The Bump That Led to Love

A girl named Maria Lopez was doing her daily routine. She went to the grocery store and was looking for peppers so she could try this recipe she saw on the internet and a guy named Andrew Anderson bumped into her by accident. She then was startled and didn’t know what to say at that exact moment. After that Maria got diffident and then they said sorry and went about their days. Andrew watched as she walked away and he hoped that he would see her again someday soon. Maria kept having flashbacks of the whole innocent, but she did not pay it any mind and kept running her errands. Maria went to the mall to spoil herself so she could gloat and flaunt just a little. Andrew went home and called his best friend Tony and told him “Man I was at the store getting groceries and I accidentally bumped into this lady, she was so beautiful and it was almost like love at first sight.” Tony responded “Well did you get her number idiot?” He said “No, you know I’m not straight forward like that, but next time I see her I’ll build up the confidence to do so.” After that they continued to talk on the phone having normal guy talk and then Andre had to hang up to go cook dinner and Tony needed to get ready to go out since he was a ladies man. When they hung up Andrew sat there thinking “I don’t want to be like Tony I want a healthy and loving relationship that will last and for her to be my soulmate so we can grow old together.”

The next day Maria was even more busy, she was the CEO of a company that planned extracurricular events for children that had any type of malady. She had been working there for almost 4 years and she loved every moment of her career. Maria’s mother Mía worked with children who had Autism therefore she grew up to have a soft spot for them and everyone in general therefore that led her into going into the field to help those with disabilities. Lopez got a lot of esteem and sweet letters from the kids and their families that is why she is very compassionate and modest. Maria was called into her boss’s office to have a meeting, she was very nervous because she had many contemplating thoughts “Am I going to get fired? Is someone else taking my position? Did I forget to turn in my paperwork last week?” She didn’t know what to think or do. Maria walked in and he saw the look of worry in her eyes and said “I’ve hired someone else who is taking your position.” with the most stern face possible, she didn’t know what to do but began to have water in her eyes and he looked at her and a grin appeared on his face “I’m just kidding you’re getting a promotion!” Lopez whipped her eyes and started smiling “Thank you so much I didn’t know what to expect haha!” He continued to tell her that she was now in charge of every event that is to be planned and their coworkers will now be coming to her and himself if they had questions. She was excited for the news and called her mother right after work. Mía told Maria that her father would be so proud of her and how much she has accomplished since she graduated from college. The next event she was in charge of was a halloween themed labyrinth. While at her desk reading the list of kids coming she saw a girl named Ciera Anderson, then she got very baffled. Maria then looked up who Ciera’s father was and it was Andrew they guy she literally just saw yesterday. Part of her job was calling the parents so they were aware of the time, date, and theme of the event that their child or children were getting invited to. She called Mr.Anderson and he automatically recognized her voice and they talked for an hour laughing and so forth. She made the call around 12:45 pm and didn’t hang up until 1:50 pm, almost 2 o’clock. That led to Andrew asking Maria to go to dinner and drinks on Friday evening at 8:30. She was very hesitant because she didn’t want to mix business with pleasure, but she gave it a moment of consideration and said yes!

It was Friday and Maria was at work a little side tracked because she had this date on her mind all day. When it was time Maria had butterflies in her stomach as if she had never been out before. She was in her bedroom mirror giving herself a talk “You’ll be fine he’s a good looking guy and actually seems interested in you just open up and have fun.” She put on an outfit she purchased from the mall and looked beautiful yet she put extra blush on to hide her rosy cheeks. Maria arrived at the restaurant and the host knew who she was as soon as she came to be seated and she was flattered. Eventually Andrew walked in ten minutes after her and she automatically thought “Whew his walk has a lot of swagger to it and he has so much humility.” Before he sat down he said “Good evening you look stunning” and kissed her on her cheek and she got so nervous so she tended to cough when she got nervous which made him ask her if she was okay a lot during their dinner. They talked about everything from their childhood to their adulthood now that it started to feel like they knew each other forever, but Maria brought up Ciera but was very cautious doing so because she didn’t want to cross any boundaries considering it was the first date. Andrew said that he did not mind talking about her and said “Thank you for asking, most people just ask without thinking if I’m going to be uncomfortable or not.”

He explained that he was a single father since Ciera’s mother found out that she had a malady and could have an infirmity at their third ultrasound. “Ciera is a sweet, funny, and smart kid. I would do anything in this world for my baby girl.” Listening to Andrew talk to Maria she knew he was a good and amazing guy that she needed in her life to make it whole again ever since she lost her father to cancer. She started telling Andrew that is why she decided to go for the career she has now to help kids like her father smile and have better memories. By the end of the date they exchanged numbers and Andrew kissed Maria before they left.

Six months passed and Maria and Andrew were with each other just about everyday. While Maria was at Andrew’s house she was overly excited because it was finally October time for the big event. Andrew told her that Ciera was begging to meet her and excited for the event in general. Maria had a very convoluted brain at that time so meeting Ciera wasn’t helping, then Ciera came home and got very happy to see Maria that Maria froze and left in a hurry. Two weeks went by and Andrew had not heard from Maria that he gave up because he had to worry about Ciera, but he was very upset and said that the whole situation was insoluble and confusing. October 31st came and it was time for the big event and Andrew got there with Ciera and it was so huge and kids running around having the best time ever! Andrew told Ciera she could play just stay close and don’t eat too much candy. Maria bumped into Andrew just like the first time they met and Andrew asked if they could talk, and of course Maria said yes.

