5 years later.
“Hey Dad! Watch this!” Jared cracks the ball his coach pitches him into left field and so far past his team mates, I don’t think they know where it went.
“Damn.” One of the other dad’s mutters beside me.
“That’s my boy!” I beam proudly. It may just be the first practice of the season, but my kid has one hell of a swing. This is only his third year playing ball and if I didn’t know better I’d say he was born with a bat in his hand.
Baseball days mean Jersey and our daughter, Alyssa, have what they call spa days. It used to consist of going to a salon and having their hair and nails done, but now, with the delivery day of our soon to be second daughter, they stay at home. Aly loves to play with her mother’s long hair. Or painting her nails, or playing with makeup.
While we try to give the kids their own time with each of us, we love to do family things too. We have season seats to the Maryland Terrapins games each year and the kids love it.
Two kids were all we were going to have, Jared and Alyssa keep us on our toes a little more than we can sometimes handle, but they’re wonderful kids. Caring, compassionate, kind. All of it comes from their mother. A woman who continues to amaze me more and more with each passing day.
I couldn’t love her any more than what I do now.
I couldn’t be more thankful that she wrote me that letter all those years ago.
Jersey changed my life for the better.
Jersey
I’m trying to so hard to stifle the moans from contractions, I don’t want to ruin the braid Aly is attempting to put in my hair, but I think it’s time.
“You’re so pretty Momma.” She happily chirps. “I can’t wait until the new baby comes, she’ll get to have spa days with us!”
“Hey sweetheart,” I don’t mask the pain well, “could you bring me my phone?”
“Sure! But you forgot to use the magic word!” Heaven forbid.
“Please Aly.” As she hands it to me, I cry out from a harder contraction. “It’s time isn’t it, Momma?” Her whispered question is full of delight.
“Yeah, baby, it’s time.” After sending a quick text to Killian, I know he’ll be home soon. “Can you get the bag from the hall closet? Then get your shoes on okay.” She nods and runs to do as I ask.
“Papa is meeting us there?” We’ve had plenty of talks about what happens when it’s time and thankfully both kids are happy with the plan.
“He is.” I tell her just as the boys come crashing through the front door startling us both.
“You alright Jersey girl?” Killian kneels in front of me and I think I fall deeper in love with the man. “Our surprise is ready.” I smile at him.
“She sure is.” A tear in his eyes is the only emotion he conveys under his cool calm. “Shall we go?” He offers his hand with a grin and we’re on our way.
Everything happens at lightning speed after that. Jared and Aly were long intense labors. Our newest joy barely made it up the elevator and in time for my Dad to pick the kids up.
“Well Mrs. St. James, you did one hell of a job.” Kilian’s gaze is enamored with our miracle as he watches her in his arms sitting beside me.
A light knock on the door sounds and a nurse walks in, “Sorry to interrupt, we were asked to give this to you once you were settled in your room.” She hands me an envelope since my arms are empty.
“Thank you,” I murmur, wondering who left a letter for us. Immediately I look up to Killian, thinking he’s done what he did after we had Alyssa, but he shakes his head.
Opening the white envelope, I pull out a short letter and tears rush to the surface as I read the sweetest letter in history.
Dear Mom and Dad,
Aly and I thought we could surprise you this time!
We know you probably have names already, but we thought we could help too!
Aly likes the name Summer or Paige for her. I like the names Miranda or Carolyn. We both agree Perry is the best though.
We love you guys, and we love our little sister no matter what you name her. Can’t wait to meet her soon!
Love,
J-Man & Aly-Cat
“How did we get so lucky?” I look up to my husband, the father of my children, love of my life.
“It’s all you, babe, all you.” His grin has grown after I read the letter aloud.
“Perry St. James.” I try the name and I love it.
“It suits her.” He says leaning over so we can gaze upon her at once.
Brushing my fingers across her cheek, I tell him. “I think she has a name then.”