Page 65 of Love Story
Even if she missed him as long as she lived.
20
Bailey was at lunch with her husband, Brandon, about to go shopping for a few last-minute baby items. Three weeks till her due date, and Bailey could hardly wait to meet their little girl. They hadn’t settled on a name for sure, but they had narrowed it down to a few.
That’s what today was for. A chance to shop and talk and share their feelings for all that lay ahead. They were eating lunch at a quiet café a few blocks from the university. Bailey felt full after only a few bites.
“How are you?” Across the table from her, Brandon wore a baseball cap, the way he often did so he wouldn’t be recognized. At home in Bloomington, they were rarely stopped by people. But both of them wanted this time without being interrupted.
“So many feelings.” Bailey smiled. Not just the baby.The Chancemovie had exceeded everyone’s expectations. The national media was talking about people finding forgiveness and hope after seeing the film. Just like she had felt at the premiere, God had done something very special with the project.
Bailey felt dizzy over all the happy times past and ahead. Especially the infant girl about to enter their lives. “I can’t wait to hold her.”
“Me, too.” Brandon grinned. “She’s going to be so little.”
“I know.” Bailey might be the oldest of six kids, but the only one she could remember as a baby was Ricky. And even then she’d never changed his diapers. “It’ll be a lot of learning.”
They both laughed. Brandon rubbed his palms together and then reached for Bailey’s hand. “I’m a little nervous.”
“A little?” Bailey’s laugh tapered off. “I have to give birth to her.”
“True.” Brandon smiled.
They talked about the nursery, the things they still needed. They had bought the crib a few months ago and last week her parents had bought them a stroller. One of the theater teachers had thrown her a shower a few weeks ago, so there was very little they didn’t have. A few odds and ends, mostly. Monday, when Brandon had meetings in Indianapolis, her mom was planning to come over and help her wash the baby’s clothes and bedding.
So everything would be ready.
“Are you scared of the delivery?” Brandon seemed glad for the chance to ask. “I mean, I know we’re both praying. God’s over it all. But still...”
“Most of the time I’m fine.” Bailey narrowed her eyes. “But then I think about all that could go wrong. I really don’t want an epidural or a C-section. No Pitocin. Nothing like that.”
They had agreed that even though Bailey wanted to have the baby as naturally as possible, they were open to the possibility that if needed, they would resort to medical intervention. That’s why they were having the baby at the hospital instead of at home. Just in case.
Brandon smiled at her. “It’ll be okay. God will be with us, whatever happens.”
“Exactly.” Bailey loved this, being with Brandon on a quiet Saturday afternoon, just the two of them. The way they wouldn’t get to do again for a very long time. “Can I tell you something a little sad? Just between you and me?”
“Of course.” He looked deep into her eyes. Brandon adored her. He had since the first day they’d met.
Bailey wasn’t sure she wanted to voice her thoughts. But they were there and they were real. She had no choice but to be honest with him. “I’m a little sad about losing this. You know, losing us. Just the two of us.”
An understanding smile lifted Brandon’s lips ever so slightly and his eyes filled with tenderness. “I thought I was the only one. I didn’t want to say anything in case you thought I was terrible.”
“It must be normal, right?”
“Definitely.” Brandon squeezed her hands. “It’s a big change.” He leaned closer, his eyes locked on hers. “But no matter what happens, Bailey, you’ll always have me. We’ll always have us.”
His words were exactly what she needed to hear. “We will, won’t we?”
“Always.” He grinned at her. “Usmight include a few more seats at the table over the years, but that won’t change this. The two of us. Not ever.”
A relief came over her and she felt herself relax. “I’m so excited. I can’t believe we’re going to have a little girl. I can’t wait. It’s just...”
“I know.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “We’ll never lose this, Bailey. I promise.”
The conversation kept things intimate through the rest of lunch and into the shopping trip. They held hands and laughed as they looked for baby fingernail clippers and an ear thermometer. Things they’d never heard of or used. And they talked about how Bailey’s brothers were doing.
Connor would be home in a few days, and no doubt he would at least call Maddie West. The two were on a break, but if things went well, they would probably spend a lot of time together this summer. “I think he loves her. For real.” Bailey raised her brow at her husband. “He just doesn’t know it.”