Maria sat there staring at Ciera having the best time and she started crying, Andrew asked “What's wrong baby talk to me, you can't keep keeping your life an enigma from me?” Before she told him what was going on she was conflicted a lot. Then she told him she has been so distant because she has cancer, but her doctors said she is likely to survive from it. There was what felt like an hour long moment of silence then Andrew said he and Ciera will be there for her through everything and like usual they kept their promise. Andrew called Ciera over to them and finally Maria and Ciera met and gave each other a huge tight hug!

A year went by and Maria, Andrew, and Ciera were like a big family. Maria had one more day of chemo and then she got to ring the cancer survivor bell. November 1st was the day Maria and Ciera became cancer survivors, it was a very emotional day for all three of them. They all became so close and the missing puzzle pieces Maria was missing before she finally felt as if she found them and they put themselves in place. They were having dinner one night and Maria was talking to Ciera “So baby girl how’s school any crushes?” with a smirk which caused her to start blushing and Andrew jumped in and responded “Yeah baby, any crushes?” with a stern look on his face. Which led Ciera saying “No I don’t have any crushes dad you can relax now please!” and then Maria winked at her and Ciera responded with a smile. Andrew was eating as the ladies were and he dropped his fork on accident by Maria and before he got up Maria looked at him and saw Andrew on one knee holding a ring she had her eyes on when they went to the jewelry store buying a gift for Ciera’s 16th birthday. He asked her “Maria Lopez the day I bumped into you in an accident at the grocery store. It felt like love at first sight and I had a feeling that someday God would bring you back into my life for a reason. When you called me about Ciera that was one of the best conversations I’ve had in a really long time. You have changed me for the better and for that I will always be grateful to have you a part of my life. You have been there for my daughter and for that I will always love you and with that being said will you marry me baby?” Of course she said “Yes baby of course I will marry you!”

Now it’s time for the wedding Maria was going crazy because she felt so overwhelmed but eventually everything came together and it was the best day of their lives! For the honeymoon Andrew took Maria to Bali because it was a place on her vision board. When they arrived at the hotel room and had a pool that began in the inside and led to the outside of a bigger portion of water and the view was breathtaking Maria told Andrew “Baby this was on my vision board I can’t believe this! This is such a dream come true. I love you so much.” He responded “I know babe I want you to have the world you deserve and I love you more beautiful.” They stayed there for 2 weeks and had the time of their lives but when it was time to get back to reality and work it wasn’t as fun haha. They returned home to Ciera who was staying with Maria’s mother. She had to start getting ready for her junior year! That consisted of school shopping and a lot more that Andrew wanted no part of! Two months go by Maria is working on an Easter event for the children as Andrew is highly stressed over a case he’s working on and has to go to court to see if his client will be proved guilty or not. They’re having dinner and Andrew is talking about the case “He isn’t guilty but the way things went in court today I have no idea which direction the jury could be going in.” Maria responded “Babe I’m sure everything will be..” in the midst of her speaking she gets a feeling of nausea and runs to the restroom to throw up. This has been the second week in a row that Maria has been getting sick randomly but the first time during dinner any other time it would be in the morning. Andrew and Ciera rush after her “Mom are you okay?” Maria flushes the toilet and gently lies on the floor and works on her breathing “Yes baby I’m okay don’t worry” as she says that she looks up at Andrew who has tears in his eyes but doesn’t let them drop. After dinner is finished they all clean up and say goodnight before Andrew and Maria go to sleep they’re taking the decorative pillows off the bed and Maria asks “Baby?” He responds “Yes?” she says “Why were you about to cry earlier?” He says “Babe this is the second week in a row that you have been getting sick randomly. What if the cancer is back, I don’t and can’t see you like that again I just can’t so I’m making an appointment with our doctor for tomorrow okay?” Maria looks at with worry in her eyes and says ‘Okay.”

Wednesday comes around and it’s now time for the doctor's appointment. They get to the doctors office and are in the waiting room for fifteen minutes and then the secretary says “You guys can go back now.” They both smiled and said thank you. They’re talking to their doctor and telling him what’s going on and he says “I see why you’re worried Andrew so we’re going to run some tests and see what’s going on and I’ll have you guys come back in a week.” They responded “Okay thank you!” The tests are done and they leave and Andrew drops Maria off at work and kisses her goodbye and says “I love you baby and have a good day. Call me when you’re ready and I’ll be on the way from the office” she responds “I love you more and okay.” A week then goes by and Maria is at the Easter event for the kids keeping an eye on Ciera and the other teens usual mom duties and she receives a call from her doctors office and she goes somewhere private and quiet “Hello” “Hello Maria this is Dr.Zigner how are you?” “I’m good and you?” “I’m just peachy anyways, we have the results from your tests and I’d like for you to come around 12:45 on Tuesday okay?” she responds “Yes that’s fine doc I’ll call off of work and call Andrew.” “Come alone for this follow up okay?” she says “Okay” with a shaky tone. She returns to the event and joins in with the chaperones and Ciera and they all had an amusing time! Maria and Ciera surprised Andrew at the office with food since they already ate “Ah my two favorite girls!” They respond “Hey baby and Hi dad are you hungry because we brought your favorite grandma Lopez’s pastelillos, rice, and beans!” His eyes lit up with excitement and they all laughed and talked about their days as they would at home during dinner and all left the office together while walking onto the elevator Andrew asks “Hey babe you look good tonight and winks at her.” she responds “Haha thank you my love you don’t look too bad yourself.” He says “Oh we have jokes now but did Dr.Zigner's office call you yet I didn’t hear anything back?” Maria has conflicting thoughts because of what Dr.Zigner told her and she has never lied to Andrew since they started talking she responds “No baby I haven’t maybe in a few more days.” and they continued to their cars to go home.

