I trip over some crayons on the floor and smile. My house used to be so clean and boring. Now it’s filled with life and colors. Toys and drawings are everywhere. Monty has made this place a home in the last five years.
We got married six months after I won the bet in a little wedding right here on the farm. My brothers came along with Tilly, Ledger, Gwen, and Malia. It was a small affair but filled with so much love.
We found out that we were expecting three months after that. Monty had been determined to finish her last year, so I did everything in my power to help her graduate before Rue was born.
She had to take classes over the summer but she did it. She graduated on a Saturday and Rue was born the very next day.
It kind of worked out perfectly because she was able to take a break before she started job hunting and just enjoy this time with our daughter.
Monty tried to find a job at a publishing house in Los Angeles but she hated the drive. She ended up quitting and starting her own editing business. She’s been doing that for the last three years and her client list has only grown with time.
We set up a new routine now too. I go to work in the morning and come home for lunch. We get to eat together as a family and then we switch and Monty heads into her office to get some work done while I play with our daughter.
It’s the best of both worlds. I get to provide for my family and still spend time watching our daughter grow.
“This looks so good. Did you help make it?” I ask Rue as I help my wife set the food out on the table.
“I stirred,” Rue informs me, and I grin at her.
She’s got her mom’s red hair and the same blue eyes. She’s just as independent as her mom too.
“Kai and Oakley stopped by a little bit ago,” Monty tells me, and I pull her chair out for her.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah, they made a quilt for the baby.”
“It’s all kinds of blue!” Rue says excitedly.
Blue is her favorite color, at least for this week, and I help cut up her chicken before I pass her the plate.
“Sounds pretty.”
Rue nods, and I start to pile my own plate with food.
“Any more kicks today?” I ask Monty, and she shakes her head.
“No, he’s been still today too.”
Our little boy has been so active this whole pregnancy but about five days ago he suddenly stopped kick as much. We had rushed to the doctor’s office, worried that something was wrong but they checked and everything was fine with our little guy. The doctor told us that apparently, it’s a sign that he may be ready to join us in the world soon.
I’ve been trying to stay close to the house in case she goes into labor, and I know that my brothers and their wives have all been finding reasons to drop by and check on her too.
Ledger and Tilly are planning on making a trip down to see us too. It’s a little more complicated now that they have kids of their own, but I’m sure they’ll be here once our son is born.
The sisters are still so close. They talk every day and we always do a family vacation with them at least once a year. Luckily, Rue loves her cousins and I like Ledger and the rest of the Fallen Peak family.
“Oh!” Monty says, wincing as her hand falls to her stomach, and I drop my fork and rush to her side.
“Is mommy, okay?” Rue asks, looking worried.
“I’m fine,” Monty promises her, taking a few deep breaths.
“Is it time?” I ask her, and she nods slightly.
“Yeah, but I remember last time. I was so hungry the whole time so I’m eating lunch before we go.”
I laugh as she picks up her fork.