by L. U. Ann
After church, we returned home to eat lunch followed by a short walk to the park. The March chill envelopes us as we walk together hand in hand along the sidewalk. The last seven months have been filled with memories of our life getting back on track. Devon returned to finish his internship, but had to let lacrosse camps go while he recovered. With our baby girl’s arrival during the peak lacrosse season, he decided to take a year off and spend more time with the soon to be four of us. I miss Devon when he goes to work, but the mere fact he comes home trumps my insecurities of almost losing him last year. I am thankful for so many blessings.
Evan’s little feet have us strolling along at a slow, unhurried pace. The leaves finally emerge in as little as a week. As if Mother Nature fought the secret of spring, the trees, plants, and wildlife raced to blossom spreading their wealth of new growth first. The sidewalk is lined with trees providing perfect shade for a stroll such as this. Birds sing over our heads while squirrels chase each other up and down trees. A faint song is heard from the bugs emerging to welcome spring. This is my favorite season. Surrounded by new life, new beginnings, and longer days of sunshine, Devon and Evan warm me to the core.
“Lacey, are you okay?” Devon asks.
“Huh?” I look over at Devon to find out why he would ask. His eyes question my hand on my stomach. Oh. “I’m fine, just thinking.” He must have seen me deep in thought.
“Care to share?”
“I love spring with everything new and fresh. Flowers bloom, birds sing, and trees shelter us. It’s so pretty.” I smile up at him.
He stops walking confusing me a moment. Did I say something wrong? “Well, that’s nice and all but you, my dear, are beautiful. The most beautiful woman in the world.” He leans in and places a gentle loving kiss. His lips soft and full have me thinking we should turn around. Leaning into him, he pulls back. “Don’t even think about it.” He smirks. Tease.
Shoulders square, I hold my head high motioning for Evan to follow. Screw him and his teasing. Devon chuckles behind me.
The playground is busier than we expect with children blissfully playing about. Devon joins Evan on the swings, slide, and jungle gym as usual. I do not believe my husband ever grew up. It is beautiful to watch the two playing. With Evan’s young age, it is too dangerous for him to play on the ‘big kids’ equipment without one of us. The steep drop in the areas without rails worries Devon. The pleasant breeze stirs loose leaves, sending them on a whirling journey as the sun peeks in and out of the white fluffy cotton balls revealing the bluest of skies. It is picturesque at the very least.
Visions of Evan playing in the pool while I closely watch from the side or a shaded area with the baby this summer preoccupy my thoughts. My distracted mind births a convenient opportunity for the boys to scare me. Bursts of giggles calm my startling heartbeat, which happens to jump so hard it had made a rotation of earth before settling now. I chide Devon, of course, rising to smack his arm. “Oh.” A cramp surrounds my midsection. With my hands cradling my stomach, I wait it out.
“Lacey, oh, my God. Is it time?” Devon pales. “Are you okay?” He circles the area for help.
“Devon, stop! I’m fine. It was just a cramp.”
With a hand on his hip, he runs the other through his hair clearly flustered. “I knew we shouldn’t have walked. I need to call Frank.” He looks around consumed with thoughts.
The concern on his face is almost my undoing. I shake my head. “No, it’s fine. It wasn’t a contraction and the house isn’t that far from here. I will be fine walking.” I smile, trying to expel some of the fears he is wearing.
“Baby, come here.” He wraps his arms around me. Little arms circle one of my legs. Peeking down, I catch a glimpse of its source with his other arm hugging Devon’s leg. Such a sweet moment I will try to remember forever. “Are you sure you don’t want me to call Frank? He will come right away.”
“No, silly. I don’t like having drivers. Let’s walk back to the house. I’m sure everything is fine.” Around last Thanksgiving, I asked Devon to no longer retain the services of a driver. Frank and Juan are available if we ever need them, but for now, we drive ourselves. Devon has the black Ford Expedition and me, a silver Ford 500 series. He has a thing about purchasing vehicles made in America. That is fine with me since I love my car. Of course, Devon splurged with making sure it’s equipped with all the accessories available. He claims it’s safer that way. I get frustrated with the money he can spend. It does not matter if he has a trust fund or not and will not need to work a day in his life. The lifestyle money can buy has never appealed to me and that is why he surprised me with a suburban home in a quiet neighborhood. I would never be happy living in a lavish home where it screams we have money.
