Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33434 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 167(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33434 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 167(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
“So, what are you going to do about it?”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s time to level up, right? What can I do to help?”
“I love you, wife. I couldn’t do this without you.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere,” I joke. “But seriously, what do you need?”
“I talked to a business attorney earlier today. I think I’m going to rebrand and go bigger. We have the capital to do both. Now is the time to expand with us having to turn away work, and our waiting list is growing by the day.”
“Okay, so what does that entail?”
“Well, I’m thinking of a new name. Something more than Riggins Trucking. That was small time, and this is going to be huge, baby. I can feel it. We got into the business at the right time.”
“I won’t disagree with that, but it’s also you. You’re good to the staff, and you work tirelessly to make this place what it is. Your grit and determination are what’s making this business a success.”
His eyes soften. “Help me think of a new name.”
After digging into the bag with his lunch, I pass his over to him before handing Royce a french fry. I take a bite of my own burger, tearing off a small bite for Royce, while I think about options.
“We’re thinking big, right? How big? Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“I want to eventually expand. I want hubs all over the US, maybe even go global at some point.”
“Right, so an enterprise of sorts.”
He stops eating, his burger halfway to his mouth. “That’s it.”
“What? What did I say?” I ask, taking another bite of my burger. I’m starving.
“Riggins Enterprises. That’s the new name.”
I swallow and wipe my mouth. “Riggins Enterprises,” I repeat, trying the words on my tongue. “It’s got a nice ring to it.”
“You’re a genius, wife.”
“Oh, go on,” I say, making him laugh.
“It’s perfect. I’ll email the graphic designer I use and have him work up a new logo. Hell, I think I’m just going to offer him a full-time job. I know he’s been working in marketing for a while now. I could use someone like that on the team.”
“I’m proud of you.” I finish off my burger, giving the last little bite to Royce with another fry. Tossing my wrapper into the bag, I bend over and dig around in the diaper bag for the small box I shoved in there before leaving the house. Once I have it, I place it on the desk between us.
“What’s this?”
“A gift.”
“Baby, you’re my gift. You and our son. This was exactly what I needed.”
“I know, but I think you’ll like what I got you too.”
“Whatever it is, I’ll love it. I love you.”
“I love you too, Stanley Riggins. Now open the box.” I keep my hands fisted in my lap, but my eyes are on him as he grabs the box. He shakes it, as I knew he would, which is why I stuffed it with tissue paper.
“What is it, Royce? What did Mommy get me?” he asks our son.
“Da Da,” Royce says happily as he munches on his fry.
“Daddy loves you, little man.”
Tears well in my eyes, but I quickly blink them away. I watch as Stanley opens the lid on the small box and digs around in the tissue paper. When he finds it, his eyes pop up to mine. I nod, feeling the tears threaten to fall.
“We’re pregnant?”
I nod again. I can’t seem to find my words. Part of that is the excitement of expanding our family. The other part is the wonder I see on my husband's face as he learns he’s going to be a daddy for a second time.
Stanley stares down at the pregnancy test in his hands before standing and rounding the desk. He walks to where I’m sitting and kneels. He slides his hand behind my neck while the other wraps around my waist. He doesn’t say a word as he rests his forehead against mine.
“Mom, Mom,” Royce says. I know it’s only a matter of time until he lets his displeasure of being left out of this embrace be known.
Stanley lifts his head and presses a soft kiss to my lips. He then does the same thing to my belly over my clothes. “I’m your daddy, and I love you so much.”
“Da Da.” This time, I can hear the cry in his voice. He’s getting mad. Stanley must hear it too. He jumps to his feet and lifts Royce from the stroller. He rains kisses all over his face.
“You’re going to be a big brother, Royce. A big brother,” Stanley says, tossing our son in the air and catching him. Royce giggles. His earlier anger at being left out is completely gone. “Give Mommy a kiss.” He suspends Royce in the air near my cheek, and he gives me a sloppy kiss.