AllFreeNovel
Share Us
23
CHANDLER
During Sophia’s last week of school, Tanya and I focus on packing, cleaning, and getting the cabin set for us to stay in the city for the summer. Kayla will be checking in on it for us while we are away, but being in Willow Creek, I doubt we will even need that; it does give Tanya some peace of mind since we won’t be traveling back here very often. I have to admit, though, that it’s been nice staying in Willow Creek the past few months.
We spent Sophia’s ninth birthday in Willow Creek, since it was in March and she was still in school, but once we are in the city, I have a day planned for her and me to spend the day together, just the two of us, and celebrate all of her first eight years that I missed out on. On her actual birthday, we had a party for her at the cabin with all her friends. It was an interesting experience for me. Tanya handled it like a pro, but we were both exhausted by the end of the day.
Finally living with them full time opened my eyes to a lot of different things, and I would always be in awe of Tanya and her strength. It’s our last night in the cabin before we move to the city, and Sophia is staying the night with one of her friends while Tanya and I finish up packing. Tanya is sitting in the living room while I bring her the last of Sophia’s things that need to be packed. She’s been on her feet all day, and I’ve just convinced her to rest. She’s eight months pregnant, and I’m trying to keep her off her feet as much as possible, but she’s the most independent, stubborn woman I have ever met, and it’s difficult.
“Alright, these are the last of her stuffies that she demanded go with us.”
I drop the five stuffed animals that Sophia just can’t live without on top of Tanya, and she laughs.
“Our girl loves her stuffies.”
I get distracted staring down at her, her face bright and happy, and she raises an eyebrow at me.
“What are you staring at?”
I don’t even think about the words that come out of my mouth.
“My gorgeous pregnant wife.”
Her eyes widen, and it takes me a moment to realize what I said.
“I didn’t mean for that to come out, but I think I like it.”
I lean down and place my hands on the arms of the chair that she’s sitting in and bring my face close to hers.
“Wife.”
She blushes and shoves me.
“I’m not your wife yet, buddy.”
I shrug. “Soon enough.”
We smile at each other, and I get lost in her emerald green eyes again.
“Don’t give me that look; we have to finish packing, and I am way too pregnant for us to even think about it.”
I laugh and kiss her temple before turning and sitting on the couch next to her chair.
“Alright, alright.”
We finish getting everything packed away, and then she sits back and watches me walk in and out as I pack everything in the car so it’s ready for us to leave in the morning. I plop down on the couch again after I’m done, and she gets up to join me, sitting so she pressed into my side.
“Thank you for doing all the heavy lifting.”
I smile and rest my head against her chest, my hand going to her stomach.
“You’ve been doing all the heavy lifting for the past eight months; it’s the least I can do.”
I feel a thump under my hand and laugh.
“See? Our son agrees.”
I know without looking that Tanya rolls her eyes.
