“Yeah, but it’s so hard. Even now, while I’m enjoying the time off, I still have this paranoia that things are falling apart while I’m away. I know it’s a goofy sickness, but it is the truth.”
“Just breathe,” I said. “Breathe. Let’s go inside and get ready for dinner. I’m taking you somewhere special.”
“Really? Oh, I love the sound of that.”
We went inside to get changed.
Later, we made our way to the La Nueve, a Mexican style restaurant in Acapulco that I’d had my eye on. It was wonderful and the service was supposed to be impeccable. Halfway during the meal I decided to spill my little secret.
I reached out and held Darren’s hand. I stroked his palm gently and said, “There is something I need to tell you.”
“Ok, what’s up?”
“Well, you have to promise that you won’t scream. We are in public after all.”
He looked concerned. Yes, all according to my plan.
“Ok…” Darren said. “I promise.”
“I went to the doctor a week ago and I found out that I am pregnant.”
He didn’t say anything at first. He just stared at me and then a wide smile spread across his face. “Yes!” He yelled.
“I told you not to scream. This is why,” I teased him.
“I don’t care!”
He came around the side of the table and wrapped his arms around me He stood me to my feet and wheeled me around while giving me a big kiss. People were starting to stare, but I didn’t care. It was amusing. And it was an exciting moment in our lives.
Darren turned to everyone and announced loudly, “My wife is having a baby!”
They all started to cheer and clap for us.
Darren sat down in front of me. “Baby, this is amazing. I can’t believe it. I just wished you hadn’t waited so long to tell me.”
“Well, I wanted to surprise you.”
“Ok, mission accomplished. I love you, baby.”
He held my hand in his.
“I love you, too.”
And I have loved him ever since that day. And I will love him until I take my last breath in this world. I know he feels the same way.
I often lie awake at night and wonder, how did our fates cross at the perfect time? And then I decide I don’t care. I’m just forever grateful.