“The line was pretty big and they pretended they left something behind,” Joy started, a smile on her features. “We ended up having to ride together. It was really awkward. I talked a mile per minute because I was nervous, and when I get nervous I end up talking a lot more. Then the ride shook abruptly, causing me to stumble. And you caught me.”
She laughed, shaking her head as she remembered.
“It was straight out of a cliche movie.”
Bryce smiled fondly at the memory. “Yeah, but it was a very memorable moment… I think that was when I first started to really fall for you, or when I realized I was, anyway. You were so cute when you couldn’t stop chattering your mouth off.”
Joy reached up to slightly smack him on the shoulder.
“I was glad I didn’t listen and just wore simple clothes,” Joy laughed. “But really, that’s the first time you mentioned falling for me. Was it really that time you realized it?”
“Mmhm… You really were beautiful that day with the wind in your hair, your cheeks flushed pink, and your smile wide,” Bryce mused lovingly, smiling down at her.
Joy blushed shades of red, ducking her head to hide the smile on her face.
“I—I thought I looked absolutely ridiculous,” she stammered. “You were there and I had no idea you were, and it took me off guard and I started acting like an idiot, and then I embarrassed myself a lot in front of you—like when I was eating ice cream in scoops and I licked it and it fell off—“ Joy, realizing she started to ramble, shut her mouth, her cheeks reddening. “Um… yeah…”
Bryce chuckled and gently kissed her. “There’s my pride and Joy… All flustered from something as little as a compliment. You’re an amazing woman, dear.”
Joy stood on her toes and kissed him on the lips, smiling bashfully at his comment, his kiss, and the way he used her name in that sentence.
“It’s because you’re giving the compliments…” she mumbled. “Otherwise I wouldn’t be as flustered…”
“How can I not give compliments to my beautiful, amazing girlfriend?” Bryce murmured, kissing her forehead.
Joy nuzzles his cheat, grateful beyond words.
“You’re amazing,” she murmured.
“You are the amazing one,” Bryce said softly. “I still can’t beleive you’re mine…”
“No matter what happens…” Joy started quietly. “I always will be.”
Bryce smiled and leaned down to kiss her gently. “I love you.”
Joy wrapped her arms around Bryce’s shoulders, pulling herself up a little.
“I love you, too!”
Bryce chuckled softly and kissed her again. “C’mon, let’s head to bed, now. You’ve had an exciting day.”
Joy nodded.
“I’m tired,” she said, though she knew Bryce could see it very well. He knew her better. “Sleep with me.”
“Always, dearest,” Bryce said softly before grinning and picking her up. He pressed yet another gentle kiss to her lips as he carried her to their room.
A week had passed since they found out that they were expecting. Joy has gotten a little more energetic and moody than usual, but she tried hard not to let it come between herself and Bryce. She couldn’t help but get annoyed first thing in the morning.
Mostly because…
Joy shot up from bed, slapping a hand over her mouth, her vision going hazy for a second before she pulled herself to her feet and made her way towards the bathroom. She barely made it to the toilet before her stomach gave out and made her release whatever that was left in her system.
Bryce rolled over and felt the empty place beside him where Joy usually was. He furrowed his eyebrows when he realized she wasn’t there, then shot up when his ears finally caught the sounds coming from the bathroom.
He stumbled to his feet and hurried to the bathroom, seeing Joy sitting beside the toilet. He immediately walked over and held her hair back, rubbing her back soothingly.
Joy didn’t think she finished. She barely felt Bryce rub her back soothingly. The only thing she felt were her burning eyes and throat.
“I hate this,” she forced out, turning her face away so Bryce couldn’t see the possible vomit on her face.
“It’ll be over soon, babe… Just gotta wait a little bit longer,” Bryce murmured gently. “I’m sure the baby will be worth it all. Don’t you think so?”
“Of course the baby is,” Joy almost snapped, but held herself back. Bryce didn’t deserve it. He was just being gentle with her. “But why morning sickness?”
She reached out for the toilet paper and wiped her mouth before she stood up shakily, flushing the toilet.
Bryce shrugged and pulled her into a loose hug, kissing her forehead. “I don’t know, love… What I do know is that it’ll go away eventually. You just have to be patient and wait it out… Do you want to shower? I can let you go first if you do.”
Joy leaned into his embrace, hiding her face in his chest and sighing deeply.
“Shower with me,” she murmured. “I don’t want to be alone. Please?”
“Of course… Anything you want,” Bryce whispered softly, kissing the side of her head. “Do you want to get your clothes now? Or should we just get in?”
“We’ll get them later,” Joy murmured, kissing him in the shoulder. “So it’s fine.”