Page 110 of Husband of the Year
Sarah leans into me, her head resting on my shoulder, as we both gaze at Greggie in my arms. Holding this precious baby boy with my mom here, close, on my wedding day, a warm sense of happiness surges over me and I take a deep breath, attempting to soak it all in.
“I’m glad you’re here, Mom.” I turn and kiss her on the cheek. “Thanks for coming.”
“Sweetie, I wouldn’t miss it.” She moves back to the couch and places a large throw pillow on her lap. “I wasn’t sure the flights would work out, so I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want you to worry. Or be disappointed. I told Olan I’d do my best, and thankfully, the travel gods were with me. Now, let bubbe hold this tattele while you go get ready.”
She pats the cushion, and I hand Greggie back to her.
“Technically, we’re his uncles,” Olan says. “So, I’m not sure what that makes you.”
“His bubbe.” She leans down, whispering into Greggie’s ear. “Nobody will know.”
Olan shoots me a smile and I shrug.
“You look beautiful, Mom. I’ve never seen that dress.”
“This old thing.” Her dress is a sight to behold. A soft cream fabric that hits just above her ankles, it’s covered in tiny blue flowers that add a touch of elegance. “I’ve been saving it for a special occasion. I’d say this fits the bill.”
“Come.” Olan extends his hand. “Your mother has the baby. Let’s get you ready.”
As we head upstairs, my mother sings “You Are My Sunshine” and lets out a deep sigh. Now that she’s met Greggie, I wonder if she’ll ever return to Arizona.
As the bedroom door swings open, I notice Olan has already taken the time to press my outfit and arrange it on the bed.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I said.
“Wait, there’s more.”
He opens the top drawer of the dresser and pulls out a pair of suspenders.
“Surprise three.”
The fabric on the suspenders matches my pants and the leather attachments coordinate with Olan’s belt.
“Olan, when did you get these?”
“I still have a few tricks up my sleeve.” He hands them to me. “I wanted something special. For my special guy.”
“I love them, but I didn’t get you anything.”
“Babe. I’ve got you. That’s all I need.”
He pulls me close, and as I embrace him, my lips find their way to the curve of his neck.
“Thank you,” I whisper into his ear.
“Wait, there’s still more.”
My legs wobble, and I carefully take a seat on the edge of the bed, trying to steady myself.
“Olan, I’m not sure I can take more surprises.”
“Well, buckle up, buttercup, because there’s more.”
“Excuse me, did you just call me buttercup?”
His head clips a quick nod, and a mischievous smile appears on his face.
“All that writing I did when I was home got my creative juices flowing and, well, I wrote something else.”
