Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 95307 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95307 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“Every day. Today, it was show-and-tell. Jess brought her clogging shoes and showed us how she’s learning to clog. She’s just learning, so she’s basically just bouncing around making noises with her shoes. The class all clapped for her and cheered her on. Anyway, when she was seated, Joey raised his hand. He wasn’t on the list for show-and-tell, but I called him up to the front of the class. When I asked him what his talent was, he said: “I can clog too.” I was intrigued so I asked him to show the class even without his shoes. He said, ‘Mrs. Drake, I clog toilets.’ He fell into a fit of giggles as did the rest of the class.”
“Where do these kids come up with these things? I don’t know how you keep a straight face.”
“It’s hard at times. Luckily on days like today, they’re too busy laughing. I have time to compose myself before getting them in order.”
“I can’t wait.” I place my crumpled napkin on my plate. “I can’t wait for our baby to get here, and witness all the crazy things he or she says and does. I mean, Chase and Gabby alone are bad influences enough. Not to mention, other kids,” I say jokingly.
“Maybe we should only allow them supervised visits?” she suggests.
“You might be onto something.”
A moment later our waitress appears. “Can I offer you any dessert?”
“Winnie?”
“I’m stuffed. Thank you.” She pushes her plate away with still over half of her fries remaining.
“Can I get you a box?”
“No, thank you.”
“Just the check, please,” I tell her. I pay the bill, and with my hand on the small of Winnie’s back, I lead her out of the restaurant. “You feel like taking a drive? We can come back and pick up your car.” Again, I’m kicking myself in the ass for not going and picking her up. I guess I just assumed since we’re both going to the same place at the end of the night, it wouldn’t matter. Regardless that we’re sleeping under the same roof, I intend to give her a goodnight kiss.
“Where are we headed?” she asks once we’re in my truck and on the road.
“I have somewhere I want to take you.”
“So you’re not going to even give me a hint?”
“Nope.”
“Fine, but I get to control the radio.” She leans forward and messes with the dial until an old Daughtry tune comes on. “I love this song. It’s been forever since I’ve heard it.”
Keeping my eyes on the road, I reach over and tangle her fingers with mine, resting our combined hands on her thigh. The drive is quiet. We’re both lost in our own thoughts, letting the radio fill the silence. It’s comfortable and normal, or what used to be our normal. We’re working our way back there.
“Where are you taking me?” she asks when we pass the corporation limits to the town next to ours.
“I thought you liked surprises?”
“I do, but I want to know more.” I hear the excitement in her voice.
“Where do you think I’m taking you?”
“I don’t know. There are too many possibilities.”
“Well, I have two places. This is the first,” I say, pulling into the parking lot of a small independent baby boutique. “I know we’re keeping it to ourselves, well, other than Chase and Gabby, but it never hurts to look, right? I mean, we’re going to need lots of stuff for Peanut.”
“Harrison.” She squeezes my hand.
I turn off the truck and chance a look at her. She has tears in her eyes. “Hey, I thought you’d like this. We don’t have to go in.”
“Are you crazy?” She smiles. “Of course, we’re going in.” She leans over and kisses the corner of my mouth. “Thank you for this. It’s sweet and thoughtful, and I’m so glad I’m not doing this alone.”
“Never.” My voice is firm. “You will never be alone in anything as long as I’m breathing.” A tear slides down her cheek, and I catch it with my thumb. “Now, let’s go take a look.”
“Wow,” she says breathily as soon as we enter the small store. “I don’t even know where to start.”
“Welcome to the Baby Boutique,” an older lady greets us. “Is there something I can help you with?” she asks kindly.
“We’re new at this,” I tell her. “My wife and I are expecting our first.”
“Oh.” She claps her hands together. “How exciting. Don’t worry, I’m here to help. I actually have a checklist of things for new parents. I’ve added to it over the years. But don’t go buying it all up. You’ll need to save some for the shower. The list contains a section for the big items most parents buy, and then the items you should register for. It’s great to have in case you don’t get something at your shower, you will know what you still need.”