Savannah? Georgia?
That’s an odd request, given I said the sky’s the limit.
“Baby, I’ll take you wherever you want. But any particular reason you want to visit Savannah? Do you want to catch a Savannah Bananas game or something?”
“Oh, that sounds fun! Yes, I’d like to do that, too. But I really want to visit my sister.”
“She’s not coming to the wedding?”
Jess sadly shook her head. “No. After the church excommunicated her, my parents don’t talk to her.”
“It’s not your parents’ wedding.”
“I know; and I did invite her. But honestly, I was sort of relieved when she said she thought it would be better if she didn’t come. It would have just made everyone uncomfortable. But I miss her, and I want her to meet Ruthie.” She quietly murmured, “And you,” as she switched the baby to her other breast and readjusted the blanket.
I wished she didn’t feel the need to cover herself in front of me. I understood it, but it didn’t mean I liked it.
But I did like that she wanted to introduce me to her sister.
“We don’t have to wait until your birthday. We can take an overnight trip this week.”
She shot me a look, and I was reminded that my future wife was still very much under her parents’ thumbs.
“Okay, yeah, I get it. But what if I flew her here for a few days?”
“You’re really sweet to offer, but I’m going to have a lot to do in the next couple of weeks. I’d feel guilty if she came all this way, and I didn’t spend enough time with her. Let’s just wait until my birthday if you don’t mind.”
“Whatever you say, baby.”
The conversation earlier with my brother popped in my head, and I thought this was a good time to bring it up.
“You know I consider us equals, right? I’m not under any illusion that I’ll be in charge of you in any way just because we’re married.”
She shrugged. “You’re the one with the real job. I’m just making a little over minimum wage.”
“So? Just because I make more money doesn’t mean shit. Besides, my money isourmoney.”
Her smile seemed pained when she replied, “Until we get divorced.”
The idea made me sad, but I tried to look on the bright side—well, the bright side for her. “You’ll be a college graduate then and won’t even need me. Not to mention, you’ll have spousal and child support. I don’t ever want you to worry about money.”
“You’re taking a big chance on someone you hardly know.”
“I know enough. But if it eases your mind, we can spend the next two weeks getting to know each other better.”
Her face lit up. “I’d like that.”
“Me, too.”
Chapter Forty-Four
Jessica
“Should we go next door, while she’s still awake?” Alan asked when he took Ruthie from me to burp her. “I know my mother is dying to hold her. Probably Lainey and Jade, too.”
It felt weird having all these people clamoring to hold my little girl. Other than my mom, and occasionally my dad, people at church had barely given her a passing glance. Probably because she was the fruit of sin.
Whatever.
