“Yeah, my classes don’t start for two weeks—that’s plenty of time to plan a wedding.” I nodded and grinned.
“We could always elope.” He took my hand and squeezed it. “Las Vegas might be fun.”
“Do you think I’m going to Las Vegas when I’m pregnant?” I shook my head back and forth. “If I go to Sin City, I want to be able to—well, sin.”
“True, that might be a challenge…” He nodded in agreement.
“I don’t want a big wedding, but I do want my parents there—and at least one bridesmaid. Amelia would kill me if I got married and she didn’t get to stand at my side.” I looked back down at my ring.
“We can sit down and plan things out tomorrow.” Everette pressed his lips to my forehead.
One year later
“It’s your turn…” I nudged Everette when I heard the baby start crying. “Everette?”
I sat up and realized that I was nudging a pillow instead of my husband. He wasn’t there. I threw the covers back and started stomping towards the baby’s room. It was supposed to be his turn, but for some reason—he wasn’t in bed. I checked the bathroom on the way and glanced downstairs, but I didn’t see any sight of him. I pushed open the bedroom door and found him already in the baby’s room—holding our son in his arms.
“I’m sorry.” He grimaced. “I tried—but it’s not working.”
“He’s probably hungry,” I sighed and walked over to take the baby from him. “Yep, he’s hungry.”
“Okay, then I guess it’s your turn.” Everette pressed his lips to my forehead. “I’ll sit with you.”
“Are you sure? You might be up again before morning.” I raised an eyebrow.
“This is the only place I want to be.” He sat down and took us both in his arms.
“Okay, Robby. You need to eat quick—I have class tomorrow,” I sighed and leaned against Everette’s shoulder.
“We’re going to miss this when he starts sleeping through the night,” Everette chuckled under his breath. “How soon do you want to have another one?”
“Um…” I looked up at Everette. “I think I want to graduate from college first.”
“We could always have another miracle.” Everette smiled and brushed a strand of hair out of my face.
“Some things are out of our control,” I sighed. “But let’s not do anything to rush it—I would prefer for Robby to be out of diapers first…”
“That’s fair.” Everette nodded. “Then as soon as that one is out of diapers…”
“Don’t even.” I narrowed my eyes at him. “You still want to have your own practice one day—right? If you turn me into a baby factory, we’re never going to be able to afford it.”
“Actually, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that.” Everette wiped some milk off Robby’s chin. “Dr. Bruce is planning to retire at the end of the year—he’s looking for someone to take over…”
“Really?” I raised an eyebrow. “Would you have to buy it from him?”
“He said that he would be willing to discuss some payment options—reasonable ones.” Everette nodded.
“You should do it.” I looked up at him and smiled.
“Money might be tight for a few months while I make the transition…” he sighed.
“I’m sure we’ll manage. It’s what you’ve always wanted, isn’t it?” I leaned my head against him.
“Yes.” He nodded.
“Then go for it. I’ll support you no matter what.” I squeezed his hand.
“That’s why I love you.” He pressed his lips to my forehead.