It’s now Tuesday morning and Andrew wakes up to Maria cooking breakfast and talking to Ciera about school like every morning but Maria is still in her robe which isn’t likely unless it’s the weekends “Babe why aren’t you dressed you’re going to be late!” she responds “Good morning to you too babe and here’s your plate.” he says “I’m sorry good morning to my queens and thank you my love, you’re normally dressed and so fourth before me just a shocker.” Ciera and Maria wink at each other “Babe I’m not feeling that great today. I called off of work today so can you drive Ciera to school today please?” he kissed her and said “You okay and yes that’s fine babe?” she says “Yes I’m fine baby.” After they all ate their breakfast Maria hands Ciera her bookbag and Andrew his briefcase as Ciera and Andrew are walking out the door Ciera asks “So dad can I drive to school?’ he responds “This is why mom is having me take you to school! Absolutely not.” Maria says “Babe” and gives him a stern look, he responds “Fine but you come close to hitting anything Maria I’m calling you and your car will be the next guinea pig.” They all laugh and Andrew and Ciera leave for the day. Maria cleans up the house a little and and begins to be on her way to her appointment, she arrives and waits in the waiting room for a few and then gets the okay to go back. She gets back and her and Dr.Zigner catch up a little and then she asks “So Doc what were the results?” he responds “You want the bad news first or the good news?” she smirks and says “Bad.” The Doctor says “Well there isn't any bad news so for the good news the cancer isn’t back but you are two and a half months pregnant!” Maria responds “Wait really! Andrew wanted another child for a while now but he left it in God’s hands to do so and here we are. I'm so excited and I know Ciera and Andrew will be too! Thank you so much doc for everything really!” He says “I’m glad and it’s my job. I’ll see you in a few for your ultrasounds and to make sure you and the baby are healthy okay?” she says “Okay!”

As Maria was in her car driving home she parked in an empty parking lot to sit down and digest this amazing news. She sat there for what felt like an hour but was really only twenty-five minutes she was just beyond excited. She made a group text chat and added her mother, mother and father in law, Andrew, and ciera and texted “Hey family, Andrew and I are hosting a family dinner tomorrow night at 6:30 we’ll love to see you all!” They all responded with “We’ll be there love you.” Maria was home laying down on the couch just thinking about how she was going to tell the family about her new pregnancy then Andrew and Ciera walked in the house and they all greeted each other and Andrew brought home dinner. While they were eating Andrew asked “Hey um babe when did we plan this family dinner?” She responds laughing “Today obviously so I’m cooking and I need both of you to be dressed in white okay?” they responded with an okay and they continued to eat dinner and talk about their days. After dinner ended they all did their parts in cleaning up and then went to bed. It was 2:30 o'clock in the morning and Maria felt nauseous and rushed to the bathroom and threw up Andrew was sleeping and turned over to hold Maria and woke up realizing she was gone and got us and seen her in the bathroom and ran to her “Baby are you okay, why didn’t you wake me up!” she responded “Yes babe I’m fine I didn’t want to wake you because you have court in the morning.” he said “Babe you and Ciera will always come first no matter what, do you need me to get you anything?” That led to him getting her some ginger ale and then they went back to sleep and that following morning they all had breakfast together and went to work and school. When Maria got to work she sat there daydreaming on ideas of how to tell her family that she was expecting, then she thought of a baby themed scavenger hunt! After she got off of work she went to Target to buy one pair of baby socks, a baby hat and headband, and a onesie. The dinner was tomorrow evening and when she got home she went straight to her office and wrapped each clothing item individually and wrote notes or hints on them for the socks it said “You’ll put these on me so I won’t be cold.” for the hat and headband she wrote “If you want to add a little spice to my outfit.” and for the onesie it read “You don’t want me to just be in my diaper right?” She finished the hints and attached them to the clothing and hid them around the house. Andrew and Ciera came home “Baby we’re home.” Andrew said they couldn’t find Maria until they went into the master bedroom to find her sleeping with work papers and themes for the next event her job was planning. Andrew and Ciera put up all of her work papers and kissed her on her forehead and put a blanket on her. Andrew asked Ciera “Hey baby can I talk to you for a second?” Ciera answers “Yes dad, is everything okay?” he responds “Look Mom and I made an appointment because the cancer might be back and I know that was a hard time for all of us but just know that it’s in God’s hand and no matter mom will be okay alright baby?” Ciera sat there in silence for a second and answered “Okay dad.” Deep down Ciera was heartbroken because she never knew or met her biological mother and Maria was the best mother figure she had in her life besides her grandmother and abelos. Hearing this news Ciera tried to act as normal as possible but it was still bothering her and Andrew knew that it would but felt it was time she knew what was going on because they never keep secrets. Andrew and Ciera did work and homework and after they finished they went to Maria’s mothers house to get her favorite meal to bring back to her when they walked in Maria’s mom eyes lit up with excitement “Hola mis bebés como estas y donde esta Maria?” Andrew was still learning spanish even being with Maria for almost three years Ciera responded “Hola mamá y estoy bien y tú y mamá está en casa durmiendo, dijo que estabas haciendo su comida favorita, pero estaba demasiado cansada del trabajo para conseguirlo, así que queremos sorprenderla con algunos.” Maria’s mom shook her head and already had a platter made for them. They said “Gracias mama te quiero mucho y adios!” They both got into the car and Andrew looked at Ciera “Babygirl, when did you learn spanish that well?” and began laughing Ciera responded “Dad mom and mama taught me and I take it at school you need to catch up haha.” Andrew and Ciera begang laughing and Andrew looked at his phone and saw six missed calls from Maria and automatically called her back she answered “BABE WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER AND WHERE ARE YOU!!” She screams and he responds “Baby calm down, we just left mama’s house and I left my phone in the car.” Ciera joins the conversation and says “Hola madre.” Maria answers “Hola mija and Andrew you should’ve woken me up, you guys had me scared and I’m hungry haha.” Andrew says “I know babe but you were so peacefully asleep so we went for a ride and okay I’ll get you something to eat see you in a few and they both say I love you.” Maria responds with “I love you guys more!” They jam out on their way home and pull into the driveway and bring in the food from Mama's house and say “Surprise!” Maria got so excited and gave them both a hug and kiss and began eating immediately. After she was done eating the three of them laid on the couch watching television and Maria asked “What should I cook for tomorrow’s dinner?” Ciera said “Chicken and shrimp alfredo with broccoli please mom!” Andrew said “You heard the kid and laughed.” Maria said “Fine with me and I’ll make lava cake for dessert sounds good?” They both shook their heads. The evening goes on and little did they realize they all dozed off Andrew woke up first and seen it was 1 oclock in the morning and picked up Ciera and took her in her room and tucked her in and kissed her forehead and came back and picked up Maria and kissed her on the lips which woke her up and she kissed him back and she slipped out and said “Dr.Zigner said I’m expecting baby.” and fell right back to sleep Andrew looked at her with confusion on his face he began thinking “Wait was she just sleep talking or am I really going to be a dad again ah man I hope to God it’s true!” He put Maria in their bed and went to the restroom and called Tony. Tony answered “Wassup man I’m at this chick’s house I met at the club tonight?” Andrew said “Nothing new and laughed but anyways man I was carrying Maria and Ciera to bed because we fell asleep on the couch and Maria slipped up and said we were expecting a baby in her sleep what should I do man?” Tony looked at Andrew with amazement on his face and said “Well man I think you shouldn’t say anything until she does because what if the cancer is back or these news are true you don’t want to make it awkward you feel me idiot?” Andrew sighs and says “Yea I got you man but I’m going to bed and I’ll let you get back to your “friend” love you dufus.” Tony says “Love you too bro.” And they hung up after doing so Andrew couldn’t sleep that entire night.

