Page 108 of A Simple Love

“About five weeks. It’s early.”

“Ah. I came home from being away for two days. You had missed me a lot that trip.”

She giggled. “Yes, I did. I think I jumped you when you walked in.”

I smiled and kissed her, resting my hand on top of hers that was still on her stomach. “And look what a miracle happened.”

“Oh God. A baby,” she said, sounding awed. “Our baby.”

“Our baby,” I replied, the words making my allergies start up again. “We’re gonna be Mommy and Daddy.”

“Mommy and Daddy,” she repeated. “I like that.”

“Me too.” I kissed her. “Great homecoming.”

“Hey,” she said, realizing. “Why did you come home early?”

“I was worried. It’s not like you to be sick.”

“I think you need to get used to it.”

“I’ll get used to anything you need.”

“Wong Man,” she said out of the blue.

“What?”

“I think I need Wong Man.”

I laughed. “And so it begins.”

The phone rang, and Kassie picked it up. “Hey, Quinn.”

She listened and started to laugh. “Really? Me too. No, I’m serious.”

There were squeals and laughter on the other end of the phone. Kassie was grinning, crying, and holding my hand. She hung up, and I chuckled. “Not the flu for Quinn either?”

“Nope. Our babies will be friends!”

“John must be thrilled.”

She yawned, and I bent, picking her up. “I think someone needs to lie down and relax.”

“But—”

“No buts. You need to rest, and we’ll make some plans. And later, I’ll get you anything you want from Wong.”

She didn’t fight me, laying her head on my chest. In our room, I skirted the boxes and laid her on the bed, stretching out beside her. “No more packing. I’ll get someone in.”

“Okay,” she agreed, snuggling close.

Moments later, she was asleep. I stared at her, resting my hand where our child grew. Still tiny, but there. Safe. Sound.

Boy or girl, I could hardly wait to meet them.

A year later

Norman dropped me off, laughing as I barely let the car stop before hopping out. I hadn’t seen my family in ten days. That was ten days too long. I sprinted up the walk, opening the door and immediately calling for Kassie. “Lovely! Where are you?”