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I walk into the bedroom-turned-office. "Hey, babe, how's it going in here?"
He turns to me, wraps his arms around my waist, and kisses my growing belly.
"It's going very well. I called the family, who were excited to know we were having a girl. I'm also getting some work done, trying to line up a huge project that will start after the baby is born. Speaking of our little princess, we should talk more about names." He lays his head on my belly, and I wrap my fingers in his hair.
"I agree. I've been calling this little one 'pearl,' and it's grown on me. I'm not opposed to hearing from the other side, though."
He looks up, and I kiss his lips, pull the other office chair over, and sit down. My leg is healing nicely, but it will be long before I can stand on it for any length of time.
Aaron blurts out, “Helga.”
"Now I know you hate our child." My stomach hurts from laughing so much. After we calm down, we get serious.
"Okay," I say, "What about…Rose?"
There is silence as we both roll the name over in our minds and say it out loud.
Aaron says, "A rose by any other name…"
I throw a pillow at him.
"I think Rose is a great name for our daughter." He gets up and leans over my chair, kissing me long and slow.
Our tongues touch and taste each other. I hear a low moan escape from Aaron. He pulls back, winks, and leaves the room, leaving me wanting more. I shake my head and get to work helping to plan the album celebration. I still have lyrics to write as well.
***
"Okay, Erica, this is your last physical therapy appointment. How do you feel?"
"I feel great. I still have pain, but it's manageable now. Will you be giving me exercises to do at home?"
The therapist hands me a packet, and I flip through the pages. "So, basically, what I've been doing here, just at home."
"That's about right. Every day, just like here. Do you have any questions before I sign your release?"
I think for a minute before answering, "Will I be able to wear heels soon? I'm getting married and would like to do shoe shopping."
I can't stop the giant grin from spreading across my face.
"You can wear heels. You must give yourself plenty of time to practice walking in them. Your leg was completely reconstructed, and wearing heels may cause some pain. Have a pair of sneakers handy so you can change into them before the pain starts."
"Thanks." I hug her. I've spent more time with her than my own mom since I left the hospital. "Once we've set a date, I'll send you an invite."
"I'll be there."
We say goodbye, and I walk to the car. I think over the past several months since the accident. I'm grateful to be alive, my baby is healthy, and Aaron finally came to his senses.
I press the start button and pull out of the parking lot when it hits me. I slam on the brakes. I'm sweaty, and my heart is pounding. I instinctively know what it is and put the car in park. It's the first time I have driven myself since the accident. I'm having a panic attack. The doctor said this might happen and to remember what he said to do when it happens. I take deep, steadying breaths till the shaking subsides, and I feel okay enough to drive. I put my smooth jazz on to help calm my nerves. I don't remember the accident, but it still affects me. The doctor said it might be a long while before I'm comfortable driving again but that I should keep getting in the car and driving when I can so that it doesn't become a thing I fear.
I get home, and Aaron is in the shower. I feel a stirring in my loins, knowing he's naked in the other room. Maybe we can pick up where we left off in Orlando after the party.
***
The party is just getting started when we arrive. We intended to be on time, but the baby was super active, and I wanted Aaron to experience it. The baby made a footprint in my belly, which we both were in awe of.
I introduce Aaron to my client. Aaron's jaw drops open when he realizes who I've been working with. I have to laugh at his reaction.
"Aaron, this is my client, Mary." Mary reaches over and shakes his hand.
