Kaiden
“It looks amazing.” Abby snuggles into my side, beaming as we stand in the middle of my new studio drinking in our surroundings. We built an annex to the back of the house, adding this workspace for me, a small private studio for Abby to dance to her heart’s content, and an ample office space with two desks and wall-to-wall shelving units where we can both run our respective businesses.
“It’s perfect,” I agree, wrapping my arm around my wife and holding her close. “It’s a little surreal though. To think we’re finished with school, and this is our life now.”
“I hear ya.” She circles her arm around my waist, and I rest my chin on her head. “It’s a little scary but exciting too. I’m ready for this next stage.” She looks up, and we lock eyes. “We’re lucky we’re getting to run our own businesses. I wouldn’t like having to work for anyone else.”
I feel the same, and not just because my chosen career is a creative one. I don’t like the idea of being beholden to anyone. Though it’s going to be a lot of hard work, I would rather be in control of my destiny and answerable to no one but myself. “What are you going to do about the studio downtown?” I ask, wondering if she’s decided yet. Abby is planning to set up adance studio for children, offering a variety of classes, from salsa to modern to ballet and tap. We’ve been inspecting potential premises for the past three weeks since we graduated from RU.
“I know it needs renovating, but I don’t think I’ll find a better space in Rydeville.”
“I agree. And it’s close to the ballet studio, so if you decide to partner with Madame on some joint initiatives, it’s the ideal location.” I thread my fingers through her thick dark hair. “You should tell the realtor you’ll take it.”
“I will.” Her beautiful face lights up with the most stunning smile, and I get lost looking at her. Some days I still have to pinch myself to believe she’s mine. I’m punching, and I never forget it. We fought hard for our love, and it’s never taken for granted by either of us.
Her eyes roam my freshly built, freshly painted studio. “This time next year, I’ll have my own dance studio and you’ll be a bona fide artist. I bet you’ll have a list of commissions after your first showing.”
It’s happening in eleven months at a top gallery in New York. Laurena Lauder—Jackson’s mom—has a friend who is friends with the gallery owner’s husband, and she helped to line up a meeting. Thankfully, the owner, Susana, loved the few pieces I showed her. We discussed and agreed on a concept for my viewing, and now I’ve got a shit ton of work ahead of me in the coming months to add new pieces to my collection. It’s a challenge I’m more than ready for. I’m champing at the bit to get started.
“I hope so, but nothing is guaranteed.”
“It’s guaranteed. You’re just that good.” Her voice resonates with genuine belief, and warmth floods my chest.
“I love you,” I say, pulling her flush against the front of my body.
“Love you too, caveman.”
I swoop in and steal a kiss, my hands roaming her gorgeous body as ideas of christening my new studio surge to the forefront of my mind. I’m about to act on my vivid imagination when the doorbell chimes announcing an unexpected visitor. I groan against her perfect lips, cursing whoever it is.
Worst fucking timing ever.
“You expecting anyone?”
Abby shakes her head, and I clasp her hand as we walk out of our new annex and into the main living space of our house. I head to the kitchen to make coffee as Abby goes to the front door, returning a few minutes later with her cousin Demi.
“Hey,” I call out. “Coffee?”
“I’ve already had my requisite cup today. I’ll take a peppermint tea,” she replies, and I reach for the box Abby keeps in the cupboard purely for Charlie’s wife.
“Can I feel?” Abby asks, excitement glittering in her eyes like always.
Demi’s features soften as she smiles at my wife. “Of course.”
Abby places gentle hands on Demi’s enlarged stomach, and her face is awash with awe as she carefully explores her baby bump. Not gonna lie, seeing Demi pregnant flipped some switch inside me, and I would love nothing more than to knock my wife up. But Abby wants to wait, and it’s her body, so it’s her call. I agree the timing isn’t right. We’re still young, and we’re both setting up new businesses, so we just wouldn’t have time for kids.
Doesn’t stop me envying Charlie or pouncing on my woman any chance I get, secretly praying someone up there takes the decision from our hands and a miracle happens.
“Oh my god!” Abby squeals. “I just felt him move.”
I smile at the adoration on my wife’s face as I make tea for Demi and coffee for Abby and me.
“Her,actually,” Demi confirms, and another giddy shriek emits from Abby’s lips.
“It’s a girl? I thought you didn’t want to know the sex?”
“We weren’t planning to find out, but the nurse let it slip at our last scan.”
“Congrats,” I say, walking over and handing a mug to Demi and one to my wife.
