you tell her you heard this from me I'll stop sending you treats!

She's upset about what went down with Jon and Richie and your seeming lack of reaction to what she did to Jon in your hallway. She was mortified by her reaction to both guys as she loves you and figures she shouldn't be having those kinds of reactions to anyone but you.

We told her it was normal and I reassured her that it was mostly the raging hormones going on that brought all this about. She doesn't feel she can talk to you about any of this though as they are your brothers.

We calmed her down and she seemed better. She loves you and can't wait to become Mrs. Jennilee Hathor Rashbaum. Don't doubt that.

David sat back, amazed. He had no idea that this was bothering her so much. Hell, he knew it didn’t mean anything, that it was just the kind of messing around with each other that the guys do. They’d been doing stuff like this for the last quarter-century, and Hath had seemed okay at the time. He shook his head, and replied to Stephanie.

PM FROM I_HEART_THE_GIANTS TO NINERGIRL

Is THAT what this is all about? Jesus.

Did she not notice that I couldn't stand to watch her getting hot and heavy with one of my best friends? I know it was just a, hell I don't know what it was, but I know it didn't mean anything. That doesn't mean I didn't want to put my fist through Jon's face though. I had to leave the room before I did something stupid. And I didn't think the thing with Richie was any big deal. Hell, I was closer to Lucy in bed than Richie was to Hath.

And hell, it's just biology. I saw Jon when he was leaving. Let me tell you, he isn't attracted to Hath "that way" but you'd never tell from looking at him. Hell, when Lucy and I were cuddled up in bed, I had to keep from stroking her arm, like I would Hath. Just natural reaction to the situation.

And I got to reap the full benefit of Hath’s reactions, thank-you-very-much.

Sigh. I wish she could talk to me about what's bothering her, but I won't let on that I heard anything from you. If she's feeling better, I won't bring it up. Thanks for telling me, though.

I can't wait until she's my wife, either.

Thanks, Stephanie.

~ D

He heard the doorbell and signed off the board, and went to the door. Hath met him in the hallway, and he hugged her fiercely and kissed her deeply before they opened the door together.

“Ang!” Hath shouted, and put her arms out to embrace her friend. “How are you and the bump?” She peered around Ang’s shoulder. “Where’s your baby’s daddy?”

Ang rolled her eyes. “Forgetful git, he’s meeting us in Boston on FRIDAY!” she shouted. “I only told you that a hundred times, sweetie.” She looked at David. “Hello,” she said coyly.

“Come here,” he said, and swept her into his arms. He spun her around and kissed her soundly on the lips before letting her go. He looked at Hath, and saw she was smiling. See? She knew it didn’t mean anything.

Ang followed Hath upstairs. “You stay here,” she said to David. “We girls need to catch up properly.”

“Well, don’t believe anything she says,” David said to Ang. “She’s hormonal. I’ve been nothing but absolutely perfect all the time.”

Whooping laughter floated down the stairs as the girls went to get settled.

“So,” Ang said when they got to her room. “You look awful. What’s the matter?”

“Gee, thanks, Ang,” Hath said sardonically. She sighed and spilled everything; everything about the encounter with Jon, and her rampant, evil thoughts when she was in bed with Richie, and her guilt over those feelings. Ang hugged her friend closely while she sobbed.

“You done, honey?” Ang asked. When Hath nodded, Ang flicked her forehead. “Listen you silly girl,” she went to the door and peeked out, making sure David wasn’t standing there. “I’m only going to tell you this once because it’s embarrassing as hell.” She sighed and came to sit next to Hath on the bed. “Just now? When David kissed me and picked me up and twirled me around?” Hath nodded. “Well, I got a little hot and bothered.” Hath’s expression must have been shock because Ang laughed loudly. “What, you’re the only one who lusts after someone who’s not your intended?” She was blushing furiously. “Look, you got to do what million of women have wanted to do for years. In the span of twenty four hours, you made out with Jon Bon Jovi not once, but twice, had steaming sex with David Bryan, and crawled into bed with Richie Sambora.” She shook her head. “Damn, girl, I want your life.”

Hath burst out laughing. “But I feel so guilty…”

“Don’t make me flick you again,” Ang said. “Did it mean anything?” Hath shook her head ‘no’. “Then forget about it. File it away, and relive it sometime when David’s not around. And call me when you do,” she said. “I want to live vicariously through you.”

Hath hugged her friend. “Have I told you today that I love you?”

“No,” she pouted. “But you can make it up to me, and name your daughter after me.”

“Will you name yours after me?” Hath asked, twinkle in her eye.

”Fuck no,” Ang said. “You have a weird name.”

