Chapter 4

CRYSTAL

 

Seeing them both with tears warms my heart. I knew that they had to have been having a very deep heart to heart and I am proud of Brooks for trying to be there for Jonah. I am proud of Brooks for all the effort he has been putting in since I gave him a second chance and I cannot wait until I say I do and get to spend the rest of my life with him. I put the steaks in the fridge so they could marinate before being out on the grill. I cleaned up my mess on the counter and then went and sat on the couch next to Brooks while he and Jonah played a football game. When they finished their game, I went back into the kitchen and began prepping the sides for dinner. I cleaned the potatoes, peeled them, and cut them up. I then put them in the pot to boil. I got the ears of corn out and shucked them. After cleaning the corn, I put them in foil to place on the grill. I prepared the glaze for the carrots and put them in a dish to go in the oven. After I cleaned up my mess, I opened the backdoor and as soon as I went to step outside I felt sick. I ran into the bathroom and emptied my stomach. Brooks came to the door and asked if I was ok and I told him I was fine and that I just got sick to my stomach. I wiped my face, brushed my teeth, and went back out into the kitchen. I began washing the few dishes that were in the sink and then went and sat on the couch. Brooks and Jonah went out back to get the grill fired up. I sat on the couch and watched them from the living room and smiled. Brooks looks genuinely happy to be out there showing Jonah how to prep the grill. I got up and put the carrots in the oven and turned the stove eye on for the potatoes to boil. I went and stood at the window and just watched my soon-to-be husband and future brother-in-law. After a few minutes, Brooks came in with Jonah right behind him and I told Brooks that I had the potatoes and carrots cooking. He walked over to me and kissed me. Jonah started gagging and Brooks and I both laughed. 

After Brooks put the steaks on the grill, I finished up the sides and set them aside until he brought the steaks in. I set the table and made us all a glass of sweet tea. Jonah came into the kitchen and asked if I was ok. I told him I was fine but he gave me a look that said he didn't believe me.

"Crystal, I have been here since last night and we have barely spoken today. What is going on with you?" He asked. 

"I promise you I am fine, Jonah. Just a little tired today." I said as I put the napkins on the table.

"Crystal, you won't even look at me right now. Look me in the eyes and tell me nothing is wrong."

Before I even had a chance to open my mouth I took off to the bathroom and began throwing up. Jonah stood at the bedroom door until I came out of the bathroom. 

"Now, don't try to tell me you are fine, Crystal. What is going on with you?" He said as I headed back into the kitchen.

"Jonah, I told you I am fine. Just dealing with some stress." 

"I swear Brooks better not be the cause of it. I will never speak to him again if he has done something to hurt you again." He said and he balled his fist up. 

"No Jonah, Brooks didn't do anything to hurt me. Brooks has been doing everything he can to show me he does love me and I couldn't be happier with how he has been." I said.

Brooks came in with the steaks and I went and got the sides and sat them on the table. I sat down and mouthed to Jonah to drop it and he just stared at me. Brooks asked if I was ok and I nodded. He asked if I had gotten sick again because I looked a little pale. I told him I had but I was fine. While we were in the middle of eating, Jonah looked up at me and then looked at Brooks and back at me. 

"Oh, my god." Jonah yelled.

"What in the hell are you yelling Oh my god for, Jonah?" Brooks asked. 

"Your, your, Oh my god Brooks you didn't. Tell me you didn't." Jonah said as he looked between Brooks and I.

"What are you talking about, Jonah?" Brooks asked. 

"YOU GOT HER PREGNANT!" Jonah yelled as he stood up. 

I just put my head down. Brooks didn't say anything. 

"Brooks, tell me the truth." Jonah said as he stood there. 

"Yes, Jonah. Crystal and I are having a baby. We didn't plan it but we have both come to terms with it and are excited." Brooks said as he held my hand. 

"I wanted to wait to tell everyone together, Jonah. I am sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I haven't been to the doctor yet and we were going to wait until we knew how far along I was and made sure the baby was healthy before asking our families to come over so we could tell y'all." I said with tears streaming down my face. 

Jonah came over to me and wrapped his arms around me and hugged me tightly. 

"I am not mad at you, Crystal. I am happy for you and my brother. As long as you are both happy that's all that matters to me." Jonah said. 

Jonah went and hugged Brooks and we finished our dinner. We took Jonah home and asked him not to tell Ashley or Ray. When we were heading back to the house, Brooks passed our road. 

"Where are we going, baby?" I asked as I looked over at him.

"I don't know yet my love but I don't want to go home right now." He said as he kept his eyes on the road. 

I didn't say anything else I just grabbed Brooks's hand and held it. We drove for a while and I had no clue where we were when we stopped but Brooks got out of the car and came around to my door and opened it. I got out and he led me through some trees and when we stopped, the sight in front of me was absolutely beautiful. We were standing in front of a lake that the sun was setting over and it reflected beautifully. Brooks sat down on the ground and pulled me into his lap and we just sat there watching the sunset.