The Broken Promises

 

Lexa replaced the boppy carefully, staring at it with a soft smile. She knew deep down that Clarke would probably want something like this when the baby actually came, but Clarke was entitled to her opinion, and Lexa was not about to start a petty argument with her seven months pregnant wife.

 

“Can we check out now?”

 

Lexa turned at the sound of Clarke’s voice, pleased to find discomfort wiped clean from her face. “Getting tired?”

 

Clarke shook her head with a soft smile. “Hungry.”

 

“We can go,” Lexa nodded. “But, last time, I promise… you’re sure you don’t want the boppy?”

 

Clarke inhaled sharply through her nose and squeezed her eyes shut, and Lexa was about to brace for the coming onslaught of fiery emotions. However, Clarke just fluttered her eyes open and gave a determined nod. “I’m sure.”

 

And Lexa really wanted to avoid WWIII here, but she also knew that pregnant Clarke tended to change her mind over these tiny decisions, and life didn’t have a re-do button. So she very carefully grasped Clarke’s hand and lovingly traced patterns with her thumb in hopes that the gesture softened her pushing. “I’m not going to come home two weeks from now and find a boppy and three covers stacked in the corner?”

 

“No,” Clarke smiled, and Lexa exhaled a nervous breath. “I’m very positive that I won’t change my mind. But you have to promise to listen to me this time. Don’t go buy one behind my back.”

 

“Okay,” Lexa laughed because it was true. She tended to go ahead and buy all the latest and greatest baby products, but she only did it because she wanted the absolute best for Clarke and her child. “I won’t if you say you’re sure.”

 

Two weeks later, Lexa carefully and slowly unlocked their front door. Clarke was due home from work in an hour, which should give her plenty of time to hide the bag in her hands. But as she stepped inside and closed the door, she was met with a startled squeak and the distinct sound of rushed movements.

 

“Clarke?”

 

Lexa placed her keys in the bowl by the door and walked into the living room. Clarke was sitting strangely stiff on the floor, her eyes wide and her hands folded nervously in her lap. “Lexa!” She called with far too much enthusiasm to be considered normal. “What are you doing home? I thought you were working for at least another hour?”

 

Lexa tucked the large bag behind her back and pulled an impressively charming smile. “I was going to surprise you with dinner.” Which wasn’t a lie. She had planned to cook after she hid the contents of the bag properly.

 

Keeping the bag securely behind her, Lexa walked towards Clarke with the intention to give her a hello kiss. But Clarke stiffened at her approach and very suspiciously tucked her hands behind her back.

 

“What are you hiding, Clarke?”

 

“Nothing,” Clarke shook her head and leaned a little farther back. Lexa straightened and just stood there waiting. “Okay, fine,” Clarke relented with a huff. “You were right.”

 

She sheepishly pulled the boppy from behind her back, and Lexa stifled a chuckle. She was so in love with this woman. Clarke wrapped the pillow around her swollen belly and leaned her elbows on it as she confessed in an impressive ramble.

 

“Yes, a nursing pillow is a good idea. Okay, I’m sorry. I bought this on my way home. And just feel how soft this cover is. Why is all baby stuff so soft? How come adults don’t get to indulge in that luxury? And please don’t be angry with me for breaking my promise. I know I said I wouldn’t buy one, but when my non-hangry brain finally thought about it, yeah, it’s nice, and it will be helpful. So I’m sorry.”

 

“Clarke,” Lexa smiled. She brought the bag out from behind her back and pulled out a brand new boppy.

 

“Well, now I’m just disappointed in both of us,” Clarke deadpanned.