"You must be so happy for Mike," Alicia says with a giggle, shifting on her back and curling some of her hair over her fingers. "I was amazed when I saw that he did it. No offense to Mike, but I really thought with Drew going so strong, he would have more of a struggle to make it work."
"Well, I think after he lost the briefcase before, he wasn't going to make the same mistake twice. All in all," AJ muses, "It went pretty well. George and Sara get to see their daddy as champion, it does make me happy. He had such a long period of time between title reigns, I never doubted he could do it, I just wasn't sure if he'd get an opportunity. You know?"
"Yeah," Alicia says, sitting up and looking out of the window at Ricardo as he plays with the puppies outside. She stares down at Andre as he dozes sweetly next to her and exhales. "AJ, did you know Ricardo almost went to Egypt?"
"He did? When?" she asks. "I knew about India and the UK, but..."
"Last year," she says. "Then I realized I was pregnant and he changed his mind." She exhales. "I still... I guess I feel guilty about it sometimes. He was really excited, but..."
"Well, it was a pandemic," AJ responds quietly after a moment. "I'd have been surprised if he'd be willing just to leave you in that kind of situation. Especially for your first. There will be other opportunities, you should just embrace that you have a husband who loves you enough to put you first over everything, it could be a lot worse."
"True. I guess I just wish the timing was better."
"Trust me, there's a lot of that going around. The last year has been ripe for it. We all have some regrets, I'm sure, but it'll be alright. He's not mad at you for it, is he?"
"No, not at all," Alicia says. "He loves Andre. I know... it's just me, I just... you know, we've both been through so much. I, uh. I hate feeling like I took something else from him."
AJ sighs. "How much have you given him in return though? I mean, that's just what marriage is you know? It has to be an even partnership with compromise and all of that... stuff."
Alicia giggles a little. "Yeah, I know you're right. You and Mike are probably old pros at that, by now, huh?"
"Getting there," AJ says. "I mean, we've definitely had enough time to practice." She fiddles with her wedding ring a little, soft smile on her face. "Just be gentle with yourself. There's no point in feeling guilty for what ultimately was Ricardo's choice. He wanted to be with you for the birth of Andre more than he wanted to be in Egypt. It's not a bad thing. Alright?"
"Alright," Alicia says softly. "Thanks, AJ." They talk for a few moments longer, then George begins beckoning in the background, so they exchange farewells, and Alicia stretches out in the bed, humming as she traces her fingers gently over Andre's chubby little arm. "I love you," she murmurs, dozing off after a little bit.
She wakes up to a dark room, squinting up to find Ricardo gently carrying Andre over to his bassinet, settling him in quietly before returning to her. As she cuddles in tight to him, he kisses the side of her face and wraps an arm around her waist, squeezing her. "I love you," she murmurs and he smiles at her.
"I love you too, Alicia," he tells her, stroking down her side with a gentle touch.
"I have one question," she says, rolling over to face him.
He nods, watching her. "Alright, what?"
"Do you regret missing out on Egypt?"
He stares at her for a long, quiet moment, then shakes his head. "No, never. I can try to get back there some other day. The thought of missing out on all of this time with you and Andre... I couldn't stand that. Delaying Egypt was the only choice I had. I will never regret seeing the first few months of Andre's life, and being here for you every step of the way. I swear, Alicia." He kisses her nose and she hums, finally content with the way things are.
"Thank you," she whispers against his collarbone as she presses her face into his chest. "I love you."
He kisses her forehead and tucks her in, nice and warm, both dozing off in each other's arms, both of them relaxed and comfortable.
