“I tell you all the time, but I’m so happy you came back. Now that we’re together, I can’t imagine my life without you. I know this was a big step for you, moving into this house. I’m proud of you, Freckles,” he declared lovingly.
I leaned in to give him a kiss as I lay on his chest. No matter how often he told me he was happy I came back, I never grewtired of hearing it. Micah not only told me but also showed me he appreciated my presence, even then, just sitting with each other, enjoying the full moon and stars in the sky.
“When I came back home, I didn’t know what to expect. Finding love with you has repaired a part of me that was broken. Our love has given me the courage to find closure on that chapter of my life. It also gave me the push I needed to move into this home. I’m glad I came back, too, my love,” I declared.
“Do you remember our first conversation under the stars?” Micah asked.
“I do.”
“When did you want to get started on the marriage and baby we talked about?”
“Funny, I thought about that earlier when I was out by the lake. I don’t see why we can’t start right now,” I replied.
Micah and I shared a deep kiss under the moon that shone as bright as our future.
Two YearsLater
I stood in the mirror, staring at my big belly. It had been a few weeks since I saw my feet. The pregnancy was a lot harder than with Reign. I’d been on bed rest since I was four months along, so I had to stop teaching, which took a toll on me mentally. My students meant the world to me. It was hard being home, but I had to keep our baby boy safe. Micah did all he could to keep me comfortable, and the girls checked in on their baby brother every chance they could.
Every morning before school, they each took a few minutes to talk to my belly. Violet and Reign had been close since their first meeting. They started calling each other sisters when Micahand I married a year prior. Baby boy would be the final piece to complete our family.
Our families split time between my house on my grandparents’ land and Micah’s place. Whatever we had at one house, we had the other, which helped to keep the girl’s routine. It also helped with having to always lug a bag from place to place.
Micah had gotten so busy with Black Label. My husband thought nationwide distribution was his legacy. Imagine his surprise when a year later, he secured a worldwide distribution deal. The demand for Black Label became so big that he had to expand the operation. He doubled his staff and warehouse space. The expansion of his business didn’t stop his dedication to his family. He continued to come home almost every day to have lunch with me.
“Freckles, what are you doing out of bed?” Micah asked as he entered the room.
“I’m so tired of lying down. I can feel myself getting fatter by the minute,” I replied.
Micah looked at me and shook his head. “I won’t have you calling my wife fat. My wife is the most beautiful woman in the world. She’s giving me another amazing gift. If only she would listen, I wouldn’t have to worry so much,” he said as he extended his hand to me.
I took Micah’s hand and allowed him to lead me to the rocking chair. Micah ran out and purchased the chair the same day my doctor placed me on bed rest. Throughout this entire pregnancy, he catered to my every want and need. He stepped in with the girls because I couldn’t. His mother, Nana, and Sarah also chipped in. Every day, they reminded me of why I moved back home. There was no replacing my village, and for that, I was beyond grateful.
“Did you feed my baby?” Micah asked as he helped me sit down.
“We ate, but you know I could always eat again,” I teased.
“Not after you called my wife fat,” he joked. Micah took my left foot into his lap and massaged it.
“You know your foot massages put me to sleep,” I said.
“Good. Then I don’t have to worry about you standing. You know what the doctor said. Your shortened cervix means there’s a chance of premature delivery. We made it this far, so don’t give up now. He needs another two weeks before Dr. Reed wants you to deliver. You got this, Freckles,” he coaxed me.
“I’ll do anything you want. Just don’t stop massaging my feet,” I joked.
Micah’s touch eventually put me to sleep. By the time I woke up, night had fallen. I grabbed my phone to check the time. It was already 8:00 p.m. I yawned in disbelief that I had slept the afternoon away. My bladder desperately needed release, so I waddled to the bathroom. When I pulled my pants down, a large gush of water came out of me. I stood in a squatted position, in disbelief that my water had broken. Panic crept in, but I took several deep breaths to calm myself.
I grabbed my phone and called Micah.
“I’m on my way home now,” he answered.
“Please hurry. My water just broke. It’s too soon. I’m only thirty-six weeks,” I said in a panicked tone.
“Oh, shit. Deep breaths. Don’t panic. Just stay on the phone with me,” Micah replied.
Together, we sat on the phone while I kept my breathing steady. I wiped myself, then went back to the rocking chair. Eventually, Micah burst through the bedroom door.
“Nana and PopPop are here. They’re going to stay with the girls. My parents will come over as well. Let me grab your bag,and we can go. We’ll call Dr. Reed from the car,” he said as he rushed through the room.
