Her harrumph of frustration sent him over the edge, and he erupted into full guffaws. “Wear whatever you want and whatever you’ll be comfortable in. The jeans and shirt you have on are fine. We’re casual around here.”
“I don’t want to give a poor first impression.”
“You don’t have to impress my mom. Just be yourself, or she will see right through it.” He conveniently ignored her previous comment about a title. What were they? The future seemed promising, but it was too soon.
Monica finally settled on the outfit she wore and hurriedly repacked her bag. “Should I follow you there?”
He shook his head, unwilling to give up time with her. “Let’s ride together, and I’ll bring you back here afterward to pick up your car.”
“That’s a lot of extra driving for nothing.”
“Mom’s place is in the opposite direction, so we’ll pass by here regardless.”
“Right. I knew that.” She held up a finger, then grinned. “Actually, I’d forgotten, but why am I protesting spending more time with you.”
He still wore a pair of khakis and a black polo from work, but he didn’t take the time to change. Outside, the sky had clouded over and ushered in a rainstorm. They dashed to the truck, failing to stay dry.
Monica removed a tissue from her purse and wiped the rain from her face. “Your mom’s property is beautiful. Did you grow up there?”
“I forgot I drove you out there last spring. Wait until you see the inside of the house. Mom and dad poured their hearts into making the house a home. Dad made a lot of the furnishings in it, and they remodeled not long before Dad passed.” The memory gave him pause. His parents had been so proud of the remodeling, so excited to have a master bath in their bedroom and an added half bath downstairs. They’d only been able to enjoy it together for two years. He blinked and pulled himself to the current. “And yes, I grew up there. Lucas and I were even born in the house.”
“That’s incredible, I can’t imagine giving birth outside of a hospital.” An awed expression covered her face. “Actually, I can’t imagine giving birth at all.”
An awkward silence filled the cab. The swish of the windshield wipers filled the otherwise quiet truck. He watched Monica stared through a clear spot of the fogged-up window while he gathered his thoughts.
“How do you feel about having kids,” he asked after a long silence. “It seems too soon to ask, but it’s something we should discuss now since we’re talking long-term, and I want all of our cards on the table.”
“Honestly, I never thought I wanted kids. I wasn’t born with that maternal instinct women always talk about, and I was pretty set on having a career to fill my life. Even when Carrie found out she was pregnant, I was happy to be an aunt, but glad it wasn’t me.” She glanced sideways at Rex.
His stomach knotted, not liking the direction this was headed, but he kept his expression neutral. Whatever her thoughts were on the subject, they had to come from her, not what she thought he wanted to hear.
She continued. “However, while I was home, I remembered all the fun times Carrie and I had as children and I thought about the love our parents gave us. I remembered when my dad taught me to ride a bike and my mom bought Carrie and I matching dresses for Easter.”
“I bet you were adorable.”
“As adorable as a kid in an oversized white hat and Pepto pink dress can be.” She tossed a smile his way, then pressed on answering his question. “When Carrie showed me the nursery for her little girl, awareness dawned on me. I realized that, deep down, I do want a family and kids. I think I’ve always wanted that but was reluctant to admit it.”
Relief crashed over him. “Me too.”
She glanced his way and hesitated. “I should probably add in an ideal situation, I don’t want kids immediately after marrying, but I definitely want children to be an option a few years down the road.”
“We are so much alike it’s eerie at times.” He continued driving along the familiar roads that led to home. “Settling down used to be a foreign concept for me, let alone having kids, but meeting you changed all that. The thing is, I’m not used to thinking about anyone other than myself, and I’d like time to adapt before taking on the responsibility of a father. I don’t want my ineptness to affect my child.”
Monica trained her eyes on him. “Putting others first is in your nature, whether you see it or not. You will make a great dad.”
Though he didn’t agree, he let the compliment bolster him. “Thanks.
“A month ago, I couldn’t have pictured myself in a relationship, let alone talking about children, but if we’re being completely honest, I have been doing a lot of thinking.” She shifted sideways, so she faced him without turning her neck. “You know my dream I told you about this morning?”
“Yes.”
“I took the first step and sent in my official resignation today.”
He let out a low whoosh. “That’s a big step, but if you’re sure about it, I’m happy for you.”
“Also, I looked up schools while you were gone. UL Lafayette has a sociology department, and it’s not too late to apply for the spring semester.” She began talking with her hands, which she only did when she was overly excited. “I’d have to find a job that would work around school, but lots of people juggle both. I know I can do it.”
“Of course, you can. You’re Monica Hughes, the most incredible woman I’ve ever known.”
