“I don’t want to miss out on things like this.” She insists. “Twenty years from now, we’re going to be happy for these memories.”
“Of course we are.” Gunner agrees. “We’re going to be taking pictures like crazy. Oh, my mom wanted to ask if we’re doing Christmas here this year.”
Sophie doesn’t shy away from the question. “We should. We’ve done all your families over the last few years. We could have everyone come here and have a massive Christmas.”
“Only if you’re up for it,” I say as I give her a snack.
She reaches up and cups my face. “I love you all so much. I can’t imagine being happier than with you.”
“We love you, Soph. For you,” I say seriously.
The silence spreads until Roman comes back from putting the kids down. “What’s wrong, Sophie?”
She looks up at him and pales a little. “Why would something be wrong?”
We all just watch her. More than six years together and she still thinks we don’t notice the little changes in her. I started bringing her flowers every week and stopped because I thought she was getting bored. Seeing her face fall a fraction of an inch after one week without flowers stayed in my head and has kept the tradition alive since.
We don’t miss much.
Roman takes her hand. “We can’t do anything if we don’t know.”
“I’m spotting,” She whispers. “I looked it up in the bathroom and it’s normal, but I’m worried. I haven’t done that with the other two pregnancies and ... I’m sure I’m overreacting.”
“You said you wanted to go to the doctor anyway.” I remind her.
She nods. “I’ll call and make an appointment on Monday.”
“Promise me,” Roman orders, it’s not even a question.
Sophie rolls her eyes and a low sound comes from Roman’s throat. I know he’s jumped her for that in the past. She blushes and gives a shy smile. “I promise, amore. I’ll call the doctor.”
He nods as if that settles everything.
We have a quiet night with the kids and Sophie passes out early. Gunner and I linger after Holden goes to talk to Miles about us transitioning out of the office. Roman ends up reading to Link, but I’m pretty sure he’s falling asleep there.
Gunner finishes typing on his phone and sighs. “Do you think Sophie will like having us here all the time?”
“She knew we were going to be retiring. We’ll be able to see the world with her and make the most of every day. Make sure our kids grow up getting to experience all the things we wish we could have,” I remind him. “but she might be overwhelmed at first.”
Gunner chuckles and glances at her room. “Are you worried about what she said?”
I did so much research during the first pregnancy, but I know that each is different. For each woman. Cora was easy until she was born. Link was a wild ride all the way through. I don’t know what this pregnancy will be like.
“The doctor will know better than me. I’m not going to worry until we have a reason to. Sophie will worry enough for all of us.”
“Very true. I’ll get the Halloween decorations up to surprise the kids tomorrow.” Gunner decides.
“Gun.”
“I’m not going to over-worry. I’ll worry just the right amount.” He pauses while going through the bags. “I love Sophie so much. The idea of her being in pain or anything like that ...”
“I know,” I assure him.
He nods. “Of course you do. We all married her.”
“And I kind of married you too, even though you only have eyes for Soph and Roman.”
Gunner gasps. “I know you’re hot too. You’re the centerfold, baby.”