“Sorry. That must have been awful.”
“It was, but I got through it. Just like you will.”
She reached for my hand and squeezed it. “I appreciate that, Rachel.”
The girls were giggling over something in the dining room, and I smiled. “It’s good for Rylee to be around other girls her age. Thanks for bringing Khloe and Katie over.”
“Of course. How are the nightmares? Any better?”
“Yes. The therapist says she’s doing well. A few hiccups here and there, but she’s only seven.”
“I bet it’ll make all the difference once she’s older. I wish our mom had gone or taken us when we were kids. We saw a lot of shit when we were younger, especially after our dad died.”
“Crypt has talked to me about it. Glad you’re both on the other side of it now. I know all about messed-up parents and absentee dads.” I rubbed my stomach as I felt the little one inside my belly kicking. “Oh, that’s a good one.”
“I loved being pregnant. It’s such a miraculous and amazing experience.”
We finished our tea about the time Crypt came home. He walked in the door and grinned at his sister, pulling her into a hug.
“You good?”
“Yep. Just bringing the girls over for some quality family time.”
“I love that. You staying for dinner? I was thinking of grilling steaks and baked potatoes.”
“Well, when you offer, I can’t say no.”
We ended up having a wonderful evening. After Michelle and the girls left, I gave Rylee a bath and then read to her. After tucking her in, I joined Crypt in the living room.
“Feel like watching a movie?”
“Sure, babe. You got something in mind?” Crypt patted the seat. “Come put your feet up. I’ll get whatever we need.”
It quickly became routine for us to spend our evenings together and our time with friends and family on the weekends. It was the little moments where we learned about one another—things like our favorite foods and music, or who disliked which type of chores around the house.
The best part? Crypt always helped. He wasn’t one of those guys who thought the woman had to do everything while heworked. We had the type of relationship that would last because we both put in the effort.
“I’d like a Sprite if you’re getting up. My stomach is a little queasy.”
“Any snacks?”
I shook my head.
“I bought mint chocolate chip ice cream,” he teased.
“Such a tease.”
“Last chance.” He poked his head out of the kitchen, showing off the container of ice cream. “You sure?”
“If I keep eating like that, I’m going to be as big as a house.”
He snorted. “Not possible. Besides, I love your body, beautiful. Your ass is fucking delicious when you’re pregnant.”
“Crypt.”
He winked. “Two scoops coming right up.”
I wasn’t mad when he brought it out. I enjoyed every single bite.