The walk home is uneventful as well as the rest of the evening. After a quick shower and snack, I help Evan to bed. Grandma Pain will be moving in Friday and the dogs will be coming home sometime this week, so there is a lot to do. Exhausted from the walk, my eyes close simultaneously when my head hit the soft pillow.
Morning’s beautiful sun shines bright waking me before Evan’s bouncing personality makes its daily grand opening. A perfect moment, quiet to enjoy a cup of coffee. Well, it would have been perfect prior to conception. The phone rings. A lady on the other end politely asks if we would like to pick Chicky and Sadie up today. Our application has been approved and the shelter’s currently bursting at the seams. A number of new dogs have arrived and they would like to make room. However, we must sign papers promising to take them tomorrow to undergo a scheduled spay. I asked how late we could arrive this afternoon and it was settled. Evan would get his dogs today around four.
Looking around the house, I panic. Quickly dressed, Evan and I are out the door on a quest for food, crates, toys, bowls, collars, and leashes. I wonder how Devon would react if I purchased everything pink. They’re girls after all. Or to make things easier, I could get pink and purple. Chicky could have the pink collar and leash while Sadie’s is purple. Matching bowls and toys require little brain power. Especially with the baby coming soon. Devon will hate it. Question is can I be that mischievous to pull it off. I smile and laugh. Of course, I can because he would never ask himself that question.
Twelve and a Half
A text from Becca wakes me up. Nervously, I open it because she’s in Colorado visiting some of our old high school friends.
Becca: Monday 5:00 a.m.: OMG, Lacey! I have met the most amazing guy ever! He’s handsome, sweet, and oh so yummy.
I look at the alarm clock, five a.m. So that’s like, what? Three a.m. Colorado time. “What is it, Sugar Pants?” Devon asks reaching an arm around my waist bringing me closer to spoon.
“Becca.” I pause. “She says she’s met someone. I guess she and Ryan are only friends?” I ask wishing they could be more.
“Yeah, Ryan told me they are better off just as friends. They’ve gotten close, and they’re both scared to lose the friendship. I told him he’s a douchebag.” He chuckles while I stare blankly.
“This person’s in Colorado, Devon. What if she moves away? She’s been here for me since I can’t remember. I need to be there for her when she needs me, too. How can I do that when we live so far away?” A tear silently runs down my cheek.
“Don’t you think you’re jumping the gun a little early? She just met the guy. She wouldn’t just up and move.” He caresses my arm gently for reassurance.
“I want her to be happy, Devon. I do. Maybe you’re right, but I want her to share a love like we have with someone. I’ll just miss her so much if she moves.” I sigh.
“Lacey,” he pulls me back to look in my eyes. The soft light peeking through the windows as the morning begins to wake causes his eyes to twinkle with love. “Honey, stop worrying. If they become an item, who’s to say he wouldn’t move here.” He raises an eyebrow. I smile. He’s right.
“Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing that life is made up of little things.”
> ~Frank A. Clark
Undoubtedly, taking a seat in the rocking chair Devon gifted me last weekend was a very astute decision on my part. My body aches from head to toe, especially after the short walk to and from the park yesterday. It never affected me like this in the past. After yesterday’s cramp escapade, all has been uneventful. The beautiful spring air was invigorating, and certainly, something I will not forget anytime soon.
The evening air has chilled and I can’t wait to go inside. Summoned to this spot, I await the hustle and bustle of two excited bodies to see their backyard for the first time. Wonder swarms my thoughts about their previous home. The supervisor at the shelter said the reason for surrender was the amount of energy these sisters have. Is that not Pet Owner 101? I guess that maybe some things aren’t as obvious as they should be. Caine let go of Evan far too easy because he was too much work, and he didn’t want to deal with the legal threats. Evan is so much better off without him in his life.
