“That’s true, and the two of you have definitely helped make my pregnancy easier. You spoil me.”
“We’d carry the baby for you for all nine months if it were possible.”
She gives me a goofy grin. “You can make up for it with diaper changes.”
“It’s a deal.”
Max reappears in an old t-shirt and shorts. “I’ll make your smoothie while you get ready, Callie. Would you like strawberry or peach today?”
“Oh, surprise me. Thank you.”
She chose to give up her coffee habit when she found out she was pregnant, and Max and I had the idea to substitute smoothies. She likes them, but she’s definitely looking forward to enjoying coffee again as soon as she can.
When our schedules allow, the three of us usually shower together, but we’re short on time today, so Callie goes in and takes a quick one on her own, and I jump in right after to rinse off again.
With only a little over a month until the baby comes, it’s time for the baby shower, and though Callie’s mother is the official host, the party’s being held at our house, since we have more space.
We moved into this house last year, and it’s been perfect for us. My favorite room is the one we set up for Callie for yoga, and I think I’m enjoying it even more than she is. We lined one wall with a mirror, just like a yoga studio, and it’s taken naked yoga to the next level.
There’s also office space for all three of us. Max and I mostly work at the new field office that’s nearby, but it’s nice to have dedicated space at home, too. We travel occasionally, but now that the baby’s coming, we’ll travel less and go separately, so that at least one of us will always be home to care for Callie and our child.
We recently got the good news that John Hargrove was convicted and sent away. The supplier, Willie Gardner, was sent to jail several months ago, and Callie’s ex continues to be under investigation. It turns out that Callie wasn’t the first woman he’d scammed, and his involvement with Hargrove wasn’t his first foray into drug dealing. We hear there’s a big case building against him.
In the grand scheme of things, Callie was lucky that Rick Jansen robbed her and left, because things could have been so much worse for her if she were still involved with him.
And while his life is now in a definite downward spiral, our Callie finished her bachelor’s degree and passed the exam for her paralegal certification. She’ll find a job when she’s ready, but she wanted to start a family first. When our kids are in school, or sooner if she’s ready, we plan to urge her to go for a law degree, because she’s well up for the challenge.
“You look beautiful,” I tell her, when I find her looking at herself in the full-length mirror in her walk-in closet.
She turns slowly, continuing to check her reflection. “This dress is a tent.”
I step in close and run my hands over some of my favorite parts of her body. “Tents don’t have curves as sexy as yours.”
“Mm … thank you.” She kisses me, then asks, “What are you and Max going to do today?” When I frown at her question, she adds, “You don’t have to stay for the party, you know.”
“I think we’ll hang around. Your mom might need help.”
As I say that, the doorbell rings, and Callie laughs. “Look what you did. You summoned her.”
Smiling, I give her one more quick kiss. “I’ll get it.”
Downstairs, both Ms. Baker and Sadie are at the door, their hands full of boxes and bags with gifts, decorations, and food. I take their things from them, invite them in, and then go out to bring in the remaining items from Sadie’s car. While I’m gathering things from her trunk, another car pulls in.
I was told the shower doesn’t start for another hour, so I’m surprised to see Callie’s great aunt climb out of the classic red sports car.
“Max, is that you?”
“It’s Miles, Aunt Iris. How are you?”
“I’m good, dear. Excited to come help you, Callie, and Max prepare for your beautiful baby’s arrival. Can you help with this?” She pulls a large yellow gift bag from her back seat, and hands it to me. “Which way’s the door? Can you escort me in?”
I offer her my arm, and she wraps her hands around it, leaning into me as we make our way inside, even though I know she’s perfectly steady on her feet without my help.
I’ll always be grateful to Aunt Iris for the part she played in kick-starting my romance with Callie, though I now believe thatthings were inevitable, even without her help. Something as right as the love we share was bound to find a way.
Callie
From the comfiest chair in the living room, I sit and finish my smoothie while I enjoy the view. I could look out toward the ocean, but I’d much rather watch Max and Miles as they hang streamers under Mom’s direction.
