Baron

EpilogueFrannieEighteen Months LaterOh boy. Here he goes again. I think walking into the kitchen. No. Scratch that. I am waddling into the kitchen. That’s right. I’m pregnant. Again. Six months to be exact. Today is our daughter's first birthday and I am trying to get her cake ready before the guests arrive.

“What are you doing up on your feet, Red?” I turn to look at my deliciously handsome husband.

“Trying to finish getting ready for the party. Where is your daughter?” He and our daughter Rebel are like Bonnie and Clyde.

I know she is only one, but to call her a daddy’s girl would be an understatement. I blame the fact that I am still in school. A fact that makes my husband angry whenever the topic comes up. As a result of being in school, I am not home as much as I would like to be. Luckily, we have a nanny named Marianna who comes on the days when I am gone. Baron feels that since I am pregnant and we have Rebel, I should focus on her and relax. I mean, I get his point. But I have been trying to get my degree since I enrolled in college. I want to show my kids, my daughter especially, that she can do anything. I want Rebel to know that she can be anything. No obstacle should ever deter her from her dreams.

“I thought I told you to hire someone to come and do this, baby. You are making my son exhausted with all the work you’re doing.” He says, as he rubs my tummy and kisses me. I close my eyes, relishing in being close to him. As usual. “Seriously, baby. You should be resting.”

“I know. But this is her first birthday. I wanted everything to be perfect.”

Finishing with the rest of the cake decorations, I have him take it out to the backyard. I won’t tell him this, but I am already exhausted and cannot wait for this party to be over. I am just about to sit down, when the doorbell rings and everyone starts coming in. I know there will be no rest for me now. Oh well. Might as well get it going.“Thank you for coming.” I say to the last person walking out the door. As soon as it is closed, I let out the breath I have been holding. I am more tired than I thought I would be.

“Come on baby. Let’s go get you into a nice warm bath and I can massage your feet.”

“Where’s my big girl?” I ask him, letting him lead me upstairs.

“She is staying with my parents tonight. I thought you could use a night to relax.” He sits me on the bed and begins taking my clothes off. “Lay back, baby. Let me take care of you.” I fall back on the bed, my body relaxing more than it has in days.

It doesn’t hit me until right at this moment, but I have been tense and stressed for the last month or so and now I know why. Spending time with our family and friends, then being able to be there for Rebel today and seeing how much she enjoyed the time we spent together. I realize, I have been missing out on too much and I don’t want to any longer.

“I am dropping out of school.” I tell him as he takes my clothes off and begins rubbing my feet.

“You sure that is what you want to do? I mean, I know it is what I have been saying. And I do bring it up every chance I get, but I just want you and our children to be happy, Red. Whatever that takes.” See why I love him. He is so supportive and loving and there is never a moment in our lives when Rebel and I aren’t number one. I sit up and put my forehead against his.

“I’m sure. I don’t want to miss anything else. I don’t need to prove myself to anyone. I love our life; Baron and I love you. Thank you for choosing me. For finding me. For seeing...me.” My lips meet his and for a moment we indulge in the feeling of being each other's arms. He finally pulls back from me and begins taking his clothes off.

“I didn’t find you, baby. You were gifted to me, by God himself. He entrusted your happiness and heart to me, knowing I would do everything in my power to guard and honor it. I love you so much, Red. Thank you for taking a chance on me. Now open those legs and let me have dessert.” Who am I to argue? God, I love my life.