Dreaming
“You weren’t kidding when you said you didn’t have anything picked out yet. You don’t even have a stitch of clothing or a crib. Where do you think you’re going to put my grandson?”
Amanda nearly winced, but when her mother smiled and she saw that she was joking, she relaxed. “Well, we got the cabin ready. Doesn’t that count for something?”
Joan looked over the room that was going to serve as the nursery. It wasn’t small and it wasn’t huge. It was just right, as Jason had so often said. More than enough room for a crib, a small dresser or change table, a rocking chair, a book shelf and a portable closet since they hadn’t built one in. It would be a good room, easily compatible as their child grew.
“Yes of course. You both did a wonderful job with the cabin. I was very surprised.”
“Were you? Truly?”
“Well, yes. I thought all that talk about modernizing and expanding might just have been talk. Last time I left nothing was even started. It’s only been, what? Four months?”
“Yes.”
“Look what you’ve accomplished. I’m so proud of you both!”
“Well it wasn’t all us. Jason did a lot, but of course we had trades come and work on the place. It was a team effort.”
“And someone had to have the vision and keep the team on track.”
“I guess that was mostly Jason. I just picked out all the décor and furnishings and like he always reminds me, the fridge. I don’t know why, but he really hated going and picking out a fridge.”
“Sounds like every other man to me.” Joan placed her hands on her hips. “I think we should do a few paintings for the baby’s room.”
“Actually, I’ve already done two. They’re just sitting packed away, waiting for the furniture so that I know where to put them.”
“You’ve ordered something already?”
Amanda hesitated. “No.” She decided just to be honest. “I wanted to wait until closer to the end. I mean, when I couldn’t do anything. I was hoping you would help me.”
Her mother’s eyes lit with understanding and she smiled softly. “Of course.” She moved closer and placed a warm hand on Amanda’s shoulder. “I know you probably think that since it’s been so long I’ve forgotten what it was like to be pregnant. I remember how afraid I was. I understand why you’re hesitant to have things here. It’s just getting down to the deadline though and with that belly, you shouldn’t be lifting anything at all.”
“I was hoping we could at least pick it out and Jason could help go get it after.”
“That’s a great idea. Just pray nothing is on back order.”
“I was thinking about buying most of it used. That way we could just go make a day of it. I could pay ahead of time with a transfer or just when we get there to pick it up.”
“That’s a great idea. Too many things go to landfills now.”
“I wanted to take you to this thrift store I like. I think it would be fun to pick out baby clothes together. I don’t just want to buy a used lot even if it is cheaper and easier.”
Her mother’s face lit up with the most radiant smile. “I’m glad, honey. I’m glad that you want to do this with me. You have no idea what it means that you and Jason have both chosen to include me in this special time of your lives.”
“Of course!” Amanda’s eyes shimmered with tears. She took her mother’s hands in hers. “That’s not all. I know you said you had something to tell me. Is it that you’re thinking about moving closer?”
“Yes.” Joan’s eyes also flooded with tears. “I guess I’m not a very surprising person.”
“Well, I was just hoping. I talked to Jason and we wanted to let you know that you always have a place here. You can stay in the small cabin and we would help you build a bigger one, if you want, on our land. You wouldn’t have to pay for the land cost, just for the cost of building. We would help you get the best deals and-”
“It’s perfect,” her mother cut her off. She blinked rapidly to keep the tears from spilling over. “How about we talk about it over a cup of tea. I’ve had a long drive and I’m parched.”
“Oh!” Amanda stifled a gasp of surprise by lifting her hand to her mouth. “I’m sorry! You walked in the door and I had to show you everything and I completely forgot to be a good host. I guess I can only blame it on baby brain.”
“You had better. You only have a couple more weeks before you can’t use that excuse any longer.”
“After that, I can blame everything on sleep deprivation. I’ve heard babies sometimes don’t sleep through the night until they’re eighteen months old.”
“Some don’t. Some sleep well right from the start. You were a little angel!”
“Then I got older and look what happened.”
Her mother squeezed the hand she was still holding. “We’re here now, honey. That’s all that matters.”
Amanda’s heart warmed and filled with love. It was true, what they said, about really not being able to appreciate what a parent had done for you until it was your turn.
“How about that tea? Then we can look online together and see if we can manage to fill up that room with a whole bunch of furniture and a swing, a high chair, a rocking chair, a change table and whatever else babies need.”
“Sounds like heaven,” Joan sighed happily.
Heaven.
As Amanda led the way to the kitchen, she realized just how right her mother was. She had a man who loved her more than anything in the world, her mother by her side and her child, so far healthy and well and safe within her. It was all she could ask for. It was her version of heaven at the moment.