Today was the big day for Maria to tell her family that she was expecting a baby! Maria told her boss the day before that she was taking off and told him about the baby and he told her “Congratulations and It’s fine I’ll have Stacey handle anything important today let me know how it goes!” Knowing that she had support and love at work helped her take some of the pressure off of telling her family. She overslept and woke up to breakfast made on the table with a note from Andrew saying “I saw you slept in and didn’t want to wake you up and I’ll see you at dinner tonight and here is the money for groceries for tonight love you xoxo.” she smiled knowing she had such an amazing and loving husband and family in general. She ate breakfast and got dressed for the day and went to the grocery store to get everything for dinner and a card for Andrew to let him know about the baby. She came home and made a buffet type of self serving for those who don’t eat shrimp and made a side salad as well. It was now 6 o'clock and Andrew and Ciera were home setting the table and were dressed very nicely and clean in white then they saw Maria walk into the dining room glowing and they all looked at her with awe! Andrew said “Wow” with exclamation “Who is that sexy lady I know who I have the pleasure to call my wife?” Ciera said “Okay mom.” with a wink. She thanked them and then they heard the bell ring. They went to open the door and all of their family walked in with bottles of champagne or sparkling cider for Ciera. The entire family sat down and began eating and catching each other up on things they missed while they hadn't talked. Dessert was then served and everyone loved Maria’s lava cake! Maria got up and announced “Okay family I have a surprise scavenger hunt. You guys have to look around the house and find the five items that I’ve hidden and bring them back so they don't spoil anything. Whatever you find, bring it back to the kitchen island and then we’ll piece it together, deal?” They all shook their heads and went looking. Thirty minutes go by and they all come back to the kitchen island with their clothing and read all of the hints together and try to figure it out but they can’t. Maria hands Andrew a card and a box which consists of her pregnancy test and he puts down the item he found and unwraps the card and it reads “Hello Daddy I can’t wait to meet you!” They all look at Maria and starts to cry and Andrew gets very excited and picks her up in the air and screams “Yes I’m going to be another dad I can’t wait!” and he kisses Maria and says “Thank you so much baby and God for this blessing.” The family stays for another hour and celebrates the new and exciting news and they all say their I love you’s and goodby’s and go home. Ciera and Maria clean up and put up the China back into the glass cupboard and she says “I’m so excited to be a big sibling mom I promise I’ll care for them with everything in me mom.” Maria responds “I know baby girl.” and kisses her on the forehead. The girls finish cleaning and go to bed and Maria walks in on Andrew crying and holding the pregnancy test and he looks up and sees Maria smiling and wipes his face so she doesn’t realize that he was crying and he says “Baby this is the 3rd best day in my life, the first was having Ciera, second was marrying you the love of my life and now this. It’s all I ever wanted baby!'' She responds with a kiss and a tight and long hug. They go to bed and two months later they go in for their first ultrasound they go into this dark room and Maria has gotten a belly on her which Andrew and Ciera kiss and fist bump every morning and night and the nurse puts the jelly on her stomach and starts feeling around looking for the heartbeat Maria questions “Is everything okay?” with worry in her tone. It took ten minutes to find it but they finally found the heartbeat and Andrew sighs with relief the nurse asks “Would you guys like to know the gender?” Maria answers “No not yet.” As for Andrew he responds with “Yes please!” which leads to all of them looking at each other with smiles and Andrew tells the nurse “Happy wife happy life haha.” They get done with their appointment and schedule the next ultrasound for two weeks later. Andrew buys little things here and there for the baby boy and girl related because he’s so excited! Time begins to fly by fast and it’s already time for their second ultrasound they already know the routine and Maria tells the nurse about her wanting to eat everything, having trouble sleeping on her left side, and crying about everything and they all laugh and the nurse says “It’s completely normal to go through things like that.” The nurse is rubbing the machine over the jelly on her stomach and Andrew and her are holding hands and the nurse says “I’m so sorry Mr and Mrs.Lopez-Anderson..” they both respond “Why what’s wrong?” the nurse says “I’m so sorry you’ve experienced a miscarriage.” Maria begins screaming and crying “No no no this can’t be happening. Are you sure you’re looking in the right areas? Maybe he or she is hiding or something!” Andrew says “Baby it’s okay I got you.” and they both are sitting there crying while he holds her and the nurse leaves the room to give them privacy. They drove home and Andrew asked if she was hungry and she didn’t say anything the entire drive home all she did was cry. They got home and Maria went straight to them and got in bed and cried herself to sleep holding the bear that was in the baby’s crib that was a hand me down from Maria’s mother. Ciera got dropped off by her friends and came in the house and asked “Hey dad, how did the ultrasound go and where’s mom?” he says “Come here for a second baby um I have something to tell you.” She sits down and he says “So um we went to the appointment and.” he begins crying all over again and stuttered and said “Well mom had a miscarrriage, she isn’t going to be her self for a while so just make sure you tell her you love her okay bebé?” Ciera wipes her face and shakes her head yes.

