Page 6 of Our Little Wedding

I laughed as well, but not because it was funny; it was more because I was relieved to see her expression change. “Sorry, I couldn’t help that. After hearing you and her talk the other night, I was worried that perhaps she was convincing you to leave, to find someone younger.”

“It’s okay. Never worry, I will always love your balls.”

“I’m glad.” I chuckled.

“Seriously though, Spencer, a younger man couldn’t even hold a candle to you. I see how these guys treat Carly, and to be honest, I think I’d lose my mind. It’s all games with them, and when she’s told me about the sex, well…”

“What does she say?”

“That none of them last and that most of them are more concerned with getting themselves off and not worrying about her.”

“Ah, yes, well, that comes with age and maturity. As for lasting, well, there are times I can barely hold it together with you.”

“Oh.” Her cheeks flushed, “It was nice to see Mike and Trina there. They seemed to really be happy for us.” She said, changing the subject.

“Yes, Mike was thrilled when I told him, albeit a little surprised, but only because he never thought I’d marry again after Brittany.”

“Can’t say I blame you there. Did you see the way she was glaring at us tonight?”

“How could I not? I also couldn’t help but notice how she was ignoring Nikki as well. I really didn’t want her to go home with her tonight, but it is her turn to have her. Besides, I think we could both use some alone time.”

“I know. At one point, Nikki came to me to take her to the bathroom. I was worried Brittany might follow us into the bathroom and bitch me out, but when we came back out, I found her flirting with Paul, head of tech support. I don’t even thing she noticed Nikki had come to me.”

“If that ever happens again, you need to come and get me right away. She will not ignore the needs of my daughter to satisfy her own. I’ve been fighting her on that for years.”

Ainsley nodded and then rested her head back against the pillow as I continued rubbing her foot, then switching to the other one. “You might want to warn poor Paul, too.”

“Noted.”

“Can I talk to you about something?” Ainsley whispered, placing her hand on my forearm.

“Of course. What is it?”

Ainsley blew out a breath before beginning. “The other day, while I was in putting Nikki’s clothes away, I realized we don’t have a separate bedroom for the baby. So, Nikki will have to share her room when she is here.”

“You know, I was thinking the same thing myself. I was planning to bring this up to you later in the week. What would you say to finding a place of our own?”

“What do you mean?” Ainsley questioned. “This one is our own.”

“No, this place isn’t one we chose together. This is the house I chose after my divorce. I needed a place to live, and I needed to have room for Nikki so I could bring her here on my weekends. We are clearly going to outgrow this place, and I thought it might be nice to find a place that we can build together.”

Ainsley nodded. “Where would we look?”

“Well, on my way home the other night, I drove through a neighborhood close to here, just a few blocks over. The houses are bigger, which means we’d have another bedroom or two. Plus, if we plan it right from the start, perhaps I could also fit an office in. That way I can work from home if need be and help you when the baby comes.”

I watched as she thought for a moment. “Were there any houses for sale?”

“There were a couple that I saw. I can make an appointment with an agent to see them. See if we like any of them. There is no harm in looking.”

I watched her eyes light up while the idea I’d planted floated through her mind. I wanted her to have everything she wanted, things I knew were important to her. Over the last few weeks, she asked me if it was okay if she made some subtle changes around the house. I kept telling her she didn’t need my permission, but she still came to me. I knew she’d never come out and say she wanted a place she could make her own, but I knew it was on her mind.

“Don’t be afraid to tell me how you feel, Ainsley.”

She shrugged. “It might be nice to have someplace we can call our own. I know that eventually I won’t think of this as just your place, though. It’s just going to take me some time.”

“I’ll call the agent this week and set something up.” I smiled, picking up my drink and taking a sip. Ainsley smiled and then closed her eyes while I continued rubbing her feet, and she sank farther into the couch cushions as she relaxed. I grabbed the remote and turned the radio on, soft jazz music floating through the air.

I loved these quiet times with her. There was something about being with her that brought out a fire in my soul. She had made me feel alive when, most of these past few years, I felt dead inside.

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