Innocence

“I’ll get it,” I called from the kitchen as Ty and Jaxson wrestled in the living room while I baked cookies.

Dwayne stood on the front porch with a package. “Hey, Dwayne.”

“Hey, London. A couple of packages arrived at the gate for Jaxson. Levi asked me to deliver them.”

“Thanks.” I took the two slender, square brown boxes. “Have a good day, Dwayne. Is everything okay at the clinic?”

“Yes. We’ll let you know if we need anything. I’m glad he’s taking the morning off.”

“Me too.” We said our goodbyes and I closed the door. Leaning against the doorframe, I watched as Ty worked on besting Jaxson. His muscles strained to push his dad off. Jaxson animatedly rolled to the side, praising Ty’s strength. They were two peas in a pod. A wave of dizziness came over me and I perched against the couch. I took a moment before I said anything. “Dwayne said this package arrived for you at the gate.”

The lights within Jaxson’s green eyes danced with excitement. “Those are a surprise for you. Leave them on the couch. No peaking.”

“Me? When do I get to open it?”

He teased knowing how much I loved surprises. “We’ll see.”

“Jaxson!”

Ty jumped on top of Jaxson pretending to be a super hero. And the play fighting started all over again. I’d have to wait until later to persuade my husband to give me more details.

My phone rang. I answered smiling. “Hey, Millie.”

“My word. Sounds like you have a crazy house this morning.”

I chuckled. “Jaxson and Ty are wrestling. What are you doing?”

“Packing for the McCole Classic! And I’m bringing my 90210 seasons. We’re having a girls’ night chick-a-dee.”

I yawned. “I can’t wait.”

“Girl, are you tired? It’s only like nine in the morning.”

I made my way back to the bedroom and yawned again. “I haven’t been sleeping well. I think the stress of everything is catching up.”

“Are you sure you’re not preggers?” Millie said it jokingly, but my heart raced at the thought.

“Yes, I’ve been taking my pills regularly. I started cramping this morning. I’ll start by tomorrow.”

“Okay. Sorry. I know the nurse comes out in me sometimes.”

Quickly, I rethought over the last few weeks and looked at my birth control packet. Every pill was taken. I was on the right day. I had the flu. The flu. Did Jaxson give me my pills on time? I focused on this morning when I saw spotting. That was normal for me. By tomorrow, I would have my period. Internally, I sighed with relief. We had enough going on right now. I definitely wanted children, but when the time was right.

“It’s okay. I need to take the cookies out. I can’t wait for you guys to get here.”

“Me either. Give my love to the boys.”

“I will.”

Leaving the bedroom, I found Ty coloring at the table. “Where’s your dad?”

“In the office.”

I ruffled his hair as I went to find Jaxson. As soon as Jaxson saw me, he put a bag in the drawer. “Now, that’s cruel, teasing me like that.”

“I can’t wait to give it to you.” Jaxson approached and gave me a kiss. “You look like a woman on a mission. What’s on your mind?”

Chewing on my lip, I asked, “Did you give me my birth control pills while I had the flu?”