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“Whenever. I'll need to be out by the end of the month though. What did the guys say?”
“They're going to let me know what they're doing once they get back.”
She doesn't respond for a long time, but when she does, it's certainly not what I was expecting. “This doesn't seem too bad, does it? Us here together?”
“Was that what you were expecting?” There's no malice in my voice. Audra's comments don't bother me nearly as mu
ch as they did before. Now, I know that her intentions are usually nicer than the words that end up leaving her mouth.
“I didn't really know what to expect. You're nothing like I thought you'd be. We're just...I think we're going to be good together, that's all.”
“We already are, Audra.”
BETWEEN CHILDBIRTH CLASSES, Audra moving in, working, and the holidays nearing, I don't know how I have any time at all. Audra has been sleeping a lot better in my bed, but I know that's all due to the mattress and not who may own the bed. We're supposed to be having dinner with our parents tonight, and I'm almost looking forward to it. First, though, I need to get my present shopping done.
This past Sunday, Alice told me exactly what she wanted. She even got Mrs. Lanier to print off a picture of it, so I wouldn't buy the wrong one. Last year, I asked what she wanted and accidentally bought the wrong kind. Alice hasn't forgotten, so I laughed when she handed me the picture.
I need to figure out what I'm buying Audra too. She asked if I was going to decorate for Christmas and I told her no. It didn't seem like a big deal to me. However, that's unacceptable, apparently.
“We at least need a tree, Neil. It can be a tiny one, if you don't want a big one, but we need a tree.” Her eyes started to shine with unshed tears. “How can we be in the holiday spirit otherwise? Are you going to be like this with Liana, Neil? Is she going to grow up in an undecorated house for Christmas?!”
She was getting so worked up about it, we went and bought a small artificial tree that day. She let me know real quick too that Liana would need a real tree in the future. I'm pretty sure she's starting to lose it. I nod my head and go with it though.
It's not until I've bought everyone's present, including a little stuffed duck for Liana, that I know what I want to give Audra. I was heading home when I passed a spa place. She loves my little massages, and I've seen her nails painted a few times. After the baby is born, she could take a spa day for herself and come relax. So I buy her a gift certificate.
“Whatcha got there?” Audra asks as I walk into the house.
“Presents.” Thank God for gift wrapping services. I don't have the skill, patience, or time for wrapping presents. It works for secrecy too.
Coming home to Audra brings out a new emotion. It's strangely satisfying and for a moment, I barely hesitate when I go to kiss her. Being honest and, for lack of a more manly term, following my heart has never been an issue for me. But this is an entire new level of commitment that I've never had to deal with. Candace and I were young and never got the opportunity to reach this point in our relationship.
It's scary as fuck knowing that not only am I with this girl, but she's living with me and carrying our kid. We're bound for life no matter what happens between us. It's crazy to think about in such a large span of time. Am I ready for this? Probably not as much as I'd like, but as scary as it seems, I'm ready for it and I want it so badly. I wonder if Audra thinks about these things too.
I set the presents underneath our tree and turn around, almost running into Audra, who was peering over my shoulder.
She even tries to look surprised that I've caught her looking. “Did you give your parents the directions to the restaurant?”
“Yes.”
“Did you tell them what time?”
“Yes.”
“Did you-” she starts, rubbing her belly.
“Babe, everything is set. I didn't forget anything.” Audra smiles with relief and a touch of embarrassment. I ignore it and bend down to kiss her stomach. “Hey, baby girl. Tell your momma to leave Daddy alone.”
Audra laughs. “Fine. Go get ready then. I do know that you need to that.”
I chuckle and shake my head at her. She's right. I want a shower and a change of clothes before we go tonight. My nerves are higher than usual. All of us are getting together, plus the roads are supposed to freeze tonight. I don't want to drive in it, so hopefully, this dinner won't last too terribly long.
After my shower, I dry off, hang the towel, and realize I didn't grab clean clothes. Without a second thought, I swing the door open and walk into my bedroom.
“Oh! Sorry, Neil!” Audra covers her eyes with her hands, and I laugh. She's sitting in the middle of the bed with her back propped up on pillows that are leaning against the headboard. “Stop laughing!” she squeals as I go over to my closet. “I know it's nothing I haven't seen before, but I...don't want to ogle.”
I freeze and slowly turn to face her. “You don't want to ogle?” A smirk rises on my lips. “You find me attractive, Audra?” I tease. “You know this body is all yours, right?”
She peeks through her fingers and groans. “Get dressed already. Let's not think about all that right now when we're about to go meet our parents.”
