Taking Chances
Title: Taking Chances (21/?)
Author:
appassionata1
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: 2,554
Pairings: Noah/Reid
Warnings: Mpreg, Strong Language, Graphic SexSummary: A handsome, middle aged doctor named Reid Oliver and a hot, young culinary student named Noah Mayer meet by chance at a Chicago bakery on a frigid January morning. As their attraction for one another grows, will they be bold enough to take a chance at falling in love?
Disclaimer: Noah and Reid are characters which are property of CBS and Telenext Media. No copyright infringement is intended.
By the time Winston and Charlene ended their visit the nursery for the baby was completely furnished and well stocked with everything a newborn would ever need. Reid felt guilty about Noah’s parents spending so lavishly on things for their baby when he was so wealthy, but he didn’t want to hurt their feelings by refusing their gifts.
In the next few months, Noah completed his first year at culinary school and passed his final exams with excellent marks. He and Reid celebrated with a romantic dinner at a cozy restaurant at the Rosedale Inn, far away from the city. They spent a delightful weekend there making good use of the king sized bed and the large soaking tub. And yes, Reid was as randy as ever even though he was well into his third trimester. His health was now excellent and so was the baby’s. They had previously had all the tests done that would detect any abnormalities, including an amniocentesis. The results were all negative ruling out any birth defects or Down syndrome.
During the last days of Reid’s pregnancy he was crankier than ever and more than ready to deliver the baby. At times his back ached, he was rushing to the bathroom every couple of hours, and his ankles were swollen. He was very uncomfortable sleeping, standing, or sitting, and worst of all - the baby was overdue!
Funnily enough Reid being overdue was good news for Jessica. She had been so busy running the shop that she didn’t have time to throw a baby shower for Reid. She had visited Noah and Reid several times and already knew they had everything they needed for the baby, however she still wanted to do something special for the guys she loved so much and their baby.
One Saturday morning while Reid was sleeping soundly, Noah slipped out of bed and as quietly as he could manage and decorated the house while Jessica and Deb set up everything else for the party. Following their masterful plan, the guests arrived and remained quiet until everyone was assembled. Reid was awakened by the aroma of coffee, country ham, and fresh baked biscuits. He had a long restful sleep thanks to a back massage by Noah the night before and awoke with a smile on his face. His sweet boyfriend was preparing breakfast and he was eager for a romantic meal for two and perhaps a little loving afterwards. He got out of bed as fast as his heavily pregnant body could take him and showered, shaved, and got dressed.
When every detail was in place for the party Noah casually strode into the bedroom and found his boyfriend about to leave the room.
“Morning babe,” he greeted with a smile and kissed him on the cheek. “Look at you all dressed and ready for breakfast.”
“Morning sweetheart. You know there’s no better alarm clock than the smell of delicious food to get this one up and at ‘em. Besides there’s no better aphrodisiac than ham and eggs, I’ve been told.” He playfully patted and then squeezed Noah’s butt cheek.
Noah chuckled, “Hey, you’re insatiable! Can’t you wait until after we eat?”
Reid shrugged and replied, “Eh, I suppose so, but this food had better be pretty damn delicious!”
“Well maybe this will suffice until later.” Noah pulled him into a hug and they shared a passionate kiss.
Reid said with a huge grin, “Ah yes that will do nicely… for now.”
Holding hands they walked down the long corridor and turned the corner to enter the living room. Noah entered first and a few seconds later as Reid followed, everyone shouted surprise!
Reid was genuinely surprised. He gasped and instinctively put a hand to his heart. Noah placed his arms around him and kissed him on the cheek. Reid jokingly whispered in Noah’s ear, “Why you sneaky little shit. I thought I heard weird noises out here. You’ll get what’s coming to you later.”
With a huge grin Noah whispered, “Promise?”
The group rushed toward them and surrounded Reid, each taking their turn greeting him with a hug and a kiss.
The party was more of a friendly luncheon instead of a baby shower since Noah and Reid had everything they needed for their little one and then some. But it was impossible to have too many diapers and cans of formula and baby toiletries so the guests gave gift cards to stores that carried those items in bulk. They also gifted them with certificates for treats like a day at the spa and romantic getaways and coupons to babysit so the couple could enjoy some time to themselves after the baby arrives. Among the guests were Noah’s friends from work and school and Reid’s co-workers from the university and his office, even Dr. Wolf was invited and quickly became the life of the party. Reid didn’t mind at all putting up with his silly jokes. He was actually very touched by him being there, because he knew he’d much rather be on a golf course somewhere.
