“How’s that?”
“His parents’ house is resembling a Hallmark movie.”
I chuckle, thinking of the dozens of pictures she sent. “It’s beautiful, baby. We all agree.”
“Jewls and I are stringing garland around the living room columns this weekend.”
“Go for it.”
“Sweetie, I know what you’re doing, and I appreciate it. But I’m okay. You don’t need to agree to everything.”
“That’s not exactly what I’m doing. If you want Spazle to come, get her. If you want to get us a dog, go for it.”
“Achilles! I’m not picking out a dog without you. Plus, we haven’t decided on our back yard landscaping. What if we can’t have a fenced-in yard?”
“I’ve always wanted a dog, and we’re getting a fence. Speaking of that, carry on with the house plans. Anyone pushes back, you call Celia, Doug, Dad, Rich—whoever and set their asses straight.”
“I can handle it.”
“Then use this free time to get things going.”
“Hal came to Ladies’ Night last night. He told me about your text.”
“Sucks the way we left him hanging. Felt like I needed to explain.”
“You didn’t have a choice. But that was considerate. He was cool, but I could tell he’s concerned about you guys.”
“We’re all good.”
“Are you really?” Her voice takes on a serious undertone.
“Yeah, why wouldn’t we be?”
“Would you tell me if you weren’t? You’re a fearless, brave, untouchable badass, but would you tell me if you were uneasy?”
“Yes,” I lie without skipping a beat.
“You’re lying.” She catches on. “I’ll let it slide since you’re doing heroic acts to serve our country. However, know you can talk to me.”
“I know.”
“And I’d like to take this opportunity to point out that accountants have little to be troubled about.”
I laugh outright at her own change of subject. “I’ll point out that accountants also don’t participate in heroic acts to serve our country.”
“You can work for a non-profit you feel good about.”
“No accountant I’ve ever met nails beautiful auburn-haired, blue-eyed bombshells.”
“You can be the exception.”
“I changed my mind.”
“About what, being an accountant?”
“No, about you picking out our dog.”
“You worried your masculinity will be shot by tooling around the neighborhood with a Chihuahua? Don’t worry, I’ll put her in my purse.”
“You even mentioning a dog that fits in your purse shows you can’t be trusted with the breed.”
There’s a split-second of silence before she bursts into giggles. “Oh my God! If you’re scared of a small dog, imagine how you’ll be with a baby.”
My heart stops, and I swear, the image of Harley with our baby flashes in my head. At this moment, she can have ten fucking Chihuahuas if it makes her happy.
“When you have my baby, he won’t fit in your purse.”
“Not if he’s anywhere near your size!” Her cackles bring a smile to my face for the first time since we left home.
Behind me, the door creaks, and Talon whistles, signaling it’s time.
“Fuck if it doesn’t kill me but, baby, I need to go.”
“Okay,” she replies sadly. “When will I hear from you again?”
“I don’t know.”
“Texts?”
“You send them, I’ll eventually get them.”
Her silence stretches the thousands of miles between us, and I picture her curled in a ball, getting lost with the thoughts in her head. A muffled sniffle comes through the line.
“Don’t cry, gorgeous.”
“How did you know?”
“Because I can feel it. Go back to that place you were a few seconds ago. Giggle, think about ridiculous, overpriced dogs that are puff pieces.”
“I’ll try.”
“Do me a favor. Are you close to the mail?”
“I can be. I’ve stacked it on the counter.”
“There should be something from my bank. Open it. It’s for you.”
There’s movement and then the sound of paper ripping. “You got me a credit card?”
“Seeing as I’m out of touch, there’s not a lot of time for shopping. Need you to be my personal shopper for Christmas gifts for our parents.”
“Shop? You want me to shop while you’re across the world risking your life?” she questions incredulously.
“I do what I do in order for you to do what you do.”
“That’s the mo-mo-most selfless and selfish thing I’ve ever heard. Selfless on your part and selfish on mine. I’d gladly never step foot in a store again if it meant you were here safe with me.”
“I will be soon. And it would be great if you had presents under that massive tree for me to give. Plus, it will keep you busy. Spend what you want.”
She mutters something under her breath. “I can’t believe we’re even discussing this, but okay. What about the guys?”
“What about them?”
“Gifts?”
“We usually take turns picking up the tab on dinner or something.”
“Not this year. I’ll take care of them, too. How are they? Talon’s plants are thriving.”
“They’re fine. He’ll be pleased to hear.”
“You need to go.”
“Yeah.”
“I love you, Achilles. More than anything.”
“Same, baby. This will be over soon. I’ll touch base when I can.”
“Be safe. Come home soon.”