Meanwhile in their bedroom Maria calls her mom “Hola mija esta todo bien?” Maria continues crying on the phone and finally says “Mamá I lost the baby. I don’t know what I did wrong. I took all the vitamins, ate right, made sure I wasn’t stressed, their room was almost done mamá. If it was a girl her name was going to be Natalía and if it was a boy Andrew wanted him to be a junior. I’m broken. I lost a piece of me in that room mamá.” Her mom responds “Mija lo siento God does everything for a reason you’ll be okay I got you and so does the rest of the family bebé.” They talk for a little bit longer and then hangs up. The next three weeks Maria stays in bed and Andrew offers to cook her something to eat and still he gets no answer so he called her boss and told him about the miscarriage and her boss told him “I’m so sorry for your lost tell Maria to take off as much time as possible we’ll hold down the fort let me know if you guys need anything we all love Maria!” Andrew said “Thank you so much it means more than you know.” Knowing that Maria wasn’t going to be working for some time he had to pick up a few extra cases which he didn’t mind because his father taught him to always take care of your home first. It was now around 3:30 pm and Maria was finally waking up and she automatically started crying because she thought this was all a dream. She walked into the nursery and began packing everything up and broke down and started screaming. Meanwhile Ciera came home from school and heard it outside the door and ran in and saw her Mom in a position she never imagined and started crying silently and said “Mom what’s going on? Why are you doing this so soon or why didn’t you ask one of us to help you; you shouldn’t be doing this alone!” Maria answered, “It’s fine it has to get done and Dad is too sad to do so.” Later that evening they both finish the room and label each box and put them in the attic after doing so they went to sleep on the couch from crying and working so hard, that led to Andrew walking in with food but seeing his girls in a deep sleep he took his food in the office and ate dinner and called Tony. Tony answered “Wassup man everything cool how was the appointment am I going to have a niece or nephew?” Andrew responds with tears slightly dropping down his face “Hey man um we lost the baby… I don’t know man a little part in me blames Maria because what did she do wrong or maybe she should’ve taken off of work earlier and I would have my son and we wouldn’t be.” and right before he finished his thought Maria walked in after standing outside the door because she thought he was on a business call or meeting. Tony says “Yes man go handle that please.” Maria walks out crying and Andrew gets up running after her and he tries to grab her arm but she snatches away from him and they end up in their room and Maria asks “I’m sitting here crying day in and day out, packing up OUR baby's room, thinking what did I do wrong or what could we have done to prevent this and you’re sitting here blaming me are you serious right now Andrew! DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT THIS IS DOING TO ME I LOST AN ENTIRE PIECE OF ME, THAT BABY AND I HAD A DEEPER CONNECTION THAN ANYTHING, I CARRIED HE OR SHE IN SIDE OF ME FOR 6 MONTHS AND JUST LIKE THAT THEY’RE GONE AND YOU HAVE THE AUDACITY TO BLAME ME. HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT CIERA SHE LOST A SIBLING ANDREW!” Andrew looks at her and responds “You don’t think I understand that, I told you how much this baby meant to me and YOU TOOK AWAY THE CHANCE OF ME HAVING A SON!” Maria looks at him with anger and despair because she never thought that he would ever stoop that low and hurt her even more than she already was hurting. Meanwhile Ciera walks in while they are yelling and asks “DAD how could you ever say that to Mom she is hurting just as much, maybe even more than us?” Maria goes into their closet and grabs her purse and charger and Ciera does the same and they both storm off crying and angry at Andrew, he tries to beg them to stay and apologize but they completely ignore him! That leads to Andrew calling Tony saying “Man I messed up bad like never before and starting punching stuff and yelling.” Tony responds “What happened idiot?” Andrew says “I told Maria she took away the chance of me having a son and Ciera heard me say that and now they’re both gone.” That leads to Tony saying “Yea you messed up badly but on the bright side you want to slide with me to this club I know there will be some fine ladies just for you?” Andrew says “Yea I never thought you could say anything more stupid I’m going to my parent’s house for the night I’ll hit you up later on what’s going on love you man.” Tony says “Love you dude.” Andrew packs a bag and gets in his car and drives in complete silence and just thinking about how he could ever say something that harsh to the love of his life and let his daughter hear him as well he sat there thinking that he could’ve possibly lost everything he has ever loved in his entire life. He pulls up to his parent’s house and he rings the doorbell and his mother opens the door to see her son crying at the doorstep and she hugs him and brings him into the house. They all sat down in the living room and his mother asked “Honey what’s going on?” he responds “Mom Maria and I got into a huge fight and I told her that I blamed her for the miscarriage and how she took away the chance of me giving me a son and Ciera heard me.” His mom looked at him and sighed “Honey I understand that you are upset and hurting but so is she you have to understand she carried that baby for six months and losing a child will put you in a dark hole and you lose faith in ever trying again and maybe one day God will bless you with another chance but you never know until it happens.” Andrew’s dad came in and he heard her and said “Baby I think it’s time we tell him.” Andrew looks confused and his mother starts saying “Baby I had a miscarriage when you were four years old that’s why I understand where Maria is coming from.” Andrew sits in silence for a little and realizes how bad this really was and why Maria was hurt so much he then asks “Does Maria know about this mom?” and she shakes her head yes. Andrew goes into his room and tries calling Maria and he keeps getting sent to voicemail time after time and he tried calling his daughter and she was also sending him to voicemail. He stayed at his parents house that night and tried to think of ways to get his family back in one piece. That following morning he goes home an hour before he had to go to work and gets dressed and was hoping that his family was back but they weren’t. He goes to work and he gets a call from Maria’s mother and he answers “Hola mamá como estas y donde esta Maria y Ciera?” she answers “Hola mijo estoy ok y Maria y Ciera esta en mi casa por un poco tiempo. I was calling because Maria told me what happened and I know you feel bad and all but Maria is truly hurting right now and she’ll be over here for a little you guys just need to take your space for a little okay bebé te quiero mucho.” he says “Okay mamá y te quiero.” Andrew goes back to working on his case and he continues keeping up on his work and he puts money in their joint account to make sure her and Ciera are always okay and he keeps the house clean.

