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While Sandy undresses, I focus on filling the tub with hot water and decadent-smelling bubbles. The tray Mae left is a nice variety of lunchmeat, cheeses, nuts, fruit, and even some chocolate. I’d opted out of the wine and had her bring some of the good, sweet tea that The Icehouse sells. It’s perfect.
We both are incredibly quiet. Shy almost. It’s strange since we’ve already been together intimately, even though it feels like a lifetime ago. Nora didn’t come from a stork. But this feels like the first time for us. Committed and in love.
I busy myself with my tie, only sneaking a quick glance at my wife as she enters the tub. The years have changed her body, but it’s somehow more beautiful than I remember. I quickly divest myself of my clothes and then slip into the water behind her.
We both relax as I wrap my arms around her and pull her to me. The bubbles cover our bodies, but I can feel my wife. It’s nice and my body definitely reacts. Neither of us mention it, though, and we take turns feeding each other food from the tray.
“Upton?”
“Yes, wife?”
She giggles and the water splashes around us. “I like that, husband.”
“Me too.” I kiss her cheek. “What’s up, sweet Sandy?”
“Thank you for waiting for me for so long. For not giving up on me while I figured my life out.”
I move her wet hair away from her neck and kiss the smooth skin there. “I’d wait forever if I had to. You’re worth it.”
She clutches onto my wrist and gives it a squeeze. “I’m glad fate brought us back together.”
I’m mesmerized by her dainty foot as she lifts it out of the water and touches her toe against the sweating carafe of sweet tea. My mouth waters to lick the droplets off…the glass. Sure. That’s it.
She giggles again, amused by my firm reaction to her.
“I felt out of control when Dad was found,” Sandy says, growing serious. “Like my life and future was being chosen for me.”
My heart sinks. “I’m sorry.”
Her head shakes. “I’m not. It was the catalyst I needed. Don’t get me wrong. I wanted to be here with my dad and daughter.”
“But?”
“But I was worried I was too far gone from being a Budgie Bay local. Like maybe I spent too much time in the city. I worried I would never fit in.”
My palm slides over her stomach, caressing ancient childbearing scars. I hope my touch brings comfort since sometimes I don’t know the right words to say to Sandy. Sometimes she just wants to let it out and needs me to listen.
“You were well-loved at Nora and Elias’s wedding reception and Bunko Night,” I remind her. “And Mom was cordial. Warm even. The people at Wild Petal all love you.” I tickle her sides and make her laugh. “Mae is your new favorite person since you wanted to spend your wedding night in her beloved bow room.”
She sighs happily. Like my words are something she can finally believe. It’s a good thing since they’re all true.
“We really took one for the team with this room,” Sandy says, shaking her head. “It’s growing on me, though.”
I hug her tight. “Good. It’s where we’ll spend every anniversary from now until forever.”
“Ugh. When you say it that way, it sounds kind of like torture.”
“Remember the lighthouse,” I tease.
We go quiet again and I stroke her belly reverently again.
“Are you sad we can’t have any more children?” she asks, voice soft and vulnerable. “I’m pretty sure that ship has sailed for me.”
“We already have a perfect baby girl. Why on God’s green earth would we try and mess with perfection?”
The tension releases from her. “Plus, we’re about to have a grandbaby. I’m excited to put all my love and attention into loving that little angel.”
“Same, sweet Sandy. Our time for babies are over. It’s grand baby season.”