Devon’s voice has me shaking the ignorance of others off. I cannot wait to see them in their new home. Life is a gift and one I will not throw away. These are now my children and are not disposable. We will make it work. No other option is acceptable.
With a click of the gate, two heads emerge from the picket barrier. Tongues hanging, panting, and pulling on a confused Devon as I laugh. I guess they walked Devon to their new yard and not the other way around. Releasing the two from their leashes, they kick divots by their eager paws. Chicky and Sadie excitedly begin to sniff and mark each new spot their noses encounter.
Unfortunately, we only have a gate on one side of the house and it opens to the area with the pool. Devon wants to let them adjust, smell this side of the yard, and then move them over to the area where Evan plays.
It is sweet to watch the house coming alive with so much love. Two dogs, soon to be two children, and the two of us, Devon and I are blessed beyond— “Devon, grab her!” I lurch from my chair shouting for him to turn around and look at the dogs just as Chicky falls in the pool.
“Oh, my God!” I gasp and it is all I hear as the tense site begins to play out in slow motion. Devon reaches to grab the one dog out of the pool when the other trips and falls following her sister. These dogs have clearly never seen a hole in the ground filled with water. Splashes of water droplets scatter, creating an uprising of flying liquid particles everywhere as they tread for their life. Chicky trots about in search of solid ground, but, unfortunately, paddles herself toward the center of the pool further from his reach. Instincts thankfully kick in, and she continues to paddle as Devon holds onto Sadie’s collar and assists in her exit out of the deep end. Evan giggles next to me drawing my attention away from the ridiculous circus shenanigans.
Removing my eyes from the pool spectacle, I chance a fleeting look down at my giggle monster. The happiness erupting from his tiny frame has me beaming watching him thoroughly enthralled in the theatrics before him. A huge splash amalgamates my vision back to the unlikely scene. “Evan, stay here!” I shout running toward the commotion. “Devon!”
“Lacey, stay back. I’ve got this!” Devon yells swimming to the side assisting my dog. I turn back to make sure Evan isn’t following out to the pool area.
“What are you doing in the pool? It’s freezing!” I struggle, reaching for Chicky so Devon can exit the pool.
“Freezing, Lacey? That’s not freezing! It’s fucking cold!” Devon’s blue lips quiver between shouts while he climbs out.
“Why did you go in the pool?” I question confused by how he wound up wet.
“I didn’t,” his lips quiver. “I got Sadie out and when her hind legs contacted the ground,” he shudders, “she pushed me in.” He finishes telling me between shivers and assisting me in helping Chicky out of the pool. The cool evening air whipped around us.
“Devon, you’re freezing. Let’s get you warm under the shower.” I walk his trembling body into the house after briefly moving the dogs onto the other side of the fence. Now, there won’t be any more accidental falls in the pool during our absence. Evan follows close behind, settling on the family room rug to play with his toys while I take Devon upstairs.
“Remind me to fetch my glasses out of the pool tomorrow.” Devon says while I shake my head at his concern for the absurdly lavish sunglasses. Why people believe a four hundred-dollar pair of nonprescription sunglasses are better than the sixteen-dollar pair I found at Target the other day is beyond me. My poor purebred hubby is a product of his childhood. After adjusting the shower to a warm spray easily tolerated, and Devon stripped his saturated clothes, I proceed outside to an unexpected horror scene. Stunned by the site, I make no effort to move forward as I take in the damage. Color splashed in all directions as if mimicking water, my beautiful flowers are now mangled. Grass uprooted, holes construed across the once plush pristine yard. Rocks were toppled over in the adjacent pond with lots of water splashed about. What have I gone and gotten myself into?
With the suns quick descent and the yard tousled, I decide retrieving the sunglasses is the best course of action before Devon discovers the travesty. Quickly grabbing the long stick with a net attached, I walk along the deck in search of the familiar shape. Chastising myself for asking Devon to open the pool early since we’ll be busy with our new arrival, my eyes attempt to differentiate the shadows of light and darkness while the pole moves about. If Devon wasn’t so adamant on doing jobs around the house that he can complete himself, and just pay the money we clearly possess, none of this would’ve happened. I rationalize that it’s his fault.