After lunch David and Hath left for their appointment. Hath wanted Ang to come with them, but Ang refused. “This is your time,” she said. “Go, find out about the babies, then come home and tell Auntie Ang all about it.” So they did.

Hath fidgeted nervously in the waiting room with David. “It’ll be fine,” he said to her.

“I know, they’re moving around so much I know they’re ok,” Hath said. “I just hope they’re being cooperative.”

David laughed. “Even if they aren’t it’s no big deal. We can do another scan when we come back stateside in July.”

“I know,” Hath said, looking into David’s eyes. “But I wanted to do this for you.”

“And I appreciate that,” David said, “but if they’re not cooperating… well let’s face it, these are OUR kids here, they may be troublesome just for the hell of it.”

Hath smiled, and rested her head on David’s shoulder. When her name was called, they smiled and followed the nurse back to the examining area. She weighed and measured Hath, then took her blood pressure, frowning at the reading. “Your BP is a little elevated,” the nurse said. “Have you been under any undue stress lately?”

Hath slid a look at David. “Some, but it’s okay now. It shouldn’t be a problem anymore.”

The nurse nodded. “Still, I want you to come back next week to get it rechecked.”

“Uh, I can’t do that,” Hath said. “We’re getting married Saturday and are leaving for…” she trailed off and looked at David.

“Nice try, babe. ‘Somewhere tropical’ is the best you’re getting.” He looked at the nurse.

“Well, the stress of planning a wedding could be doing it.” She noted something in Hath’s chart. “When are you back?”

Hath rolled her eyes. “We’re back for a day around the 22nd, then are off to Germany.”

“You’re traveling?” The nurse was surprised. “You really think that is a good idea?”

Hath looked at David, concern in her face. David covered her hands with his. “We are traveling with a doctor and nurse,” David said. “I’m sure they can handle anything that comes up. And if they can’t, we’ll fly home right away.”

The nurse was still unconvinced, but knew all she could do was make a recommendation. “Fine. Leave the doctor’s information with Sherry at the front desk, and I’ll make sure Hath’s doctor calls him. Her. Whatever. Now,” she said, closing Hath’s chart, “let’s get you in to see the doctor.”

Hath and David followed the nurse across the hall to the examining room. Her doctor greeted them with a warm smile. “How are my babies today?” she asked.

David smiled. “They’re fine.” He put his hand protectively on Hath’s abdomen. “They’re doing great. Moving around a lot and Hath is getting so BIG!”

Hath elbowed him hard in the ribs. “Thanks a lot, babe,” she said sarcastically. “Help me heave my massive bulk up on the table, if you don’t mind.”

David chuckled and helped Hath get situated. The doctor took more measurements, squirted gel on the babies, and went to work. She looked at the babies’ growth and head size; looked at the fluid levels and generally making sure everything was as it should be. “Looking good,” she said. “Now, the million dollar question. Do you want to know?”

David and Hath looked at each other. “We do,” Hath said, taking David’s hand and squeezing.

The doctor nodded and moved the want around and squinted and peered at the baby on the left. “It looks like this one is a girl,” she said, pointing out how she could tell.

Hath looked at David. “TOLD you there was a girl in there. And if Lucy and Richie have kids and one is a boy, our daughter is NOT going to have anything to do with him.”

David laughed and kissed Hath’s forehead. “Yes, dear,” he said, and they turned back to the screen.

“And this one…” the doctor said, looking closely. “Yep, he’s a ‘he’.”

As they watched the screen, they saw their daughter punch her brother, making them laugh.

“Already with the fighting,” David said.

“What do you expect?” Hath said. “He’s hogging all the room! Just like his father.”

“Do you have names picked out yet?” the doctor asked, smiling at their bickering.

“We do,” David said, “but out mothers would slaughter us if we told anyone before we told them. I’m sure you understand.”

When they got home, they went up to the nursery and hugged for a long while. Hath looked at the two little bassinets, the two little dressers, two little everything. “Should we call our moms?”

“Whose first?” David asked.

Hath laughed. “You’re kidding, right? We have to conference them together. We would never hear the end of it if we didn’t tell them at the same time.” They got both moms on the line.

“Are you ready?” Hath asked.

“YES!” both grandmas-to-be shouted.

Hath laughed and looked at David. “There are one of each,” Hath said, and she could hear the two older women sobbing with joy.

“And their names?” Flo asked.

“Our son, we are naming ‘John Edward’ for our dads,” David said quietly, and they could hear Flo’s sniffle.

“Our daughter,” Hath said, “we are calling Laura Jean.”

They talked for a few minutes more, then went on the boards to let everyone there know the good news.