“Max.”
He paused, hearing his name in that tone made him realize he wasn’t listening to her. “Having you with me is my priority for Christmas,” he said softly, finally allowing himself to voice what he wanted. “Maybe breakfast together, just us, then my family and your family can come over. But that would be hard if your family is staying with us, which they can by the way.”
Zoe looked at him and grinned.
“I gave the right answer?” He’d been speaking from his heart.
She rolled her eyes. “Max, there’s no right or wrong answer. I want to discuss this with you, so it’sourdecision.”
His stomach flipped at the thought.
Our decision.
They were a couple.
Ordinarily they would’ve decided together on when starting a family, but they had jumped ahead on that one. They had decided on living together and seeing how things went. He guessed this was the next decision they needed to make together.
“I like the sound of breakfast together on Christmas Day, but I would like my parents to stay with us.”
“Hmmm… maybe they could stay with my mom for a few days, then come to the farm Christmas Day.”
“That might work.”
“I feel you’re going to say a but.”
“But the food needs to be started early.”
“Easily fixed. How about we have an early breakfast?”
“No sleep in?”
“Sleep in and no breakfast, or no sleep in and an early breakfast.”
“Tough decisions.” She grinned. “Let’s sleep in.”
“So, let your parents stay with us then?”
“Yes. We can have breakfast together any day.” Zoe settled back down on his chest, trying to suppress a yawn.
“You should get some sleep.”
“Hmmm… I will. Now you’re here.”
Max kissed her gently on the top of her head. “Sweet dreams.”
Things were going to have to change big time, and it was him that was going to have to make the adjustments. It was going to need to be more than making sure there was money and the internet connection. He took a deep breath, trying to settle the rising concern he was feeling.
Zoe began to feel heavier next to him on the bed as she fell asleep. The blurry image in his mind, kept him awake. Thinking. Wondering. Trying to make some plans that would mean he would be around for Zoe and their baby girl.
It was challenging to think of what to do when he had no idea what to expect with a baby on the way.
Thursday 5thDecember
“I can’t wait to come up to see you at Christmas,” said her mom.
Her mom and dad had met them for brunch after Zoe had been discharged from the hospital. Max was driving her back to Greenfields today. The ute was packed, full of new outfits for her to wear, nothing flash but all very practical, and she was happy about that. There were also a few things for the baby, each grandma-to-be couldn’t resist buying. Helen and Kate had gone back to the Burra yesterday, so they could take care of the few jobs at the farm until Max and Zoe arrived. Zoe was so glad she’d been given the all-clear this morning to go home. She couldn’t believe how much she was thinking Greenfields was now her home.
“Me, too,” Zoe gave her mom a long hug goodbye.
