Standing There (Love in the Park 1)

Lindsay

Ten years later

Harrison is turning eleven and the girls Blake and Brooklyn are turning nine in two months. Where has the time gone? Roman’s out of town, setting up a new security system for a friend of his. He should be back by tomorrow. Casey and I are on our way to go birthday present shopping for Harrison.

“Girl, what’s wrong with you?”

“Oh…it’s nothing, I just can’t believe all the years have passed. I’m sad that my babies aren’t babies anymore.”

“I get it. Our oldest is ten, double digits. It’s freaking scary how fast the time passes.”

“I wish I never got that birth control. I think it’s the reason we never got pregnant again.” After I had the girls, we were exhausted, so we decided holding off on more kids was the right way to go. I had a five-year gizmo shoved up my cooter and immediately had problems. It got stuck and punctured my uterus within the first six months. It was one hell of a nightmare and now, nothing’s been right for me in that area. The doctor says I can have more babies, but my clock is running out of time. At forty, I’m done regardless. If we only have the three, I’m happy with that. They are truly wonderful kids.

“You’re still young, maybe it’ll happen in the near future,” she says, patting my thigh.

“You’re probably right. Between Harrison’s birthday and Roman being away, I’m feeling a bit emotional. I need to get over it.”

“Yes, now let’s go have some fun, spending my brother’s money.” She laughs as we jump out of the truck and enter the Lego store. I barely get through the rotating doors before everything goes black on me.

***

Roman

I’m rushing through the ER like a nut case. I was already on my way home when Denver did the smart thing and called me against my wife’s wishes. “I’m looking for my wife, Lindsay Wolf,” I exclaim, handing the reception my ID to save time.

“Yes, sir. She’s just been discharged.” Her head nods in the direction of the long hallway.

“Roman,” Lindsay calls out, trying to jump out of the moving wheelchair, but the nurse nudges her back in place before stopping it. “What are you doing here?”

“I was on my way home and I was contacted.”

“Who told you?” she grumbles, narrowing her eyes at Denver behind her.

“I would have been pissed if I didn’t get a call. They know that I still would want to know, but I’m going to let it slide since one of them was smart enough to know I’m fucking crazy when it comes to you.”

“I’m fine. Your sister overreacted and called an ambulance when I fainted in the store.” I’m shaking my head at Casey while she rolls her eyes.

“She didn’t overreact. There’s got to be a reason for you fainting.”

I see Casey smiling brightly then Lindsay cheers, “There is…I’m pregnant.” I lift her up from the seat and pull her into my arms. It’s just what we wanted.

“I can’t believe it. Are they sure?” I don’t want my hopes smashed if it’s not true.

“Yes. It explains why I didn’t feel like eating this morning and…”

“Why she’s been all mopey and maudlin. ‘I miss Roman; the babies are getting old.’ Sob, sob,” Casey adds, giggling. “Now, we can go shopping for baby things, too!”

“Always the same Casey.”

“You got that straight,” she smugly remarks, sticking her chin out.

“Let’s go eat, take a nap,” Lindsay says with a smirk, “and then we can pick up the kids and tell them.” Fuck yeah. I’m in all agreement for that. I nod and kiss her lips.

I walk us to the exit and wave off at the other two who brought her in. “Thanks, you two,” I say to Casey and Denver for bringing her here and for him calling me.

“You’re welcome,” Denver adds with a wink. That’s when Casey gut checks his ass. “I knew it was you.”

“Bye.” I take Lindsay out of there. Let him deal with her temper. “That’s what he gets for being a snitch,” I add, making Lindsay crack up. Damn, I love her smile.

THE END