Page 2 of Something Stronger
“Charlie… I don’t want kids right away. I’m just starting my career.” I frowned. “I mean, I want kids, I do, but I worked so hard in school to get to where I am. I want to take advantage of that.”
“I know. I guess I just get excited thinking about the future.” He smiled as he turned and then reached for my hand, lacing our fingers together. “Why don’t we grab something to eat and celebrate?” He began leading me to his truck.
“Ok.” I gave in and followed.
Charlie’s always had a way of making me forget about what I want and do what he wants. I don’t know if it’s just my way of keeping the peace, or if a part me just wants to agree with him to keep things simple. From the day we met, I’ve kinda always let him have his way, and now it seems like whenever I think about standing up to him, I end up backing down.
“I got a dress today.” I smiled sweetly as we drove through town. “Mama says she thinks you’ll love it.”
“I’m sure you’ll look beautiful. You’d look perfect in anything.” He glanced over at me before looking back at the road. Charlie always says the sweetest things and I think this is why I give in so easily.
“Thank you.” I grinned wider. “Where are we going?”
“I thought we could go to the diner and get takeout and then go to the park. It’s a nice day.”
“I’m not really dressed for that.” I glanced down at my pumps and skirt. It had been raining recently and I’m sure the ground is soft and muddy.
“It’ll be fine.” He brushed me off as he turned into the parking lot. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.” He hopped out and went inside, leaving me there.
I waited for maybe twenty minutes before he came back out carrying a large paper bag. I could smell the French fries as he set the bag on the seat between us. He cranked the engine and turned toward the park. When we arrived, he asked me to wait while he hopped out. He went around back, and disappeared.
“M’lady.” He opened my door and held his hand out to help me down, but as soon as I stepped down, he lifted me into his arms. “We don’t need you sinking in the mud.” He winked as he carried me over to a picnic table in the shade. Our food was sitting on top.
“You have all the answers, don’t you?” I teased.
“I sure do.” He winked again as he sat me down. I made myself comfortable on one bench while he circled around to the other side. He opened the bag and handed me a sandwich wrapped in paper. “Your favorite.” He smiled as he opened the wrapper to reveal a perfectly grilled patty melt. He’d gotten us each a fry and a chocolate malt. “You remembered everything.” I tore the paper off my straw and stabbed it into the top of the thick malt before taking a sip.
“Because you’re my girl.” He opened his sandwich and took a bite. “I’ll always take care of my girl. Remember that.” He nodded before continuing to eat.
I didn’t know it at the time, but being ‘his girl’ wasn’t always a good thing, and I wish I had learned it sooner.
Chapter 2
10 years ago
Louisiana
“Good morning, Sunshine.” Charlie bent down and kissed my cheek. I yawned as I rolled onto my back. The morning sun was shining bright through the bedroom window, and I could hear mourning doves outside.
“Good morning.” I smiled as I blinked against the brightness.
“How are you feeling today?” He sat on the edge of the bed and handed me a glass of apple juice. It seemed to be the only thing that didn’t make me feel sick.
“Better. The doctor said I should start to feel better at this point. I pushed myself up in bed and rested my back against the headboard. My protruding belly made it awkward.
“It’ll be worth it.” He smiled as he placed his palm on my stomach.
“Yeah. Do you want a boy or a girl?” I sipped the juice. I’d been thinking about this since the day I found out I was pregnant. Charlie had talked about having a son. He wanted to teach him to play catch and go fishing. It didn’t really matter to me. I just wanted a healthy baby.
“I don’t know. A boy would be cool. We could do all the things my dad did with me, but I guess a girl could do those things too. I just can’t wait to fill the house with laughter. Imagine a room full of kids. Their little feet pattering away when they run in here early in the morning, or when they’re trying to sneak by to see what Santa left them.”
“You’re not thinking about all the other stuff like dirty diapers, or waking up in the middle of the night because they can’t sleep, or are sick.” I sighed. I was ready to be a mom.I was ready for all the good and not so good that came with parenthood, but I didn’t think Charlie was. As much as he talked about spending time with this child, he also came from a household where that didn’t happen. I don’t know if he really remembers that his dad wasn’t really around much and a lot of those memories that he talks about were spent with my parents. “Well, we’ll find out today.”
“What time is your appointment?” Charlie shifted to pull his phone from his pocket.
“Eleven thirty.” I’d finished my juice, so I set the glass on the night table.
“I’ll have to meet you there.” He sighed as he stuffed his phone back into his pocket. “Apparently there’s some issue at work. I have to go in for a bit, but I should be finished in time to be there.”
