AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He still prefers spending his time outdoors, but with each passing year, I’ve noticed he spends more time indoors, especially when the weather turns sour. I open the front door, and Millie sits back on her haunches, tail wagging as she thinks I’ve changed my mind and am staying home.
With careful steps and a commanding eye, Jinx strides past Millie. Our family dog glances from him to me, tail wagging. She won’t do more than watch him. She learned he’s the boss after one encounter with his claws.
Jinx disappears up the stairs. “I’ll be home soon, girl. Gotta go get Daddy.”
Millie’s tail slows as I close the door. When I descend the steps to the car parked in the driveway, I glance back at the house and see her face in the window, paws on the back of the couch like she’s not supposed to do.
The golden hues of the leaves reflect off the picture window, contrasting beautifully with the Hale Navy exterior. We chose to paint our home in the deep blue color, a similar hue to that of the rental we first moved in together, and I love how the color transforms throughout the day depending on the location of the sun.
I adjust the seat once again and rub my growing belly. At almost six months pregnant, my belly protrudes like I’m carrying basketballs below my dress. I haven’t gained as much weight as the doctor would like, but I’ve also struggled with nausea.
Knox’s parents are over the moon. As is Knox, but he’s in worry overdrive mode which shows in his overly attentive behavior. My doctor doesn’t consider this a high-risk pregnancy as I’m under thirty-five and am doing remarkably well. But you can’t convince him of that, probably because of Sloane’s frequent intrusions.
As a sickly child, I didn’t dare to dream of pregnancy—or marriage, for that matter. Back then, no one mentioned it as a possibility. Quite the opposite, actually, as the going the lingo discussed how many years the surgery would provide. But medicine is a marvel, and my doctors assured us my heart is healthy and I can do this. It all feels like a miracle. So much of my life feels like a miracle. I didn’t expect to be alive in my thirties. I especially didn’t expect I would be married to my older brother’s best friend, a guy I crushed on for as long as I can remember. The man who is my first and only love.
Traffic is light, and I reach the airport about fifteen minutes early. Knox told me he’d grab a cab, but there’s no way I’d let him do that. Not when it’s a Saturday and I’m not working. My plan is to work through the end of this semester, and then take maternity leave for the rest of the school year. It’s hard to believe that next year our baby will arrive. Next Christmas will be our baby’s first Christmas.
Do all women think like this? Jumping ahead. I shouldn’t jump. If I’ve learned anything in my life of unexpected events, I should enjoy every moment.
Knox works for Arrow Tactical on a contract basis now, meaning he’s someone they have listed to call if something comes up in our geographical area. He took a job with Sullivan Arms, working for Jack Sullivan’s brother, Liam. He’s in heaven. He’s always loved developing weapons, not only the knife blades and handles that he still sells from his privately owned company, but in more advanced weapons that I don’t want to think about.
The great news for me is he works remotely from the office we built over the garage at the end of our driveway. About every other month, he flies to the Sullivan Arms headquarters, based in Texas. The rest of the time, he’s here. And when he’s there, he’s safely working in an office building or testing products somewhere in no man’s land. Wherever he is, he’s safe.
My phone vibrates as I approach the stacked stone columns in front of the Asheville Regional Airport entrance.
Knox
Landed. Cannot wait to see you.
An uncontrollable smile blooms. God, I love my husband. The regional airport is small, and it won’t take him long to deboard and make his way through the hallways behind security.
Me
I’m here. Eagerly waiting.
Knox
Do we have plans for tonight?
Me
No
I grin. That answer will make him happy. I’ve noticed that of the two of us, he’s more introverted. I’ll make plans with neighbors or Jimmy or other teachers, and Knox will be a good sport. He’s happy when we have people over. But he’s happiest when it’s just the two of us.
Knox
Excellent.
Knox
I’ve got plenty planned for both of us. And the plans do not involve leaving the house.
Me
Now you’re getting me excited.
Knox
