“Are you kidding me? I always wanted a drum set!” He has the biggest smile on his face, running over to the seat and settling himself in. He grabs the sticks and does a beat, much to my surprise since he doesn’t play. This man is a fucking musical prodigy.
“I know… I remember, Alex.”
His eyes met mine, and I’m surprised he doesn’t recoil when I call him that.
“You called me Alex,” he whispers.
“There’s a huge part of me that still sees him in you. If you look close enough, he’s st
ill there.”
“Charlotte, I… don’t know what to say to that.”
“You do, but you don’t have to say it.”
“You miss him?” I can hear the trepidation in his voice like a lost little boy finding his way home.
“I don’t need to miss him. I’ve been staring at him for the past two years.”
It’s hard to explain what I see, almost like a burden has been lifted from his shoulders.
He finds himself again.
He finds his true identity.
“Thank you, baby, I love it, and I love you.” He stands and walks back over to me, leaning in to kiss my lips.
“You want your present now?” he asks enthusiastically.
I nod. He pulls a long black velvet box out of his pocket. Lex has a massive thing for jewelry, so I’m not surprised that he spoils me again. I carefully open the box, but much to my shock, I find a pregnancy stick sitting inside.
“What’s this?” I ask, barely able to get my words out.
“You’re pregnant.”
The words don’t register. I’m what?
“Read my lips, Charlotte. You’re pregnant.”
I’m astounded. The test is new, so I haven’t actually done one. How on earth would he think I’m pregnant?
“I know you so well, Charlotte. I’ve studied every inch of your body over the years. The slightest change, and I can see it. You’re pregnant. I promise you with all of me that you are carrying another baby inside of you.”
Without a word, I pull him to our nearest bathroom and close the door behind us. I’m not late, at least I don’t think I am. I’m not nauseous. Nothing at all has changed.
I pee on the stick as he watches me with an amused look on his face. I carefully place it on the countertop and wait. “Are you sure about this?” I ask, nervous.
“Never been so sure about anything in my life.”
It’s time. I walk over with nerves of steel and open my eyes, the two blue lines staring me in the face.
“Holy shit, I’m pregnant!” I jump into his arms as he swings me around. “This is the best Christmas present ever!” With the biggest grin on his face, he kisses me deeply, and I wrap my arms around his neck.
“Can we tell everyone tonight, please?” he begs.
I nod. That’s what family is for, to celebrate the good times and to hold your hand at the worst. Sometimes it’s the family we are born into, and sometimes it is the family we make for ourselves. I’m lucky enough to have both, and I thank the Lord every day that I’m blessed with such a gift.
We make our way back outside where everyone stands around the tree. Before we make the announcement, Lex wants to show off his outside Christmas decorations. He has become Clark Griswold with an unhealthy obsession of having the best lights on the street. Everyone makes their way outside as we stand on the lawn while Lex flips the switch.