Jessica and Deb provided the food, a huge spread of brunch delicacies including homemade pastries and biscuits and a huge beautifully decorated cake from her shop. All Reid and Noah were required to do was to sit back and allow their dear friends to serve them. Even so, Noah kept asking Reid what it was he needed as it was his habit to pamper his pregnant boyfriend. They all had a wonderful time telling funny stories, enjoying delectable food and spending time together. Reid sat at the head of the table with his loving boyfriend at his side and looked at all the happy smiling faces surrounding him and his heart overflowed with love and appreciation.
He had lived most of his life as a solitary man and believed he didn’t need anything except his work to make him happy. He was so wrong. He needed Noah as much as he needed air to breathe and he loved this beautiful man more than he thought it was possible to love anyone. He would soon have his baby and nothing in the world made him happier. He became a little choked up while thinking about it. He reached over and gently grasped Noah’s hand then brought it to his lips and kissed it. Noah smiled at him and Reid mouthed I love you before he released it. Noah’s luminous face echoed Reid’s sentiment as he gazed at him and tenderly kissed him on the cheek.
Just then Dr Wolf shouted, “Hey, when are you going to cut the cake?”
Reid quipped, “For Pete’s sake Wolf, keep your pants on. We’d like to first say a few words. Then you can stuff your face with cake.” This elicited laughter from the group. He and Noah stood to address their guests. Reid began with, “I can’t thank you all enough for coming here today to celebrate with us. As much as I hate surprises I must admit that I’m having a great time.”
Noah chimed in, “We both would like to especially thank Jessica who organized everything and provided all this delicious food and Deb who brought the decorations.”
Reid smiled, lifted his glass of apple juice, and announced, “To Jessica and Deb, two amazing ladies.” The others did likewise. “And now it’s time to cut the cake!”
When Reid picked up the knife he felt a strange twinge in his chest and grimaced. Then he slowly sat back down in his chair. Noah noticed this and whispered, “What’s wrong baby?”
Rubbing his chest, Reid replied, “I seem to have a serious case of indigestion. The sausages were delicious, albeit a little too spicy. Can you please bring me a glass of ginger ale?”
Noah answered, “Sure thing,” and went into the kitchen and brought back a tall glass of ginger ale then handed it to him. “Maybe you’d better leave the cake until later.”
Reid took a sip and conceded, “I think you might be right. Thanks babe.”
Jessica also noticed the sign of discomfort on Reid’s face and became worried. She quickly rose from her seat and approached them, “You just sit there and relax and let me do the honors.” She smiled, picked up the knife, and began cutting the cake. Both Noah and Reid thanked her.
Reid was starting to perspire. He jumped when he felt a strong kick from the baby and at the same time a sharp pain assaulting his lower back.
Deb joined Jessica offering, “I give you a hand,” then assisted her with serving the cake to the guests. Reid felt another kick, this one stronger than the previous one along with the sudden urge to urinate. A panicked look crossed his face when he tried to rise from his seat, but it was too late. Noah saw this, but could do nothing to help him. Reid had wet his pants. Trying not to show his embarrassment for his boyfriend Noah placed his hands on his shoulders and then with one hand rubbed up and down his back. To soothe him as best he could. Reid was looking pale and a little dazed and Noah became frightened. Before he could inquire again about his health, Reid beckoned for him to bend down so he could whisper in his ear. He calmly informed him, “Noah… my water broke.”
Noah was so concerned about him it didn’t quite register what he had said at first, then it suddenly hit him and he repeated, “Your water broke?” He looked at Reid and he was smiling and nodding. Noah shouted at the top of his lungs, “His water broke! Reid’s having the baby!”
Reid couldn’t resist chuckling at Noah’s boyish enthusiasm. Noah was more nervous than Reid was as he dashed to the bedroom to get the overnight bag that he had prepared to take to the hospital. Dr. Wolf put down his fork and helped Reid out of his chair then assisted him to the bedroom.
Noah looked truly flustered when he saw them enter the room. He nervously blurted out, “Reid you shouldn’t be walking should you?! Are you in any pain babe? Let me carry you!”
