AN: Well, this last chapter and the epilogue to come is the cherry on top of a story that was such a joy to share with all of you. It has challenged me in so many ways and I am so grateful for all the support that has been sent my way. I truly had my doubts at times and I am glad that elected to continue to push on. I am beyond happy with how it turned out. Thank you again for all the comments, favorites, and follows! Happy Reading.
Well, it's ok. It's so nice
It's just another day in paradise
Well, there's no place that
I'd rather be
Well, it's two hearts
And one dream
I wouldn't trade it for anything
And I ask the Lord every night
For just another day in paradise
"Just Another Day in Paradise" – Phil Vassar
So the last two weeks have been quite hectic. What happens when you take several days off and then go back to work. I've felt like I haven't sat down since we all got back. However, this morning I am able to sit and drink coffee as Belle is playing on the ground next to me. Kim is still sleeping since she got in from her shift at about 2 am. I'm flipping through the for rent ads online when Kim stumbles in from the bedroom and leans over the back of the couch to wrap her arms around my neck. I can tell when she notes what I am looking at.
"Are you moving?"
I set my coffee down and turn just enough to look back at her.
"I was thinking that WE might be moving."
I could see that Kim was holding her breath like she was trying to see if this was real. I just smiled.
"Belle's getting older and I would really like for her to have an actual yard to play in. I also think it is time that you and I start things off on a clean slate. No, past hanging over us. Just the future. I know this won't sweep anything under the rug, but I think it would be nice to have a place to call ours."
I honestly thought that Kim was going to come leaping over the back of the couch, but she contained herself enough to walk around it. However, then she jumped into my lap and nearly pulled the laptop out of my hand.
"What's available? Have you favorited any? You said you want a yard, is there anything else that you really want? What do you think we should spend?"
I only half listened to the rest of her questions. I just wrapped my arms around her and let her browse while Belle completely oblivious to the events going on around her continued to play with her toys.
The house hunt was harder than I thought it would be, but at least this time we were both on the same page on what we were looking for and how much we wanted to spend. When we finally found the townhouse with the small yard in the back and an actual front porch, it was the right move. The actual moving…that was the production. I had no idea how many toys Belle had accumulated or clothes. That was something that had to be boxed up by age and stored. My father convinced me of that. I had said something to him about donating them and he just shook his head.
"You might want to hold on to those for a bit longer. Just in case."
"In case, what?"
"Adam, do you really think Belle is going to be the last child you have?"
"You do have a point there."
"Yes, I do."
Up to that point, I had not really thought about having a baby with Kim. I mean sure if you had asked me if we would have kids, I would have said yes. I just hadn't put more than two seconds of thought into it. Now, I was. And it was something that we needed to talk about. We were finally spending our first night in the new place and Kim was smiling as she was wiping down the kitchen counters after cleaning up dinner. I was wiping up Belle's face from the mess she made and I could sense Kim watching us. I looked over at her and knew this was the moment.
"What are you smiling at?"
"I just love watching you. You're a great father."
"I love being a father. I wouldn't mind having more."
I could see Kim pause what she was doing and then look up at me. I had shocked her.
"What do you say? You ever want to have one of these?"
Kim was nodding her head yes before her mouth could catch up with her. In fact, I think she had lost the capacity to speak. I picked up Belle and carried her over to where Kim was standing. I kissed her softly and then pulled back. Her eyes were rounded and watering. I really should stop making this woman I love cry. I really should.
"I hope those are happy tears."
"Yes. Is this real? I feel like I am dreaming."
"No dream, Darlin."
"When?"
"When what?"
Kim just rolled her eyes and I chuckled.
"Why don't we just stop trying to stop nature and see what happens if that works for you?"
Oh, I really should watch what I say.
Post note: Just the epilogue/ last scene to go.