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“What about that place down by the river?” she replied. “They have that lovely balcony outside where you can sit and watch the boats go by. Peaches? Is that what it’s called?”
He knew exactly where she meant. “Yes, actually, it’s called The Peachery,” he said. “That’s the perfect spot. Are you sure you feel up to eating, though?”
“I think so. I’ve had my herbal ginger tea that Annie recommended. Let’s give it a try,” she said, smiling.
At the casual eatery, they sat outside on the shaded patio to eat. He was relieved that the menu contained a dish seasoned with ginger. He didn’t know what he’d do if she couldn’t eat properly.
Sara’s eyes kept darting to the side, and he glanced over to see what held her interest. He caught the sight of colorful equipment in a children’s play area. In a wistful tone, she whispered, “We could bring Bobby here when he’s older,” she said. “I’m sure he’d love it.”
“Bobby?” questioned Xavier. “I don’t think so. That’s too soft. He’ll be an alpha one day. He needs a strong name. How about Rogue?”
Her eyes rolled. “You can’t call a kidRogue,” she said. “That’s asking for trouble.”
“Rogue’s a good name. I had an uncle called Rogue. He was great.”
“And was he? A rogue, I mean?” she asked with an eyebrow raised.
“I was just a kid. I just remember he was always good fun. He’d always spice up a party.” Xavier was thoughtful for a moment. “Okay, yes. Now that I think back on it, he was a total screwball.”
Sara laughed. “What about Damien? Damien’s a strong name.”
“And you said Rogue was asking for trouble,” he replied with a laugh. “Besides, what ifheis ashe?”
“Hmm, you have a point. A unisex name then, like Tracey.”
Xavier noticed she couldn’t keep a straight face as she said it. “Or Sue?” he asked, trying not to smile at her. Hopefully, she knew the Johnny Cash song as well as he did.
“Yes, Sue. The perfect name either way. Sue, it is.” Her eyes twinkled with mirth.
The waiter came with their orders. Sara sniffed hers. “Smells gingery enough,” she said. “Let’s see if Annie’s miracle cure works, eh?”
They talked about how they wanted to raise the baby as they ate. It was amazing how much their ideas lined up. Sara wanted to be a stay-at-home mom as much as possible. She was aware that some people would frown on the idea, but she thought it was more important to spend as much time with their child as possible.
“I think that’s wonderful,” Xavier said. “I promise to always support you in whatever you want to do.”
Sara smiled widely, a look of relief passing over her eyes. “Thank you, Xavier,” she said. “Both my parents were always out of the house working when I was a kid. They were completely career driven. I just remember a string of babysitters to come home to. Some of them were absolutely vile, I can tell you.”
“I always remember my mom being around,” Xavier replied. “Or my nan. There was always a matriarch looking after me or chasing my ass for being late, or messy, or something.” He remembered his childhood with fondness. He felt bad that Sara had a different experience and made a vow to always support her with her wishes.
“I’m looking forward to creating our own traditions around Christmas and Thanksgiving as well. I think we’re going to make a good family,” Xavier continued. Then he panicked a little. He didn’t want her to feel trapped. They hadn’t discussed the future that he believed they would share together. He didn’t want to scare her away.
“Me too,” she said with confidence. Xavier was relieved. “I loved both those holidays. They seemed to be the only time we were a proper family.”
“Let’s put the baby in my old nursery,” Xavier said. “It’ll need redecorating, but it would be great for him to be in my old room.”
“Oh, I’d like that,” she replied. “That’s so exciting, decorating the nursery. I want to go and buy paint right now!”
Xavier was so happy. Sara made everything so easy. She was enthusiastic and fun. Having a baby with her was better than his wildest dreams.
“I can see it now,” she went on. “Baby blue walls and little fluffy clouds.”
“Are we going for the cliché blue for a boy and pink for a girl thing?” he asked. He wouldn’t really mind if that’s what she wanted, but he preferred something a bit more original. “We could get someone to paint a mural of a woodland and mountains.”
“You’re such a wolf,” she said with a laugh. “You’ll be wanting to put out nice meaty bones soon.”
“Yeah, I guess that was a wolf reaction. How about I dig you a den in the woods?” he offered.
“Um, maybe I’ll stick with the mural,” she replied, still laughing.
