She touches my arm. “I’d never want to bring a child into the world with you, though, if that’s not truly what you want.”
I take her hand. “Am I chomping at the bit to have a kid, in this moment? No. I’m not. But, sweetheart, if you get to the point where you truly want one, and you honestly feel ready, then,boom.Decision made. We’re having a baby. I mean, come on, I’m sure as shit not letting you have one with someone else.”
She pulls me down and snuggles into me with glee. “I love you so much.”
“Good. Because I love you. Just, promise me, we’re not boarding the baby train any time soon. I want you all to myself for a while. I want to show you the world. Fuck you in forty countries.”
She sighs happily. “Sounds great to me. I want you all to myself for a long while, too. Plus, I want to get established in my career.”
“Can’t wait to see you do it.” I kiss the top of her head. “Now, come on. We don’t have tons of time for our workout before we have to meet Isabel for lunch. Annihilate me, Ginger.”
Georgina flashes me a wide smile that makes my heart burst wide open. “You got it, Freddie Boy.” She hops up and heads to her closet, swishing her naked ass as she goes. And the minute she disappears, I grab my phone, eager to see what I’ve missed in my conversation with Josh and Henn.
Not surprisingly, my two best friends have roped their wives into our conversation, and all four of them have been littering our group chat with gifs—images of people popping champagne and jumping for joy and getting down on bended knee. Finally, I reach the end of the long text chain, and tap out a reply.
Me: Thanks for the enthusiasm, guys. I can’t wait to blow her away. CeeCee already said she’ll help me pick out a ring.
Kat: I’M SO EXCITED!!!
Me: Really? I couldn’t tell.
Hannah: When, when, WHEN are you going to ask her?
Me: I don’t know yet. Once I have the ring, I’ll take her somewhere with white sand beaches.
Henn: Josh, you owe me $1000.
Josh: No, the bet was RR getting married, not engaged. I don’t have to pay until RR actually says, “I do.”
Me: Josh, pay Henny on the bet now.
I look up. Georgina’s just now re-entered the bedroom in her workout gear, looking like a wet dream. And there it is again.Hello, wife.I return to my phone and quickly finish tapping out my text:Because, I assure you, the deed is as good as done.
95
REED
I’m in an upscale restaurant with Georgina. We’re sitting in a private dining room, awaiting Isabel. When she finally walks into the room, twenty minutes late, and sees me with Georgina at our table, her features contort with surprise.
“Reed?” Isabel says. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to sit in on the interview,” I say, rising and giving her a polite hug. “Also, to tell you some news, so you won’t hear it first on social media.”
Isabel looks anxious. “Okay.” She politely hugs Georgina. “Hello again. Nice to see you.”
“You, too.”
We take our seats at the linen-covered table, just as a server appears to take our drink orders.
“Water for me,” Isabel says.
“Why don’t we have martinis all around?” I suggest. “I think you might thank me later, when you hear what I have to tell you.”
Isabel’s face drops. She looks at Georgina. And then again at me. But since she’s an actress by trade, she forces a stiff smile and says, “It’s five o’clock somewhere. Martinis it is.”
When the waiter leaves, Georgina motions to me, giving me the floor. So, I put my elbows on the tableand jump right in.
“I thought you should know Georgina and I are in a committed relationship. She’s the one I told you about at my party. The one I’m head over heels in love with. Actually, my love for her has only grown exponentially since that night.”
