XXXVI. A Few Months More

Erik watched his wife pick tomatoes from their home garden. "Dear, you know you really should not be doing that."

Zuri turned to look at her husband, the bulge in her stomach more noticeable looking now that he had caught her attention. "Then stop sitting there and help me if you are so concerned, otherwise back off."

"No need to be snippy. I'm worried that is all." He said then joined her. "How do you tell what is ripe?"

"The big red ones."

"Ah." He noted then picked one and put it in the basket.

"I appreciate that you are worried but don't be. I take a break every few hours. Besides I need to get out and tend to the garden."

"Zuri."

"Hmm."

"I hate when you do that."

"What?"

"Hmm."

"Oh."

"Are you still worried about your father?"

"Why do you ask?" She asked while wiping sweat from her forehead.

"Because you do not seem to be talkative. You always seem to be in deep thought anymore. As if you are thinking about something that concerns you."

"Well. I am thinking about a lot of things that has to be done before the baby comes."

"Is that all? You are telling me the truth Zuri, otherwise I will have to spank you for lying to me."

"You would not spank a pregnant woman."

Erik raised an eyebrow at her. "Want to bet on that?"

She looked at him in mock horror. "So you would spank me? Oh no whatever shall I do?"

"I'm being serious Zuri."

"Erik, i'm fine. Please, please, stop nitpicking."

"I'm not nitpicking."

"Yes you are."

"No i'm not."

"Are too."

"Are not."

"Are too!" She suddenly tackled him to the ground and laughed softly. She then kissed his cheek. "I love you."

"Zuri you are having serious mood swings." Erik told her with a laugh then helped her back to her knees.

"Yes I know. Come, thats enough tomatoes."