Page 85 of Just Desserts

“We’re having a baby?” He asked, his eyes shining. I nodded as tears started rolling down my face.

“You’ve made me the happiest man alive. Just meeting you, having you in my life has been overwhelming. Now, you’re giving me an even bigger gift. I am in awe of you Isla, and I cannot wait to meet our child.” At that I lost all semblance of control and started sobbing, Myles pulled me into his arms and I spent a good deal of time in his lap on the cold bathroom floor.

“If it's a girl I hope she looks just like her mama. Although, that will make the teenage years even harder… gonna have to talk to Sully about our options there.” Myles was muttering into my hair as he rubbed my back. Finally calming down I pulled away so I could look at this man who I loved so desperately.

“You’re not upset? This is really fast…” I asked hesitantly.

“Upset? Isla darling, we’ve talked about this. We decided together that we wanted kids and were ready to get started as soon as we were married. All this means is it was meant to be. I do have one concern though.” He replied, and my nerves kicked back in.

“Once we go to the doctor and get all of their recommendations, would you be open to cutting back on how much work and wedding planning you’re doing? Let Sarah and Grams help more, I don’t want you running yourself ragged.You’re growing a life inside of you, we’ve got to make sure both you and the baby are healthy at all times.” How did I find such a perfect man? How did he know exactly what I needed to hear?

My emotions the last few weeks had been all over the place, vacillating from highs and lows. For example, we were supposed to meet with the florist last week but as the day approached I wasn’t in the mood. I was feeling cranky, overwhelmed and just didn’t want to deal with anything other than what I was working on at the bakery. Myles, always flexible, rescheduled for after the holiday. I felt immense relief as soon as he told me it was moved, then just as quickly guilt swooped in to poke at me for canceling plans.

The idea of letting Sarah and Grams loose, giving them the reins on wedding planning, was the perfect solution. I could be in outer space and they would manage to keep me updated and entertained on any decisions happening. As it was, they were making most of the decisions already. Their taste was impeccable and their combined knowledge of both Myles and I allowed them to find perfect pieces that really complemented us. They were personally invested in making sure our day was as special as it could be.

“Would you mind terribly if we moved up the wedding date? I would like to walk down the aisle before I’m showing, if possible.” I sniffled out, a thousand concerns coming at me now that I was starting to process that I was actually pregnant.

“I’d marry you tomorrow if you’d let me. Why don’t we talk to Sarah on Friday. I know it's soon to tell anyone about the pregnancy but I think we can make an exception for Sarah. I’d be surprised if she doesn’t already know somehow, I bet she has her ravens outside listening to our conversation right now.” I gave a watery laugh into his chest, not necessarily disagreeing.

Sarah was always the first to know something, or figure out asecret. Even if I tried, I knew keeping this from her wouldn’t last very long. Myles and I had been curled up on the bathroom floor for a good while now and I imagined it wasn’t the most comfortable position for Myles, his long legs crammed into a corner. A sudden wave of exhaustion ran through me and I let out a huge yawn.

“Let’s get you set up in bed with a movie and some tea. You’ve had an exciting day.” Myles said and I felt my body completely melt into his.

I’ve never had someone take care of me like he does. Myles makes sure that I’m seen, that my feelings and thoughts are always considered. He makes sure I know that I’m never a burden, that all my needs are met. Myles has made it abundantly clear that he considered taking care of me a gift. It wasn’t about what he could give me though, all I really needed was Myles. As he carried me out of the bedroom he gently deposited me on the bed as if I was the finest china. He tucked me in with such tenderness that tears filled my eyes again. Grabbing his hand I pulled him down for a kiss.

“I love you. So much Myles, I don’t even know what to do with all these feelings.” I whispered to him, his face hovering over mine.

“And I love you. I thought you were my whole world, now you’ve one upped yourself and decided to give me an entire universe. I won’t ever be able to properly convey just how much you mean to me.” Smiling, I pulled my soon to be husband over me for a deeper kiss. Love and happiness ran through me from head to toe. Life was good.

Epilogue

Myles

In the last three years, my life has become fuller than I could have ever dreamed. I could still remember my wedding day as if it was yesterday. Isla in her form fitting gown, the slight bump only I knew to look for made her all the more radiant. It was one of the best days of my life, surrounded by family and friends as I got to make Isla mine.

Every morning waking up next to Isla’s small form feels like a dream come true. I don’t know how I got so lucky but I work every day to make sure she never regrets picking me. Five months after our wedding, our baby girl Riley Bennett, came into this world screaming.

The feeling that overtook me when I finally held her in my arms was entirely new. I had never known such overwhelming love and fear at the same time. It was as if my heart was no longer in my body but instead was out in the open, in the form of this tiny little human who I had to protect at every turn.

Riley came out with a full head of dark hair and shockingly blue eyes. The doctors said her eye color might change, but like her mother the blue remained, the shade shifting until I was looking into a mini version of my wife. She was a daddy'sgirl from day one and had me wrapped around her finger. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

It was a struggle to let her out of my sight, but Riley was in high demand. Auntie Sarah and Uncle Wes fought the most over time with her, but surprisingly it was Sully who Riley clung to. It was always a fun sight to see this giant military man getting bossed around by a demanding toddler. After a visit with Riley, his all black uniform would be covered in glitter and stickers. If anyone tried to give him shit for it, one good glare from Sully wisely had them shutting up.

Riley was a frequent visitor at the hotel, all of the staff knew and adored her. She was spoiled rotten and had the whole crew eating out of the palm of her hand. Once she started talking, a whole new world of unexpected situations arose. Between Grams and Sarah, Riley had picked up a colorful vocabulary. That angelic face, with her mothers kind eyes, hid a sassy and determined little girl who knew just how to play all of us.

“We go see Mommy? Eat cupcakes?” Riley had a sweet tooth like no other, if let loose in the bakery she would eat Isla out of half her inventory before we caught her.

Once Riley was born, Isla and I worked together to create a schedule that we both were comfortable with. Isla went into the bakery first thing in the morning, helping cook and prep for the day. That means I got mornings with Riley, breakfast and getting ready for school or daycare. Isla usually finished up at the bakery midday and went to get Riley, frequently stopping by the Bennett on their way home.

Sarah kept my office as well as hers stocked with anything Riley could need. From snacks to crayons, diapers and sippy cups, I’m pretty sure we could go a whole month without ever needing to stop at home for more gear. Our girl wassurrounded by love in every form and gesture. Sully equipt my office with an over the top first aid kit to address any possible boo-boo Riley could get. If we would allow it, he probably would have put a tracker on Riley who loved to wander around the hotel if we let her out of sight.

Speaking of, the familiar stomps of excited steps and my wifes soft voice drifted from the hallway leading to my office. Quickly standing up from my chair, I rounded the desk just in time to watch the door swing open and Riley to come running at me. Snatching her up right before she hit my knees I swung her in the air before squeezing her to my chest.

“Daddy! I mished you.” She giggled.

Since starting to talk in fuller sentences, Riley had developed a bit of a lisp. She chatted away about her day as I rocked her in my arms, nodding along to her story although I was distracted by the sight of her mother. Isla had slipped in after Riley and was depositing their bags on the couch.

Damn, I loved my wife. Every time I see her she manages to take my breath away, that same feeling as when I first met her. It sounds corny but I still find it hard to believe that this woman was mine. Motherhood came naturally to Isla, seeing her with our daughter was incredible. I was used to being calm and cool in situations, but once Riley was born all of that went out the window.

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