“Well, congrats, man,” James smiles. A few other congrats are said, and I nod my head in thanks.
Darryl speaks up again, though. “Let us know when you set a date so we can start planning a bachelor party.” He grins. I’m sure it would be a crazy party because he can be a bit wild at times.
“Will do.”
Afterwards, on the drive home, I realize I should call my parents and let them know. They’ll be happy for me, I think. I know they like Hadley, so that’s a plus. Hadley’s car isn’t in the driveway when I arrive. Once I get settled inside, I lean against a counter in the kitchen and call my parents. My mother answers.
“Hey, Mama. How have you been? Are you busy? Is Papa there?”
“Luca, I’m great. Of course, I’m not busy, but I’m about to go to bed in a little bit. Let me get your papa.” She yells for him before speaking to me again. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, everything’s good. I have some news, though.”
“You’re on the speaker that I have on this blasted phone you bought for me. We can hear you.”
I chuckle. “I was calling to tell you that Hadley and I are engaged. I asked her last night.”
“Oh, Luca, does that mean we’re going to be grandparents? Oh, that is wonderful,” Mama gushes.
“He didn’t say that, he said engaged,” Papa corrects. “But Luca, is she going to have a baby soon?” Even he sounds hopeful.
With a deep breath, I answer, “No, Papa. We don’t want kids. The news is we’re engaged, nothing more.”
“You both would make the most beautiful children. Why can’t you settle down and have a couple? Are you going to try once you get married? Luca, you’re almost thirty,” Mama reminds me. “By the time I was your age, I had you and…”
“I know, Mama,” I tell her gently. “But we don’t want kids. We’ve talked before about it. We’re happy with just us.”
“Son, I know that it’s hard for you still, but kids bring
you such joy. I’m sure in a couple years you’ll change your mind.” Papa sounds like he’s so sure of this.
“We’re very happy for you both,” Mama adds, but she sniffles and the sadness is evident in her tone.
“Thanks. I’ll let Hadley know you said that. I should probably let you go. We’ll talk soon, okay?”
“We love you both,” Mama says.
“We love you, too. Bye.”
I toss my phone onto the counter. What is with everyone and their kid talk? Not everyone has or wants kids once they’re married. For a moment, just a moment, I let myself imagine Hadley and I having a baby. My mind goes blank, absolutely blank. I can’t picture it. Relief moves through me. I don’t want to be responsible for another human being ever. Not being able to picture it is good. My life is meant to be spent with Hadley and Hadley alone. I’m beyond lucky that she knows and understands how I don’t want kids. I’m lucky that she’s happy with not having kids, too.
I hear the door open and seconds later, Hadley walks around the corner. She smiles when she sees me.
“Don’t just stand there looking pretty. Dinner won’t cook itself, Luca,” she says as she sets her things down on the table.
Her words stir me into action as I start taking things out of the fridge and pantry for dinner. “Did you have a good day, baby?”
“Yeah, it was fine. Did you?”
“Yes. Teammates send their congrats and Mama and Papa said they’re happy for us.”
“You called your parents?” she questions as she walks out of the room, probably to change into sweats and a t-shirt.
I wait until she returns to answer, “Yes. Just before you got here. Have you told anyone?”
“A few people at work. They wanted to know if we set a date.” She laughs softly. “I told them it took you ten years to propose, we’re not in a rush.”
With a small smile, I glance at her. “I had to be sure you were the girl for me. Not a fast process.” She shakes her head at me as she goes to fix herself something to drink. “Everyone asked me if you were pregnant. Apparently, that’s why people get married. Or because they want kids.” I pause as a thought slams into me, guilt rising within me. “I feel bad Mama won’t have grandkids, but…” my voice trails as I shake my head. She’ll be okay without them. I just wish it wasn’t up to me to give them to her, and that it wasn’t my fault that it’s up to only me.