Skila

I snuggle up in the fuzzy blanket, thinking about all that had transpired. I find myself humming Love and Marriage—you know, from Married with Children—and giggle to myself. I close my eyes and smile, feeling the soft fluttering of my son turning what feels like cartwheels in my belly. I'm lost in the moment when I feel the bed dip a bit. I turn to find Kip smiling widely. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Well, I was thinking about the nursery. I think we should go with a more neutral color. I know you had your heart set on blue, but what happens when we decide we want another?" I can feel the blood beginning to flush my cheeks at the thought.

"You're jumping the gun a bit there, aren't you?"

"No. Just thinking ahead. You never know what fate has in mind for us." I'm speechless, which is rare.

"Kiptyn, how about we make it through this one before we talk about more? Besides the nursery, we have a wedding to plan."

"About that. I think my grandma has her heart set on setting all that up."

"When did you tell her?"

"About five minutes ago. I thought you were sleeping." I can't help but smile.

"You know my nana is crazy, but I bet she'd like to put her two cents in." Kip nods and wraps his arms around me, pulling me to him.

"You know, I meant everything I said, and I couldn't be happier."

"I know. Now quit changing the subject. I think a cute multi-sports theme would be adorable for the baby's nursery."

"I'm cool with sports," he says, kissing my cheek.

"Good, so it's decided then?"

"Umm . . . not exactly."

"What does that mean?"

"I have a designer coming tomorrow to talk to you."

"What? Kip, I want us to do it. I don't want some stranger trying to tell me what my baby needs."

"Baby, chill. I can cancel, you know. I just figured with the wedding and all, you might need some help."

"Well I guess some help would be nice, but no pushy broad. I'm hormonal and would rather not go to prison for snapping. I might only be five foot four, but my attitude is six foot three," I reply, realizing I sound utterly insane. He bites his lip to hide the grin that threatens to cross his lips.

"I love you, Skila. Every little crazy thing you say makes me fall more every day." He snuggles up against me, resting his chin on my shoulder. "So, are you ok with your nana and my grandma planning this wedding? She said she would run everything by you first, but she does tend to go overboard."

I smile and shake my head. "It's fine, but Nana is a bit . . . how do I put this mildly? Wild."

"Wild, you say?"

"Yeah, she likes the Henny and devil’s tobacco quite a bit."

"I can't wait to meet her. I bet she's fun," he whispers before placing a soft kiss on my shoulder.

"You know, I never imagined you to be so sweet. It’s almost surreal to be here with you holding me."

"Believe me, baby, I'm real. I'm here, and I have no intentions of going anywhere."

I close my eyes and breathe deeply. I'm allowing myself to relax and melt into him as I drift off into a peaceful slumber.

A stinging sensation in my side rouses me, and I look at the clock. Three in the morning. I softly curse under my breath as I shift to adjust my torso and to alleviate the pain.

"You ok?" Kip asks groggily.

"Yeah. I think. My side is burning, and my leg feels numb," I reply, sitting up slowly and rotating my ankle, trying to bring the feeling back. He jumps up and crawls off the edge of the bed, turning on the lamp and sitting at my feet.

"Are you sure you're ok? Your ankles are swollen pretty badly."

"Yeah. They are, but that's not what's bothering me. Would you rub my side? Please?"

He nods and stands up, leaning over me and softly stroking my side. I groan, and he pauses. "You know, you really shouldn't make those noises. Do you know what that does to me?" I laugh, because it’s pretty damn obvious.

"Yeah. I know. Sorry. It was almost an instant relief."

"How about I draw you a warm bath?" He asks, a sly grin creeping across his face.

"Sure, but no funny business. You know what the doctor said."

"Yes. I know. I'll try to behave, okay?"

"Fine. I'll waddle in there in a minute." He laughs and rubs my belly before taking off to the bathroom. Standing up, I slowly make my way to the bathroom. The smell of lavender begins to permeate the room. I step in to find the tub filled with bubbles and rose petals and the soft flicker of candles lighting the room

"Why, Mr. Price, are you trying to spoil me?" I blurt out with a giggle.

"What if I am? You’re mine, baby, forever and always. If there is ever anything I can do or give you to help you, then I will. I promise you that."

"Thank you. You’re too good to be true," I reply, dropping my robe to the floor. My shadow dances across the wall, and I realize just how big my belly has gotten.

"Looks like you have a basketball stuffed in there," he says with a wink.

"Asshole," I mutter as he helps me into the tub. The warm, fragrant water envelops me, and I can feel every muscle in my body turn to mush. Kip craws into the oversized tub and sits behind me, pulling me against his chest. I can feel his attraction for me pressed against my back, but he doesn’t try to seduce me. Instead, he soaks the loofah in my favorite fragrance and gently rubs it along my shoulders and down my arms. When he’s done washing my body, he pulls me back against him and wraps his arms around me, cradling me safely between his long legs. I rest my head against his chest and let the water relax my muscles and ease the pain in my side.

“I love you, Kip.”

“I love you more.”