Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 75285 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75285 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
I was in awe every single day of him.
I kissed Brian before I hopped into the shower, but I made it quick. There was an outfit I wanted Lanie to put on, a very special outfit I’d picked out just for today. I dried myself off and changed into one of my summer dresses, then helped Lanie get ready. I put a bow in her hair and found her a fun little skirt to wear, and as I was slipping on her shoes I heard Brian come through the door.
“The walls are coming along fine,” he called out. “One more night of drying and they’ll be good to go. You girls ready to eat?”
“Coming, Daddy!”
Lanie ran down the hallway toward him and my hands were shaking. I watched as Brian picked her up, swinging her around in his arms. I would never get over that. I would never get over how wonderful Brian was with that little girl. Tears rose to my eyes as I settled my hands on my stomach, watching them from the shadows of the hallway as his eyes scanned her outfit.
“You look beautiful, Princess. Is that a new shirt?”
“It is! It is! Read it, Daddy.”
He put Lanie down before he crouched in front of her, and I could see the confusion written all over his face. His eyes darted up toward the hallway just as I emerged, my hands on my stomach and my skin glowing with delight. He slowly stood to his feet, his jaw dropped and his eyes sparkling as they moved over my body.
“Her shirt says ‘big sister,’” Brian said.
“I know. I uh, figured it was appropriate,” I said, smiling.
“Amanda?” he asked.
“Yeah?”
“Why does Lanie’s shirt say ‘big sister’?”
Tears of happiness rose to my eyes as I shoved my hand into the pocket of my sundress.
“Because we’re pregnant,” I said as I handed him the test.
He took it from my fingers and studied the positive test. His body was still as his face morphed from confusion to shock. I tried my best to keep my emotional disposition at bay. I wanted to give him space to process, just like I had a few weeks ago myself.
“You’re pregnant?” he asked.
His voice was full of hope and light as he turned his eyes to connect with me.
“I am,” I said, giggling. “I’m pregnant, Brian.”
“You’re pregnant!” he said.
“I am! I’m pregnant!”
He wrapped his arms around me and swung me around. We laughed together, tears of joy rolling down both of our faces. Lanie was clapping her hands and twirling around in her skirt, chanting about how she was going to be the best big sister in the whole wide world.
I reached down for her and picked her up so she could get in on the hugging action.
“I love you so much,” Brian said.
“I love you, too. And I am so glad you’re happy,” I said.
“Why in the world wouldn’t I be happy?” he asked.
“Because this is pretty soon into our marriage. I mean, we’ll celebrate our first year together with me already pregnant.”
“I don’t care,” he said as Lanie held us close. “All I care about is the fact that I’m about to have a child with the woman I love.”
I was so excited that he was happy. Soon, the celebratory dinner was forgotten about. Instead, we stayed in, and Brian cooked us up some steaks. Lanie had her macaroni and cheese, while I ate my fill of Brian’s steak and potatoes. Then the three of us settled onto the couch to watch a movie.
“I’m gonna be a good big sister. You know why?” Lanie asked.
“Because you’re going to love your sibling?” I asked.
“Nope,” she said
“Because you’re going to help us out?” Brian asked.
“Nope,” she said.
“You're not gonna help us out?” I asked. “How are you going to be a good big sister if you don’t help us out?”
“Because I’m gonna protect her! Like Daddy does us.” I pulled Lanie into my arms and peppered her face with kisses. Brian’s face was beaming with pride, his eyes scanning my body. I reached out and took his hand, bringing it to my lips to kiss. Then he lowered his lips to my temple and kissed me fondly.
“Have you been to the doctor yet?” he asked.
“Not yet. I kind of wanted you to come with me,” I said.
“ “Done. Call and make an appointment tomorrow. I want to know that everything is as it should be.”
His arm threaded around my body and pulled me close to him as Lanie reached for a blanket.
“And thank you,” he said.
“For what?” I asked.
“For never giving up.”
“I’ll never give up on us, Brian, I said.
“And I’ll always be there to protect you, Amanda. No matter what.”
The End