Page 99 of The Last Thing
Wilson glances over at, then looks down at me, eyes even brighter than they were before. “Yeah. It is.”
“Okay, I’ve got enough candy. Can we go to the block party now?” Sophia asks, coming to a stop in front of us.
“Sure, kid. Let’s go.”
A warm handglides across my stomach, but I don’t want to leave my sleepy cocoon.
“My girls can’t hang tonight, but that’s okay. I can talk to you. I know this wasn’t technically your first Halloween, but I’m counting it. You were part of Mommy’s costume. Next year, you’ll get your own adorable costume, which I’m sure Mommy and your big sister will coordinate.”
Wilson’s lips brush my stomach, and I’m awake now, but I don’t want to open my eyes. I don’t want to affect this moment in any way.
He’s talking to our baby.
Melt me into a freaking puddle.
I’m a mess on a regular basis, but hearing him talk to our baby makes me a gooey mess for him.
“Your big sister is so excited to meet you. She’s also decided you’re a girl, but I want you to be whoever you’re going to be.” He sighs. “I’m excited to meet you too. Daddy loves you so much. Having your big sister made me who I am, but meeting your mom has helped me find who I want to be. I hope when you come into our lives, together we’ll find who we want to be. As a family. It’s been a surprising journey so far, but I’m so happy. Meeting your mom changed everything. You have no idea how lucky you are to have her. She’s brave and bold and kind. And she has a big heart.”
I swallow hard, emotion swelling in my chest. Then I feel the tiniestthunkalong the wall of my stomach.
Oh my gosh. Was that our baby?
“Keep talking,” I mumble.
He chuckles. “I knew you were awake.”
I slide my eyes open. “Seriously, keep talking.”
His eyes meet mine, then he kisses my stomach. “Mommy says I need to keep talking to you. Do you like the sound of my voice? I can’t wait to hear what you sound like.”
“Oh my god,” I squeak.
“What?” Wilson sits up and stares at me. “Are you okay?”
I nod. “Yes. Keep talking. The baby’s kicking.”
His eyes flare. “Seriously?”
He puts his hand on my stomach.
“I don’t think you’ll be able to feel it. I barely can. I’ve felt these tiny flutters for the last few weeks, but I wasn’t sure what they were. These were the first few hard, specific… kicks.”
I cover my mouth as I laugh.
Wilson lies down beside me, brushing his fingers over the side of my face.
“I can’t wait until I get to feel it.”
“I’m sure it won’t be long until I’m waking up in the middle of the night to being pummeled in the ribs.” Running my fingers through his hair, I look into his eyes. “Until then, I’ll take being woken up to you talking to our baby.”
He smiles. “I knew you were listening in on our conversation.”
“What gave me away?”
“Your breathing changed.”
“You notice when I breathe differently?”
