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“But it turned out that we were falling head over heels for each other. It was something neither of us could have predicted.”
“I mean,” I say, scoffing mockingly. “Just look at this Goddess of a woman. It wouldn't be too difficult to fall for her.”
I lean over and give Amber a kiss, one that quickly evolves into something far more passionate. The journalist chuckles and scribbles down his notes, not seeming awkward in the slightest. He must see a lot of affectionate couples.
“I see that you two are ready for the honeymoon,” he jests.
We finish off the interview, which is overall wonderfully casual and easy going. We invite the journalist to the reception, which takes place on a hillside near the coast. We all spend the night drinking, laughing, dancing, celebrating a life that will only continue to bloom as time goes on.
We spend the next few days at the resort leisurely enjoying our time. The days here are utter bliss, with the windows always open to feel the breeze from the ocean and the sky a permanent pristine blue. We make time for endless hours of love making and life planning.
The resort is a fabulous place. It feels like our wedding and the honeymoon all rolled into one. The rooms are luxurious, but there is also no shortage of good food and drink or activities to partake in. I resolve that we will have to come back later when Amber is not pregnant, so she can enjoy it all more fully.
In the meantime, she still enjoys the spa and a special prenatal massage. She gets her hair done by a man named Alejandro and is thrilled at the results. We dine in the very fancy Redwoods dining room and take long walks on the beach. We sit around and cuddle near the outdoor fireplace and even join other guests on a fun scavenger hunt for couples.
I had access to all of this before, the tangible luxury, that is. I had money for nice trips to Malibu, for glamorous days at the beach.
But I didn’t have the love of a good, strong, incredible woman. That is what changed it all for me.
When it is time to go back home, I am riveted. I hold Amber’s hand in the private jet, along the runway, and even on the drive back. She holds it suspecting nothing, no idea of the surprise I have waiting for her in the bedroom at home.
When we walk in, I start to make her tea, and she sets her things down in the bedroom. I then hear a gleeful cry, and come running down to see Amber crying happy tears.
“You didn’t,” she said, laughing and weeping.
Inside one of the bedrooms, a crib is built. It has all the trappings, along with a diaper table, toys, and a framed photo of us from our wedding. I wrap my arms around her, kissing her neck, looking upon the life and the future that is flowing towards us with calm and freedom.
43
AMBER
It has been a month since the experience of our real and spectacular wedding. During that time, the interview from the resort is published, along with the rest of our photos from the ceremony.
We get our own copies, admiring them when they arrive in the mail. The magazine is a promotional item put out monthly by the resort, really just fancy advertising.
Still, word seems to spread. Our article runs as the main story, celebrating our love and the way we found one another. Over the next few weeks, our phone starts to blow up as various people get word of it. Neither of us are bothered by the candor. To be honest, we’re both rather relieved to come clean and find that so many people are happy for us.
My life otherwise has become something surreal, but pulsing with beauty, as every second ticks by. I used to view life as something to get through, to endure. Now I am indulging, spreading my wings open and wide to gulp up every ounce of joy and wonder.
Part of that feeling was spurred on by this pregnancy; the presence of life swimming around inside me. I am now five months into the pregnancy and have started to notice a curve of my belly that can no longer be easily ignored. Gazing at myself in the mirror, just as day pours in through the curtains, I touch my stomach and feel the baby’s presence.
Through each finger pad, I feel the faint thump of the small life within me. I don’t know if it actually is their heartbeat that I can feel, but there is something there, whether it be their essence or physical presence of a soul directly connected to mine.
Kaden and I are going to an ultrasound today with the OBGYN to find out the gender of our child. I had initially wanted to be surprised. After some reflection, I decided that finding out the gender would be an exciting event to bond upon.
So we go together, hand in hand, with Kaden driving this time. He places his palm on my tummy every now and then, just as he does at home, feeling the life growing inside me.
“I still can’t believe this is happening,” he says softly. “I don’t think I am going to believe it until our little bean is actually out.”
I chuckle in the car, placing my hand over his.
“Whoever they are, Kaden.” I lean over to him as he looks forward onto the road. “I know that they are going to adore you, almost as much as I do.”
“I hope so,” he says, laughing. “Because I already adore them.”
We get to the doctors office and sit in the waiting room, looking around at all of the mothers-to-be. Some of them are a bit further along, but we all connect over our shared experience, giving each other a smile of support and understanding. It’s nourishing to watch and feel.
Our appointment comes up. I am put in a paper gown and then lay on a table to have the ultrasound done. Kaden holds my hand as the doctor comes in, greeting us with her blazing blue eyes.