A month goes by and he still hasn't talked to his two favorite girls. It’s a Sunday night and he’s laying on the couch watching the game and working on getting his notes ready for his upcoming court date and he hears someone at the door and he looks and it’s Maria. They both look at each other and she continues to walk up to him and starts to say “I only came clothes.”They turned over and looked at each other and just held each other. Maria said “We’ll come home.” They kissed each other and got out of bed and got dressed and got into the car to go pick up Ciera and while they were in the car Andrew asked “What are we supposed to tell CC?” Maria responded with “We’ll tell her that we finally talked things out like civil adults and forgave each other.” He shook his head and grabbed her hand in the passenger seat and they held hands during the rest of the drive. They arrived at Mamá’s house and they walked in together and they talked to Ciera and Mamá and no one said anything and then Ciera broke the silence and says “Okay good I love you guys so much and Mamá don’t be mad but I kinda missed my bed.” They all laugh and Mamá kisses Ciera on her forehead. Maria and her mother goes in the guest bedroom to pack their things and her mother says “Are you truly okay bebé?” Maria says “Sí mamá I think this is what we really needed to finally talk things out and get on the same page because not talking for a little over a month was breaking me down just as much as losing the baby. I lost my baby and almost my husband.” Her mothers shakes her head while listening and kisses her on the cheek. They get all of the stuff ready and come back out to Andrew pinned down by Ciera and they looked at them but mainly her and she says “What he started it!” They all laugh and say bye to Mamá. They go back home and automatically things are back to normal and Maria says at the dinner table that she think she’s ready to go back to work. Andrew and Ciera says “Are you sure?” and she shakes her head. Next morning Maria is up cooking breakfast and making coffee like before and they all say their good morning’s and goodbye’s. Maria pulls up to her job and she tells herself before getting out “You can do this you’ll be fine.” and she gets out the car and walks in and goes to see her boss “Hey boss what did I miss?” he looks up shocked but happy and responds “Hey Maria I’m glad you’re back because Stacey has been killing me haha, if you need to go home or need anything or aren’t 100% ready to be back just say the word!” she says “Thank you so much and laughs.” Things were starting to feel like normal again but for some reason Maria just wasn’t feeling like her normal self. She didn’t want to think that she was pregnant again because if she would’ve lost the baby again she wouldn’t know what to do with herself and it was too early to know for sure after the night her and Andrew shared together. She continued working and catching up on what she missed which it was now around Easter time so she had to start planning the next fundraiser for the kids which was the highlight of her day honestly. She caught up on everything she missed pretty quickly and went home she arrived before anyone else and called her mother. “Hola Mamá cómo estas?” her mother responded “Hola mija estoy bien y tú? “Estoy okay pero I need to tell you something.” she continues to tell her mother about the night her and Andrew shared recently and how she thinks she might be pregnant again but she didn’t know for sure and didn’t want to have high expectations just to be let down again. Her mother says “Mija take the test you’ll be fine either way I got you and so does God and most of all Andrew. Couples fight and that’s understandable but losing the baby brought you guys closer.” Maria responded “Okay mamá te quiero.” and her mother says “Te quiero mucho hermosa.” Maria sat there and had many contemplating thoughts but she decided to listen to her mother but she wanted to wait a few more weeks just in case the symptoms gone away and chose to take a cat nap. Andrew came home and he had Ciera with him and they went into the master bedroom to see Maria sleeping cuddling with the bear that was in the the nursery. They got sad but decided to do something special for Maria and show their genuine appreciation for her. They went to store and got her favorite snacks and Andrew cooked her favorite dinner and he call Mamá and she made her a tres leche cake which they all love so much. They came home after picking everything up they returned home and set everything up nice and neat and Andrew wrote in the card “Mi bella esposa thank you for everything you have done for me and Ciera and for treating Ciera as your own and most of all being the absolute best thing that has every happened to me. I never truly believed in love until I had Ciera and I never thought I would have the opportunity to find in again and then we bumped into each other at the store and ever since then I’ve been endlessly happy. I love you, Ciera, and our baby that we lost forever and always.” Maria then began to wake up and went into the closet and grabbed her stun gun out of her purse because she woke up to rukus and got scared so she quietly walked into the kitchen to find out that it was just Andrew and Ciera standing by the things they got for her and said “Sorpresa!” and Ciera asked “Mom why do you have your taser with a slight chuckle?” she responded “I’m sorry guys you scared me and had to find some type of way to protect myself haha.” They all laughed and then Maria read the card and started crying but she was in for a treat. Ciera said “Mom open this bag.” and Maria wiped her face and began taking the tissue paper out of the bag and there it was, the pictures of the baby’s ultrasound framed with the title “Baby Anderson” with a blue heart. She was beyond filled with joy because they all knew no matter what baby anderson was always going to be apart of them. After opening all surprises and eating dinner and desert they all watch TV in the living room as a family even though Ciera was on her phone majority of the time typical teenagers haha. Andrew fell asleep first as usual so they all decided to go to bed since it was almost 11 oclock at night. Andrew and Ciera changed into their pajamas for the night and layed down and turned on the television and began cuddling Maria said “Thank you so much for today babe it means so much and I’m glad we are getting back to our old selves and as a family I missed you so much!” he responded “You don’t have to thank me babe it’s my job when I asked you to be my wife.” They kissed each other and Maria told Andrew “Babe I want to try again.” he responded and said “Are you sure you’re ready baby? I’m not saying God will call our baby home early again but just in case it does happen again are you emotionally ready to go through that together again?” she began crying but said “Yes baby.”

