Lisa picked up his discarded shirt, still onthe bedroom floor from the night before, put it on and grabbed her underwear. About to leave the room, she turned and pointed at the box. ‘Don’t open that without me.’
‘OK.’ Nathan looked at her quizzically.
‘I mean it. Please wait for me.’
Nathan raised an eyebrow. ‘OK, I’ll wait.’
‘Promise?’
‘Promise.’ Nathan threw a pillow at her. ‘Now go.’
Once back in the room, Lisapicked up the pillow and sat excitedly on the bed, placing the pillow in her lap. ‘Right, I’m ready. Open it.’
Nathan laughed at her excitement and opened the box.
The smell was still delicious, sweet and rich. Nathan put his hands in to lift the cake and stopped, seeing the envelope for the first time. He looked at Lisa as he took it out.
‘That was the rest of your gift.’
Eyesflicking between Lisa and the envelope, he opened it and slipped the note out.
Lisa watched nervously, attempting to gauge his reaction. Nathan’s face paled; his features stilled as he read and then read again: ‘Roses are red, violets are blue, now share with your girlfriend, she’s eating for two.’
Lisa’s mouth felt dry as she ventured a smile. ‘I’m sorry I’m not a better poet.’
Nathanlooked at her, his deep blue eyes unsure. ‘Does it mean what I think it means?’
Lisa noticed the quiver in his voice. ‘Yes.’
Tears welled in his eyes. ‘Then it’s the best poem I’ve ever read.’
‘Really?’ The word slipped out as a sob escaped her, and her eyes searched Nathan’s expression.
‘Lisa, I’ve wanted this for so long … you … the baby, to have it all at once … it’s just so—’Overwhelmed by emotions, Nathan moved the cake box and scooped Lisa into his arms. ‘Bloody brilliant. It’s bloody brilliant.’
Lisa wept happy tears, wishing she could hold on to this moment. She was pregnant, pregnant again with all the hope and promise that brought. Nathan was holding her in his arms, and he was happy. It was perfect, scarily perfect.Please don’t let this end.