“Noah, Noah please I’m fine; just a little weak right now. My labor hasn’t officially started. I just want to get cleaned up and change my clothes before we go to the hospital. I can’t very well leave the house like this, now can I?” He indicated his stained clothing with a wave of his hand.
Noah, never having experienced assisting someone in labor before didn’t know what to think. He wanted to get his boyfriend to the hospital immediately and was considering calling an ambulance to do it. Placing his hands on Reid’s shoulders he shouted, “Reid you don’t have time for that! Does he have time for that Dr. Wolf?!”
He smirked and answered, “Don’t look at me kid. I’m not that kind of doctor.” He and Reid laughed.
Reid was now concerned about Noah. He smiled at him and soothed, “Sweetheart, I’ll be just fine, but you on the other hand need to relax. Breathe, baby breathe.” Reid rested his hand on the nape of Noah’s neck, then pulled his head toward him and kissed his forehead.
Noah breathed deeply a few times trying desperately to calm his nerves. He felt a bit silly being so rattled by what was transpiring because Reid was the one about to face so much more than he was and he seemed like he wasn’t fazed at all. He realized he had to be strong for him. “I’m ok now babe. I really am. I’ll run a bath for you and get you something to wear.”
Jessica took charge of the party, apologizing for it ending so abruptly although nobody complained due to the circumstances. They respectfully left, asking to be kept abreast of any news about the arrival Noah and Reid’s baby girl. Jessica and Deb stayed behind to put away the leftovers and clean up.
As Noah was helping Reid get dressed Dr. Wolf poked his head in the doorway of the bedroom and said, “Kid since you’re a bundle of nerves and Oliver is certainly in no condition to drive. I’ll take you guys to the hospital. Just let me know when you’re ready.”
Reid responded sarcastically saying, “Wolf, please tell me you didn’t come here in that ridiculous little sports coupe you usually drive because there’s no way…”
“Relax Oliver! I drove the Mercedes. So there’s plenty of room for you to stretch out on the back seat and if you need to…” His voice trailed off as he imagined Reid giving birth in the back seat of his cherished vehicle. “Oh hell! Let’s get you to the damn hospital, stat!”
Reid rolled his eyes at him and replied, “Don’t worry you clown. I haven’t officially gone into la… oh shit!” Reid screeched as he was gripped by the most intense pain he had ever felt in his life.
Noah’s eyes popped. “Oh my God! It’s started. Get the car Dr. Wolf! Get the car!”
Dr. Wolf, startled by Noah’s outburst shoved his hand into his pocket, dug out his car keys, and dashed out of the condo. Seeing this, Jessica and Deb looked at each other and chuckled. Jessica said through her laughter, “I’m guessing Reid is in full blown labor now.” And they immediately rushed off to the bedroom.
Now Reid was grunting and breathing through the pain as Noah tried to keep him calm comforting him by rubbing circles on his back. Both men looked up when they saw the women enter the room. Reid’s first contraction was now subsiding and he was able to speak again. Still breathing heavily he said, “Thanks for everything ladies.” He turned to Noah and said, “Babe, I think we’d better get to the hospital pretty damn quick.”
“Sure thing, c’mon babe,” Noah helped him up from the bed and tightly held onto him as they slowly walked through the house and out of the door. Deb followed, carrying Reid’s bag.
When Noah reached for it Deb said, “Uh, uh just keep on walking. I’m coming with you.” Noah smiled and thanked her.
Jessica said, “Hand me your keys sweetheart. I’ll meet you at the hospital later. I’ll finish here first and lock up for you.”
Halfway to the elevator Noah shouted, “Thanks Jess,” without turning around. Reid just lifted his hand giving a slight wave in acknowledgement. Jessica stood and watched the three of them as the elevator arrived and they disappeared inside it. She was overjoyed and tears welled in her eyes and flowed down her cheeks.
When they come back home they will be bringing their beautiful little baby girl with them. There has never been a couple more in love or more deserving of a happy family than them.
Jessica thought about their past relationship issues and Reid’s accident. A feeling of foreboding washed over her and she began to sob harder as she prayed aloud, “Dear God, please bless them with an easy birth and a healthy child. They have already been through too much sadness and pain. Please send your angels to watch over them and keep them safe… amen.”
(Chapter 22)