“No, look, this one is strictly giraffes. Jungle themes are fun, but giraffes are the stars. I’ve never seen one with only them.” The excitement in her voice matched the light in her eyes.
“I like giraffes.” He would have agreed to skunks if it kept that smile on her face.
She held a card attached to the crib. “These are the pieces available. I don’t want the bumper, but I would like extra crib sheets. Oh, and there is a matching wallpaper border.”
“You know more about this than I do.” He shrugged. “Get whatever you want and think is necessary.”
“I definitely want the lamp and mobile.” Concentrating hard, she wrinkled her nose. She took out a wallet-sized memo pad and began writing a list. “I want extra sheets, but could save money if I buy plain colors. Goodness, so many decisions and we’ve only begun.”
He stood back, offering his input when asked. His enjoyment came from watching her, seeing her thrilled to welcome this baby into their lives.Thank You, Lord, for her decision not to give up our child.
Two hours later, they left the store. All the furniture they’d purchased loaded down the bed of his truck. The only piece missing was the gliding rocker which was out of stock, and they’d had to order it. With everything they’d bought, they would have had to make a second trip, anyway. Even the back seat of the cab overflowed with bags and boxes. A baby swing, an infant tub, half a dozen outfits and many other items Sybil had insisted were needed.
They’d exceeded the budget by a nominal amount, and she’d tried to pay the difference, but he stood firm. He wanted to buy Brilyn all she’d need to be welcomed into the world.
“It’s a good thing we went early. If we’d gone any later, I wouldn’t have time to put all this together today,” he said, pulling out of the loading area.
“I’ll help, and no one said we have to finish it today.”
“No, but I know you’d like to have it done.” He tossed her a smile. “Why else would you have insisted on cleaning out your spare room for a nursery last night?”
She lifted one shoulder. “Hey, we need a spot to store everything.”
“Whatever you say.” He winked then paid attention to the road. “I’d rather assemble it all at once, anyway. In my experience, once you get in the groove of a process, it goes easier.”
“I’ll cook dinner for us.”
“You can cook?” The question slipped off his tongue without him thinking.
“Yes. I just don’t advertise the fact lest people expect it of me.” Her jocular attitude created a pleasant atmosphere.
He made a zipping motion over his lips. “Your secret is safe with me.”
Her stomach growled. “Here we are talking about dinner and haven’t even had lunch yet.”
“Want to pick up sandwiches on the way home?”
“Sounds good to me.”
He detoured into the deli and started to exit the truck when he saw the heaviness in Sybil’s eyes. “What do you want? I’ll run in and get them for us.”
“Chicken salad on rye with a dollop of extra mayo. Thank you.” She leaned her head back and closed her eyes.
Five minutes later, he came back to the truck with a bag of food in hand.
Sybil raised her head when he opened the door. “That was quick.”
“No line.”
“Another minute and I would have fallen asleep.” She rubbed her eyes. “I can’t get enough sleep, and all the moms at work tell me it only gets worse.”
“Take a nap when we get back.” He worried about her and the circles forming under her eyes. “I can get started without you knowing I’m there.”
“I’ll be fine. This is my new normal.” She eyed the bag. “What did you get?”
“Roast beef and cheddar.” He handed her the sack. “I forgot to ask what side you wanted. I picked up potato salad and chips. Whichever you don’t want, I’ll take.”
“Chips are good.”
