Page 27 of Iowa Intellect
“I have no doubt about that,” he tells me, sounding completely sincere. When I move to stand, he suggests, “Let’s sit here a minute so you can catch your breath.”
I nod my head, happy for the brief reprieve.
His eyes are sparkling when he says, “You know one thing that would make your intermission show even better?”
“What?” I ask, truly curious about his suggestion.
“A little girl, who is your mini-me, dressed in a matching costume and doing the performance alongside you.”
I’ve never given the idea of having a child much thought because I’ve been so busy with work, and I haven’t had a man in my life. But now that the idea is out there, I can’t deny how appealing it is.
I grin at Brock. “That does sound amazing, but what if she would rather play ice hockey than be in the water with me?”
“Then I’ll teach her everything I know about the game,” he says as if the answer should have been obvious.
Loving that response, I ask, “And what if our little girl is a boy?”
“Then he’ll be the luckiest son in the world because he has you for a mom and a dad who couldn’t be prouder of him.”
“Even if he wants to be a merman?” I ask, hoping that Brock doesn’t have a toxic masculine side that he has kept hidden from me until now.
My last shred of doubt releases when he assures me, “Especially if he wants to be a merman.”
Tilting his head to the side, he adds, “Whether we have a boy or a girl, I hope our child is smart, like you.”
“And like you,” I remind him.
Beaming at this, the man of my dreams leans in to give me a sweet, soft kiss.
After he pulls back, I ask, “When should we start trying to get pregnant?”
“How about right now?” he asks me, his eyes alight with mischief.
As tempting as that thought is, I have some practical concerns, which I voice. “That sounds great, except the ice is rather hard, wet, and cold.”
“Well, let’s go then,” he suggests, already standing and reaching out to help me up.
“Yes, let’s go try to make a baby.” I squeal when he lifts me over his shoulder, shouts with glee, and skates me toward our happily-ever-after.
* * *