That night they chose to try again and now the waiting game came into play they were both very anxious but they had other things to also worry about. Andrew had one more court date before getting the verdict for his client’s case as for Maria who had a few more finishing touches before the Easter event was ready and set to go. Andrew went to court and before he was nervous because he knew his client was innocent but did he do a good job at trying to convince the jury that? The defense attorney and Andrew spoke their last points to the jury and the judge and then the jury went to decide. Andrew told his client while they were waiting “You’re going to be fine and if this doesn’t go the way that we want it to we’ll figure something else out then.” his client shook his head and said “Thank you Andrew for everything I know there were many hard days and some good but it means a lot my family and I appreciate it a lot!” Andrew said “It’s my job.” then he got a text and it said “They jury is back and has made their decision.” They both looked at eachother and walked back into the court room. The judge asked “Has the jury made a decision?” One of the jurors said “Yes your honor in the charge of attempted murder and breaking and entering we hearby declare James Clark innocent.” James hugged Andrew and his was very excited and his family began cheering in excitement Judge Smith said “Order Order in the courtroom James Clark you are free to go!” Andrew was beyond excited and proud on the inside but had to be professional, but he couldn’t wait to tell Maria and Ciera at dinner tonight. Meanwhile you have Maria who was on break and made a stop at their local pharmacy and picked up two pregnancy tests because she wanted to know if she was going to get another chance. She was having morning sickness but only at work, began craving pickles and peanut butter as she did with baby anderson, she didn’t want to get ahead of herself so she didn’t mention anything to anyone yet just in case. She came back to work and went to the restroom and urinated on the two tests and waited the ideal 3 to 5 minutes as instructed on the packaging. She flipped them over because she didn’t want to see the results if they were going to be negative the timer on her phone rung for four and a half minutes and she flipped over the pregnancy tests and they were both.

