Free [Ravage MC 03.75] - Rattle Me by Ryan Michele Page A

with my size that it’s okay even at 23 weeks, but to be prepared to balloon out soon. I still feel huge, I can’t imagine what ballooning out will entail. I toss on a t-shirt and head out to the kitchen.
    “Hey, bitch!” I jump at Harlow’s words, clutching my chest. Shit.
    “You scared the shit out me.” I move to the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water, and taking it down in a few huge gulps.
    “Figured you were getting ready.” She climbs up to the kitchen island, perches there and smiles.
    “What?”
    “You excited to go shopping?” I know Harlow isn’t. She’s not that type of woman, but she does it for me and that is why I love her so.
    “Actually, I am. We have nothing and it’s time.” A honking outside catches our ears.
    Harlow hops off the stool. “That’s Ma, let’s go find ya some stuff.” She moves to the door and stops, turning to look at me. She grabs my cheek and my eyes widen in surprise. “I’m proud of you, little mommy.” She kisses me on my nose and my heart grows even more for this woman. She turns quickly and heads out the door before I can say anything. I follow with a huge smile on my face.
     

     
    “What about this?” Harlow holds up an adorable little pink dress with zebra print on it. Lace and ruffles line the bottom and the matching booties are the cutest thing I have ever seen.
    “We don’t know if it’s a girl.” But I really like this dress.
    “We can get it and if it’s not, bring it back.” We sure could.
    “If you want. We need to get diapers, bottles, pacifiers—all that kind of stuff. We are starting out with a blank slate here.” The more I think about it the more I realize how seriously unprepared we are at the house. My anxiety starts to stir. I take some deep breaths and feel it ease just a bit.
    Ma pats me on the arm and rubs it up and down reassuringly. “I know you’re new to this, that’s why I’m here. I’m here every step, any questions you have. I’m here.” Tears well in my eyes, freaking hormones. Damn, I love this woman.
    “Thanks, Ma.”
    “You can ask me anything and I’ll answer as honest as I can. I don’t care if it’s because you’re concerned about the color of the baby’s poop.” I startle at her words.
    “Wouldn’t it be normal color?” I’m quite puzzled by this. I haven’t been around babies, well, ever. Baby poop is different colors? I mean what does that even mean? This conversation is stirring me back up. Shit.
    “Normal is a lot of things. When the baby gets here, I’ll help you through it all.” Relief consumes me and I let out a deep breath. Ma will be here.
    “What else do I need to know?” I feel very inept about taking care of this little bundle. No matter how many books I read or times I look things up on the internet, I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready.
    Ma full out laughs. “Oh, babe. Everything. I see the panic in your eyes. It will all be okay. I promise you. It’s scary, but so very worth it.”
    I nod slowly, feeling like my brain hasn’t fully caught up. I shake my head. “So, what do I need?”
    Ma and Harlow give each other a look, then Ma speaks. “Lots, but let’s look at the bedding. I loved picking it out for my kids.”
    Crimson splatters my face. “We don’t have a bed yet.” GT and I really haven’t talked about that yet. I know the doctor told me to focus on the baby’s room. I just hadn’t gotten around to it yet.
    “Well, let’s start there! Cribs and bedding!” Ma exclaims and Harlow groans a bit, but follows us along. I know she’s happy; she’s just not a shopper. I love her.
    After three hours on my feet and several bags of baby stuff, we climb in the truck. We still have no bed or bedding because I couldn’t pick one out, but I still have time. My body aches from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. Ma turns the car on and begins to drive. My eyes flutter to sleep.
    “Wake up, hoochie.” Harlow’s voice pulls me from sleep as she pokes me in