“Why do they call it morning sickness anyway? Are you only sick in the morning?” I was really curious about this.

Jenna’s smile got bigger. “I wish I knew.”

I was glad to temporarily help her forget her nausea. Little did she know a big surprise was waiting for her when she got home. I was just glad I didn’t have to twist her arm to get her to cooperate. Jenna agreeing to go home only indicated how much her sickness was affecting her. I felt so bad for her.

When I had first found out about women’s monthly cycles, I was glad that I wasn’t one. Now, watching Jenna and what she was going through, and knowing what she would be going through, I was most certainly glad I was not a woman.

Jenna

I stepped into the apartment, dropped my workbag next to the sofa, and draped my coat on it. I was so tired and exhausted, my insides felt like they were doing somersaults. A bitter taste lingered in my mouth and though I was hungry, the thought of food made the feeling worse. The strong need to vomit took over, so I rushed to my room.

Seeing a figure from the corner of my eyes, I screamed for dear life as my heart leapt out of my chest.

“Jenna, it’s me.” Max ran to me and held me until I was able to calm my shaking body.

I pulled back. “What are you doing here? I mean...I’m happy to see you.” I gripped his white T-shirt tightly. “Don’t scare me like that ever again.” My voice was stern. I didn’t mean to sound irate. I was already aggravated from not feeling well.

“I’m sorry, babe.” He kissed my forehead. “I wanted to surprise you.”

“You surprised me all right. Is that the reason Matthew wanted me to go home so badly? He was very convincing, you know, but he didn’t have to try too hard. I don’t feel good today. Sometimes I think I’m getting better, but then days like this happen,” I sulked.

“I know, babe. It’s the reason why I took today off. I cancelled my appointments so I could take care of you. You’ve lost weight and you look drained. You’re making me worried. I’d like to go to your next appointment with you.”

“You would?” I sounded surprised.

Max arched his brows and cupped my face. “Of course I would. Why wouldn’t I? I told you I would be there for you every step of the way, and I meant it.”

Wrapping my arms around the nape of his neck, I hugged him tightly in response. He knew my answer by my gesture...he always did.

Max released me and held my hand. “Let’s get you something to eat. I didn’t take off work so I could scare you.”

“I’m not hungry,” I fibbed. Somehow I found the strength to not act as sick as I felt in front of Max. He made me too happy.

One of his eyes narrowed at me while his lips pursed. His forehead creased. It was one of his hottest expressions that made me melt. Yup, he could make me do anything with that look alone.

“I don’t believe you.” He tugged me to the kitchen. “I made you homemade organic chicken soup with organic onions, carrots, celery, and fresh made noodles.” Max opened the lid and the smell of something delicious filled my nostrils. Why I didn’t smell this mouthwatering aroma when I first walked in was beyond me.

Hunger pangs struck me like they had never done before, then tears started pouring. My pregnancy hormones were kicking in strong.

“What’s wrong, babe? You don’t have to eat. I’m sorry. Shit...I didn’t mean to be so demanding,” Max rambled. His hands reached for me, then stopped. He looked confused on how to comfort me.

Wiping my tears with my back to him, I turned to him with a smile. “These are happy tears. Thank you. You’re so good to me. I would love to have some soup now.”

Max took me to the dinner table and, though he didn’t need to, helped me settle in my seat. He came back with a bowl of soup and crackers. I didn’t even know they made organic crackers. Leave it to Max to find me some.

“Only the best for my family.” With a smile, he handed me a spoon. Finally, he got a bowl for himself as well and sat next to me.

Warmth soothed my throat and down to my empty, achy stomach at the first sip. The more I ate, the less pangs I felt in my stomach. I couldn’t eat it all, but I ate enough.

“I guess our baby was asking for Daddy’s chicken soup,” I commented. Feeling satisfied, and with the nausea fading, I felt good for the first time...just a little bit better.

Max finished his last sip. “I have to say, I make one hell of a chicken soup.”

I nodded to agree. “Yes, you do.”

“I made a large pot for you.” Max winked.

“Thank you so much,” I gushed, gazing into his eyes while caressing his cheek. Max leaned into the palm of my hand and kissed it.

“Time for you to rest and time for me to work.” After taking me to my room, Max helped me out of my clothes into more comfortable ones. He lifted the covers and helped me into bed. When he’d cleared the dishes away, he laid next to me with the computer on his lap.

“Are you staying the night?”

“I’m right here, babe.” Max gave me kiss on my cheek and shuffled the blanket closer to my body. “I’m not going anywhere. We’ll have chicken soup for dinner unless you want something else. I’ll have to go to work tomorrow, but I’ll be back.”

“I should go to work tomorrow.”

“Only if you think you feel up to it. Matthew told me the layout was finished. He can take it from there. You need to take care of you and baby first. So whatever you need, it will be taken care of.”