Chapter One Hundred and Eighty One - Breakfast with Wifey

With both my hands gripping the steering wheel, taking quick look at Hailey seated beside me, in the passenger seat.

"I know you haven't had breakfast, so we're getting something light, before our second stop." I informed her, reverting my eyes on the road again.

Hailey's been her usual quiet self since I returned with dad and aunty, from Jerry doctor's office but I won't probe.

I'll just have to wait until I speak to Jerry later on today.

Jerry!

I'm satisfied with the doctor's explanation concerning his bypass surgery, but I'm not at ease with it. Not now, not ever!

I can't be!

"It's Jerry! My father! My best friend!

I can't afford to lose him, especially now, with a child on the way. His first grandchild!

I didn't realize my demeanor had changed, or that my hands were clenching the steering wheel, until I felt my thigh being squeeze and Hailey soft caring voice beside me.

" Hey, you okay?" She asks softly. "You want me to take the wheel?" Hailey adds hopefully. I couldn't stop the laughter that exploded out of me.

When Hailey slapped thigh, I knew I offended her and her strong desire to drive this baby here.

Taking a hand of the wheel, I caressed her knee gently.

"Now how can I allow my baby here," I squeezed her knee as I spoke for emphasis, "drive my baby here?" I cooed softly, slapping the palm of my hand against the steering wheel as I continued driving.

Laughing again as Hailey grabs my hand on her knee and roughly places it on the steering wheel, with a huff.

I didn't bother to try patronizing her, because I was searching for parking outside, Beef Grillers where I Bas and I had a late breakfast yesterday, plus it was close to our second stop.

I took a brief glance at Hailey and smiled at the twitches of the corner of her mouth as she fights to hold back a happy smile.

I know she loves this place and Peters explained why.

It is always good to support the people who support the community.

As I parked the car, Hailey was the first out of and apparently breathing in, her surroundings.

Before I switched of the engine, I took in her attire.

Bas was right, but to me she looked sexy in a simple way.

Even though her short dresses and skirts look good on her, I hate her exposing what is mines.

"Fu*k, what is wrong with me?

Mentally slapping myself, I secured my baby, before joining my other baby, wrapping an arm around her waist, to enjoy a private breakfast.

Hailey and I had the same bacon, eggs and toast, minus coffee for breakfast, because we still have lunch to get over.

After a quick run to the washroom, I return to a now empty table with my wife staring at the the bright yellow table top in front of her.

Realizing I was there, she lifted her eyes, " can you wait a bit?" She indicates the chair I just vacated. "The home is not far from here, so I ordered an early lunch for some of the staff." Hailey softly explains.

"And Emmy?" I chuckle, sitting back down to join her.

Nodding in excitement, she smiles.

Reaching across the table, I pulled her hands into mines.

"I've something to tell you. It's important and life changing for us." I started, watching her smile slowly vanishing from her face.

Without saying a word, she nods for me to continue, clutching the palms of my hand tightly, her soft lips quivering.

"Hey, it's not bad, it's good" I pulled one of my hands out of hers to caress a side of her cheek.

Forcing a smile, Hailey nods.

Lowering my eyes to our entwined hands, "we're going to be parents of two." I said quietly and lifted my eyes to meet Hailey's as she tightens her grip on mines.

"We're in this together, we'll handle it." She says and I frowned at her tears, which I expected to see, but there was so much sadness, through Hailey's forced smile.

Maybe I handle this wrong!

Maybe I should have just surprised her!

"Excuse me," I heard above our heads, causing Hailey and I to look up simultaneously at two smiling faces of Beef Grillers employees, hands packed with Hailey's order, no doubt.

Trust my wife to order for everyone.

"Would you like us to help you to the vehicle?" One of the young men ask as Hailey and I stood up.

"Sure right this way" I nod to the exit. "You paid already?" I asked Hailey softly.

Grabbing my arms, "yep, it's all covered." She smiled, tugging me along with her.

I pulled out my wallet and key as we approached the vehicle to unlock the the doors.

One of the young man, whistles as he stares at the vehicle in admiration.

He turns to Hailey, "how does it drive?" he asks, handing his bags to his coworker to place it inside.

"It's a ladies ride, isn't it?" Hailey asks, turning to me with a smirk.

With raised eyebrows, my eyes on the worker, I wait for him to continue.

"Uh," his eyes kept floating between Hailey and I nervously.

Shaking his head, without answering Hailey's question, he bolted, leaving his coworker behind, laughing, while Hailey glares at us.

I pulled out some bills and give it to Beef Grillers employee, "split it," I instructed him, but he shook his head.

"It's okay, the lady here" he responds confidently, "I mean your wife here, already handle us" he says politely.

With my hand outstretched, "it's from me, keep it." I insisted, but he turned to Hailey.

Chuckling, "take it and tell him I said thanks, for trying" she encouraged him.

Taking the tip from me, "thank you" he says gratefully, Harvey's got his Chemistry books covered here." he responds proudly, flicking the bills against his palms, grinning happily.