Page 18 of Sin Wagon
As I drift off to sleep, I feel Little Boba give a few more kicks, a gentle reminder of the new chapter we’re about to begin.
The next morning,I wake up feeling a combination of anticipation and nervous energy. We have so much to do, I can't help but feel overwhelmed. Derek is already in the kitchen, making breakfast. The smell of pancakes fills the air, and my stomach growls in response.
“Morning, sleepyhead,” Derek greets me with a smile as I waddle into the kitchen. “How’d you sleep?”
“Pretty good, actually. Little Boba wasn’t too restless last night.” I rub my belly affectionately. “What’s on the agenda for today?”
“Well, first we need to drop off the signed lease and deposit at the condo. Then, I thought we could start packing some of your stuff. Maybe even take a trip to the baby store to start planning the nursery?”
“That sounds perfect,” I say, my excitement growing. “I can’t wait to start decorating. I’ve got so many ideas.”
We eat breakfast together, discussing paint colors, furniture, and all the little details that will make the nursery special. After breakfast, we head to the condo office to finalize the paperwork. Everything goes smoothly, and by lunchtime, we’re officially tenants of our new home.
We spend the afternoon packing up my apartment. It’s amazing how much stuff I’ve accumulated over the years, but sorting through it all is exhausting. Derek is a huge help, lifting boxes and offering moral support when I feel overwhelmed.
“Take a break, Delilah,” he says. “You’ve been on your feet all day.”
“I’m fine,” I insist, but the look he gives me says he’s not buying it.
“Sit down for a few minutes. I’ll finish packing these boxes.”
I reluctantly do what he says, sinking onto the couch with a sigh. As I rest, I feel Little Boba moving inside me, reminding me why we’re doing all this. This move isn’t just about me and Derek—it’s about creating a safe, loving home for my baby.
After a short rest, we head to the baby store. The moment we walk in, I’m overwhelmed by the sheer amount of baby gear. Cribs, strollers, car seats, toys—there’s so much to choose from. Derek and I wander through the aisles, picking out the essentials and debating over the cutest items.
“What do you think of this crib?” Derek asks, pointing to a sleek, modern black circular design.
“It’s nice, but I was thinking something more traditional,” I reply, eyeing a dark oak wooden crib.
“I can see that,” he says thoughtfully. “What about a rocking chair?”
“It’s perfect,” I say, sitting down and gently rocking back and forth. “I can already picture myself here, rocking Little Boba to sleep.”
We continue shopping, filling our cart with baby clothes, blankets, and other necessities. By the time we leave the store, I’m exhausted but happy. We’re one step closer to being ready for the baby’s arrival.
We head straight to the condo, unload our haul, and start setting up the nursery. It’s hard work, but also incredibly rewarding. With each piece of furniture we assemble, the room transforms from an empty space into a cozy, welcoming nursery.
“This is going to be perfect.” I stand in the middle of the room, taking it all in.
“It really is,” Derek agrees, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “We’re going to make a great team.”
Chapter 10
DELILAH
“Derek, if you’re not ready to go in the next ten minutes, I’m leaving without you!” I holler down the hall to my best friend, who’s still primping in his bedroom. The car is already packed, so we’re just waiting for him to look ‘presentable’. We’re getting on a damn plane for five hours to attend the wedding from hell, so I don’t know why he’s trying to look so good.
“I’m coming, babe. Relax, we’ll get to the airport on time, I promise.” He strolls into the living room looking done up to the nines, his tailored shirt hugging his torso just right, and his cologne leaving a trail of tantalizing scent in the air. He grabs my carry-on and his, then holds a hand out to me, helping me off the couch. I slowly waddle behind him out of the apartment and down to his car. We’re driving to the airport and paying for parking while we’re gone, so we don’t have to worry about waiting for taxis or Ubers since I’m the size of a whale. My doctor cleared me to fly but still, I worry about being this far along and traveling such a distance. I swear if anything happens, and mymom is anywhere near me when this baby is born, I will strangle her with the umbilical cord.
I should just stay home and tell my mother to fuck off, I’m not coming, but the good person in me knows this will probably be the only wedding my mother will get. There’s no way she will find someone else stupid enough to marry her if this marriage fails. My dad being absent my whole life pisses me off, but after growing up with Claudia, I can almost understand why someone would do it. However, there is this thing called custody. I’m sure as long as my sperm donor wasn’t some serial killer, I would have bolted on Claudia as soon as I was of age. Growing up with her was like being raised by the mean girl brigade, but they never went home after school.
“It’s gonna be fine, babe. We’re gonna go live it up in a fancy resort for a week and then head back here to prepare for Little Boba.” Derek grabs my hand and brings it to his lips for a gentle kiss, his eyes locking onto mine with a promise of support and love. I’m pumped to raise this baby with my best friend, who will be the best Uncle Derek ever, something I wish I had growing up.
“I’m trying to relax. This whole thing just makes me anxious,” I tell him, blowing out a deep breath.
Pulling into the parking garage across from the airport, Derek whips his car into a spot and runs to find a trolley to put our luggage on. Thankfully, he’s back within ten minutes. I send up a prayer of thanks that someone left one behind or that there was actually one in the trolley corral. I get out and head to the trunk, watching Derek throw our baggage on it before he grabs our carry-on from the backseat. I take mine from him even though I get the stink eye. I want to carry mine, so I feel helpful in some way. I’m with child, not helpless.
Derek pushes the trolley to the elevator as I follow behind him. We squeeze inside, riding it down to the lobby so we cancatch the train that runs from the parking garage to the airport. As we get to the shuttle and step inside, I immediately sit on the bench in the back while Derek pushes the trolley and stands in front of me. “You alright, D?”
