Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 24434 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24434 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
Mom gets all excited and jumps in, finishing Dad’s thoughts.
“Oh, yes, sweetheart. We can teach you to milk the goats and collect chicken eggs. We can take a stroll down to Main Street and hit the ice-cream shop and catch a film at the theater. Oh my, Rob, I can’t wait for this little one to grow up!”
“Hey now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” I giggle, picking up my little girl. “She’s still in diapers and eating mushy food. I don’t think she’s ready to be separated from her mom just yet.”
“Nor her dad,” adds John, coming into the room. He’s so handsome, and he’s taken to fatherhood like a fish in the sea. The second time’s the charm, is what my boyfriend always says.
Yet, sometimes we think of Brian. He’s had a hard road. After the confrontation in his father’s office, he was wheeled into the emergency room, but the doctors merely confirmed what the paramedic suspected: that Brian had passed out from a combination of alcohol and shock. Brian woke up a few hours later, disoriented and dizzy, but ultimately with nothing worse than a hangover.
But John knew what he had to do. He had his son in an in-patient treatment in Malibu within hours, and Brian remained there for six weeks. I think he’s better now, although I don’t really know because as soon as he got out of rehab, Brian quit Metro Media and took off to travel the world. We get the occasional email from far-flung countries such as Kazakhstan or the Maldives, but basically, John’s first child is taking time off to get to know himself.
Frankly, I think it’s good for him. Brian needs time away from us, just like we need time away from him. And after John’s paternity test came back positive, we were hopeful. I thought that maybe if Brian knew Rumi wasn’t biologically his, it would be easier to forgive and move forward with a half-sister, instead of a daughter. But it made no difference. Brian is still Brian, and he’ll return when he feels ready.
“I just hope he’s okay,” I murmur quietly. My boyfriend’s blue eyes go to me, and he knows what I’m thinking. John wraps his arm around me and speaks in a calm and easy voice.
“I miss my first-born as well. I hope he comes around, and I know he will. These things take time though. All we can do is leave the light on for him for when he’s ready.”
I nod and swallow. John’s right. Time will heal all, and the only thing to do now is to wait. I smile tremulously, and turn to my family.
“Changing the subject for a moment, while I have you all together, I have some news to share. I think I am going to be putting my career on hold for a while.”
“Oh really?” my dad asks with a puzzled look. “But Meggie, you love your work. Just because you don’t need the money doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue your passion.”
My boyfriend nods, his brow lowered in confusion.
“Yes, sweetheart. You do great work at Metro, and so many of our clients request you, specifically. I think the CEO of Pawsome Puppy Chow has a huge crush on you in fact, and that’s why he gave us the entire ad account,” John laughs.
I giggle and wave my hand at him.
“No, Mr. Porter of Pawsome Puppy does not have a crush on me. And I can still help at Metro, but I don’t want to work full time anymore because I’m pregnant. You’re going to be a father again, John.”
My parents gasp at this announcement, and their faces light up with happiness. But it’s my boyfriend who looks absolutely ecstatic. He’s motionless for a moment, but then he takes me into his arms and there’s even a sheen of tears in his eyes.
“Really, sweetheart?” he whispers. “You would do this for me?”
I nuzzle into his arms and kiss him gently.
“Yes. You’re going to be a daddy once more. In about seven months’ time.”
John cradles me gently, and I think he’s going to kiss me again. But instead, he gently sets me aside, and then reaches into his pocket before bending a knee to the floor.
“Oh John!” I gasp, my heart beating with excitement. My parents gasp too at this tableau, and even Rumi lets out a gurgle because she senses the electricity in the air.
My handsome lover grins mischievously, loving the drama.
“You’ve given me so much, and it’s time that I made you an honest woman.”
I gasp again.
“Oh my god, John!”
He nods and his expression becomes soft and emotional.
“I love you, sweetheart. You mean more to me than anyone in the world, and you’ve made me so happy. Will you marry me, Megan?”
I’m crying as I nod.
“Yes! Yes, of course!” He slides the ring on my finger and kisses me. Then, my fiancé turns to our daughter with a wink.