I swing the door open to find five different pairs of shoes scattered on the floor. A variety of purses and a bunch of other things I have never seen before.
She pops her head out from the bathroom; pieces of her hair are curled and pinned to the top of her hair and it looks like she’s only halfway through applying mascara. “I’m so sorry I’m running late. My feet are too swollen for half of my shoes. Finding something flattering is an act of God at this point. I just need ten more minutes.”
Ten minutes in her world is more like thirty, which is why I specifically told her a different time. Worst-case scenario, we get there early and can enjoy the view. Best case, we are actually on time.
“Take your time, honey. I’ll wait for you out here.” I set the bouquet down on the table and move to start picking up the shoes off the floor. I didn’t even realize they made this many kinds of shoes. I’ve lived in boots and a pair of running shoes back in high school. I can’t remember the last time I slid my foot into something other than my boots.
I put the shoes away in her coat closet. It’s busting at the seams already.
My things have slowly started to trickle in. I have more than enough here to get by. Aspen has things in this place she loves. She loves getting to dress up; she loves having far too many shoe options; she loves stuff. I don’t have any stuff that matters that deeply to me. So, she can have as much of it as she wants. I can simply build my life around her. Simple as that.
I finish tidying up, and before I know it, Aspen is stepping back into the living room.
In a dress that hugs every curve and shows off how fucking beautiful she is when she’s carrying my baby.
She puts an earring in, oblivious to the fact that I can't take my eyes off her. Mesmerized and utterly enamored with the woman standing in front of me.
“Okay, I’m ready. If we leave this second, we should only be five minutes late.”
I stare at her with minimal expression because we will be significantly more than five minutes late. “Baby, the only way we’d make it there on time right now is if I drove 100mph the whole way there. And you will not catch me speeding while you and my baby are in the car. I may have told you a different time than the actual time we need to be there. We’re all good.”
Her face droops quickly, followed by her brow quirking up in annoyance. “You knew I was going to be late, didn’t you?”
“There are a few things I can count on with certainty. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. The sky is blue and if Aspen says she’s gonna be ready on time I need to plan on at least a thirty-minute delay.”
“Unfortunately, you are right. Do I get to know what the big surprise is?”
I also didn’t tell her what we were doing. It’s more fun this way. “It’d be more fun if you let me surprise you.”
“You totally can do that, but just know I plan on annoying you the whole drive.”
I roll my eyes. She is persistent, that I know. “Don’t freak out, but I hired a photographer so we can have some maternity pictures done. I wanted to remember this time in our lives forever. And after, I have a little picnic packed. We’ll be up higher in the mountains, in that spot with the views of the canyons and lake?”
She stares at me, jaw open, and I worry I fucked up.
“If this isn’t something you want, that’s okay; I can call the photographer,” I offer.
Her eyes well up with tears and my heart feels like it’s been dropped to the floor.
“Rhett, this is the most thoughtful date. I so badly wanted to do pictures, but everything has been crazy, so I was hoping to sneak them in in the next few weeks.” She puts her hands on each side of my face, and I stare at her eyes. “Thank you for knowing me better than anyone else. I love you.”
My heart settles, and I step a little closer into her, as far as the bump will let me. “I love you more. Always have, always will.”
She wrinkles her nose, trying to fight the tears from falling. “Okay, let’s get on the road.”
We make the drive in good time, and we are hitting at the perfect time; the sun is starting to drop. Golden rays stream through the trees and over the mountain peaks, creating a glow to everything.
“This is beautiful,” Aspen says, looking around.
This isn’t our first time here. I’ve taken her here before, but this time is so much more special because she’s wholly mine.
I’ve frequented here on my own many times; I can’t even count how many times I’ve been lost in thought about her here. Daydreaming a life I didn’t think I’d get to have.
Our photographer gets out of the car, her blonde hair pulled up into a knot on the top of her head. “Hey guys. Rhett, nice to meet you in person.” She leans forward and shakes my hand. “Aspen, you are absolutely stunning.” She shakes her hand too. “Let me get my settings adjusted really quick on my camera and then let’s shoot! It should take us about an hour. Be sure to let me know if there are any specific poses you want.”
She steps off to the side. Taking a picture of the sun starting to set by the lake. A perfect peak of the mountain behind it. It really is one of the most serene places I have ever been.
Aspen runs her hands over her belly, something I’ve seen her do a lot more lately. The baby moves so much more now.Sometimes it’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that there’s really a baby in there, and then he kicks me. Judging by those alone, he is going to be feisty like his mama.