Heavy pants and growls consume the other side as I continue my search. One of my new four-legged children begins an obnoxious bark. Tolerating the sound penetrating my temples long enough, I turn around and shout for them to stop. At my command, the dogs halt and sit. Pleased, I praise them. Returning to my task of keeping Devon’s anger at bay, I continue, “Oh no!” I yell as the strikingly cold water pressurizes my chest and I gasp for air. Muscle spasms under the freezing temperature elicit shallow and ragged breaths. Slowly lifting myself from the hostile water, I briskly walk toward the screen door with hands over my stomach. Trees rustle above warning me of the impending cold wind while I leave a trail of water in my wake. Teeth chattering and muscles trembling, I walk into the bathroom to find Devon toweling off. “What the hell happened to you?” he chides, frozen in his spot all the while my body begs for warmth. “Your sunglasses,” I say snidely and harrumph. Turning into the shower, clothes and all, I don’t wait for the warmth, submerging myself under the spray. How can this be colder than the fucking pool that just shocked my system?
“So did you find my sunglasses?” Devon asks, filling my veins with irritation. I don’t bother to answer. The scene he will discover downstairs raises my cheeks in satisfaction. Internally, I chuckle.
“Devon!” I gasp, waking with a start from a quick onset of tightening in my stomach.
“What, what is it?”
“I’m cramping. Grab your watch.” He follows suit rubbing his sleepy eyes. “No, wait, it’s going away.” I sure hope I am right. My scheduled cesarean is not for a week. Would they perform one if I went into labor early? Dammit, Lacey, why do you think of these great questions to ask the doctor after you have left?
“Seriously, Lacey?” questioningly, he throws the pillow over his face. Wait until he becomes coherent, and I am going to kick his ass for going back to sleep!
“Hey, you aren’t the one who is scheduled to have their stomach sliced open. After my delivery with Evan, I’m scared to go into labor.” What happens if it is as it was last time? I can’t get through the pain, my body going into shock, and a pipe shoved down my throat.
Deep breaths and calm thoughts seal my mind. Focusing on relaxing my mind, I attempt to preach to myself caressing my baby belly. I close my eyes and try to go back to sleep. It is probably gas, inwardly chuckling at myself.
Thank heavens Becca will not be joining me during labor this time. Oh, dear Lord, I w
ould not be able to handle her snarky comments and so-called help. God, I love her though. Shit! The mere thought of Becca sends another cramp. What time is it?
I glance over at Devon again. He’s passed out cold. “Dev, Devon.”
“Huh? Another?” he asks with wide eyes. Oh, so you were awake.
“Arrgh, yeah.”
“Are you sure it isn’t from bathing the dogs?”
Inaudible words uncharacteristic and callous escape my mouth paling Devon.
“Okay, okay, don’t hurt me. I was just asking.” He surrenders, “Umm... What do I do first? It is, uh... uh... it is ten oh seven. What do I do now?”
“Hold on,” I mutter through gritted teeth. I cannot believe he thinks this is from bathing the dogs. All I did was towel dry them after he carried each into the tub where the evidence of their guilt washed down the drain. If only my backyard could be cleaned so easily.
“Let’s go to the hospital!” Devon leads.
“No, babe,” I breathe out a large breath, throwing my arm out to stop him. “Okay, that’s over.” Although I can’t wait to meet my little girl, I really don’t want to go into labor.
Devon stares at me blankly.
“Let’s not wake up Evan, and remember, we have to time them and then record how long they last. That way the doctor will know if it’s time or not.” I hypothesize hoping it will suffice. “Devon, why are you so nervous? You’re in med school and you’re freaking out.”
“Because it’s YOU. You’re not just any patient and neither is our little girl. I can’t have anything happen to you two. And you’re not supposed to have the baby for a week.” He looks at me as if I am a math equation that can simply be solved by adding or subtracting a variable.
I roll over situating my pillow so that we are facing each other. “Honey, we can’t tell our daughter when to come out. She lets us know. I love you for caring so much. Nothing is going to happen. Okay?”