It was now 7:30 pm and she was packing up her stuff and stopped in her boss’s office and told him “Hey John everything is ready for Friday crazy how fast Easter came I’ll be here around 10:00 am to make sure everything is set and good and sign for catering and anything else. Everyone should be here by 12:30 pm. Have a good night.” he responded “You’re the best Maria you have a good night as well.” she responded with a smile and waved. She was driving home and in the car jamming to Beyonce like usual haha and she then began thinking about how she was going to be Andrew and everyone else that she was pregnant again so she decided to stop at Walmart and got a box and to put them in and got a onesie that said “I’m his favorite not you.” She bagged it very nicely and got back into the car and made her way home. There were multiple surprises going on with this family of three because then you have Ciera who was at the school in the auditorium with her boyfriend Carlos and they were talking “Babe we’ve been dating for almost 6 months I know there’s a lot going on at home but I think it’s time to tell your dad and mom about me.” Ciera began thinking that what if her family didn’t accept him, thought she was too young to date even though she’s 17, thought it as just puppy love, or anything in that nature. She looked him in his eyes and gave him a peck and said “Okay babe I’ll tell tonight at dinner I promise.” They hugged and continue talking about their senior year and so fourth. Now I know it’s been a little crazy keeping up with all of them but we’re going to drift back to the house haha. Andrew got there before everyone else and cooked chicken, homemade red skinned mash potatoes, and green beans one of their favorites and bought flowers for Ciera and Maria and set them up nice on the table and while he was putting everything on the dinner table in the dishes Ciera walked through the door “Hey dad how was work?” he responded “Hey baby girl and it was good how was school?” she said “Good, are we waiting for Mom and are those daisies for me dad?” with a smile because those were her favorites and he bought white roses for Maria and Andrew said “Yes those are for you baby.” Ciera gave her dad a hug and said “Thank you I love them.” he responded with a kiss on her forehead. Maria arrived at the house, but sat in the car for five minutes nervous about telling them but she finally got out the car and came in the house and seen the roses and the people she loved the most and any bit of nervousness went away. “Hola mis bebes how are you guys and how was work and school?” they both respond “Hey and it was good.” Andrew asked “How was work baby?” she responded with “Good too actually.” Andrew sat there thinking in the back of his head “Something has to be going on because we all responded good but he didn’t want to think much into it. Dinner started and they’re eating and having conversations in between eating and talking about their days and so fourth and they all finished their food and at the same time they all said “So I have news!” after they all spoke they looked at each other with awkward but happy smiles and Andrew said “I’ll go first haha.” He began speaking about his day at work and then he said “I was so nervous, but they proved him innocent and I won the case y'all!” They both said “Congratulations we knew you were going to.” He said “Thank you.” Maria had bought a nice gold rolex for Andrew to give to him when he wins his 10th case and today was that day and she reached down in her purse and pulled it out and said “This is for you and all the hard work and long nights you have been spending I’m proud of you baby.” he looked at her and the rolex in aw and said “Now this this is something nice real nice!” they all laughed because both of the girls knew he was referencing to Bernie Mac. Ciera said “Okay my turn and daddy just hear me out okay?” he shook his head. Ciera said “Okay so I have a boyfriend, his name is Carlos and his mom is Venezuelan and his father is African-American like you guys. He’s 18 and we have been together for 6 months. I didn’t know how to tell you guys because I didn’t want you guys to be mad at me, say I was to young or anything like that and Daddy you aren’t the easiest to talk to about boys, but I’m getting older and you said I can date at 16.” Andrew said “I understand baby girl and I’m glad you finally told us, invite him over for dinner next Saturday.” Maria agreed with Andrew and winked at Ciera. Maria said “Well the best for last right?” with a nervous look on her face. She said “So mija su padre y yo have been trying for another baby and we didn’t want to say anything until we knew well until I knew for sure because I was scared that we would’ve gotten attached to the baby again and God would have called him or her home early once again, but I want another baby and I want you to you have a sibling too mija. I took 2 tests at work and these were the results.” She took the bag out her purse and handed it to Andrew. When he began taking the tissue paper out of the bag he seen the onsie that said “I’m his favorite not you!” and his eyes started getting watery and Ciera got up and said “Oo I want to see too!” and he laid the onesie out on the table and then seen the box and he said before opening it “I’m too emotional right now” and started laughing and crying at the same time and then told Ciera to open it. She took the lid off of the box and seen the 2 tests and they both said positive and she automatically started crying too and squealed in excitement. Andrew looked at Maria and said “Gracias Dios.” I can’t wait to have him or her and whispered “Hopefully it’s a boy haha I’m just kidding maybe.” Now that all of their news were out and in the open the energy in the house felt so much better and positive. They cleaned up the kitchen and said their goodnights and went into their rooms. Ciera changed into her clothes, put something on tv and facetime called Carlos he answered “Hey bebé how’d it go?” and she began crying and said “They said that we have to break up babe I’m so sorry.” His eyes got watery and a tear dropped and she began laughing and said “BEBÉ I’m just joking they’re happy for us and invited you over for dinner on Saturday aw my baby just cried over me cómo se dice simp?” and laughed after saying so and he looked at her very stern and said “Not cool Ciera not at all.” she apologized and they eventually went to sleep on the phone like normal. Now in Maria and Andrew’s room they were laying down watching Law & Order SVU and they were cuddling and he said “Baby I love you so much and thank you so much for giving me another chance to make this family ten times more complete you, CC, and the baby are my everything forever and always.” she looked at him, smiled, and kissed him and said “I love you more baby and thank God for blessing us once again and I promise to do everything right as last time, but be on top of things forever and always babe.” they kissed again and then went to sleep.