by Harlow James
Jacob scurries down the stairs and delivers his note to me.
“Thanks, buddy,” I say as I ruffle his hair and send him back to the stage. Checking her answer, I glance over the note.
Are you nervous about tonight? Check yes or no.
I already knew the answer to this would be yes, but I had to start small with my questions before leading up to the grand finale.
A few minutes later, Grace comes flying down the stairs to the left of the stage, her reindeer's nose bouncing with every gallop she takes.
“Here, Mister Mike!” She beams as she delivers her answered note to me and then returns to her post.
Are you still sure you wanted to be a teacher after all of this stress? Check yes or no.
Victoria’s doubts have been creeping in on her lately, particularly from the responsibility of her class’s performance tonight. But she’s never once voiced a lack of decision about her job. And the passion she speaks with about her students is infectious, so this note was more of a joke than a serious question. Her heart in the NO box confirms she knows I’m playing. Victoria always answers with a heart.
Suddenly music plays and the crowd settles into their seats. Dozens of first-grade students from all three classes at the school scamper across the stage dressed as elves, reindeer, and snowmen, standing in front of a backdrop reminiscent of Santa’s Village, as they sing off-key classics of Christmas tunes. Proud parents record videos on their phones, snapping pictures and beaming with wide grins as their mini-me’s perform choreography that is quite impressive for such young kids to master cohesively.
At the end of the last song, I take my place at the edge of the stage, out of the lights and Victoria’s view. Vic is standing in front of the microphone, waiting to address the audience once the applause dies down.
“Good evening, everyone. Thank you for attending the annual Christmas performance at Hopetown Elementary.” The crowd riles up again, clapping and whistling echoing off the walls and tile floors.
“We hope you’ve enjoyed the show….”
“Miss Baker?” Abigail is right on cue, diverting Victoria’s attention to her.
“What is it, Abigail?” She whispers across the stage as the little girl skips to her and proudly holds out the next note. Confused as to why this note came now, Victoria surveys the crowd before opening the paper. “Sorry, everyone. Apparently, I’m quite popular tonight and all of my mail is being delivered here.” Her joke warrants a laugh from the audience as she opens the message.
Do you love me? Check Yes or No.
“Mike,” she whispers in the audience but loud enough that the mic picks up her voice, still not able to locate me. “What are you doing?”
Suddenly, Lilly stands from her front-row seat right on time, ascending the stage and presenting her sister with the final note.
“Lilly,” Victoria’s brittle voice filters into the microphone. “What are you doing up here?”
All the attention in the room is on Victoria as the heated stage lights beat down on her and all the first graders in Hopetown Elementary still standing on the platform.
“This is the final note, Vic. Open it.” Lilly fidgets with excitement as Victoria places the microphone between her arm and ribcage, nervously opening the paper.
Would you like to be called Mrs. Kelley? Check Yes or No.
A loud thud rings through the room as the microphone falls from her arm, and she frantically hunts around the space for me. That’s my cue.
A loud gasp filters through the audience as I climb the stairs of the stage now, Victoria turning abruptly as the focus of the audience turns to me. I’m holding out a pen to her, but her eyes never leave mine. I’ve never been more eager in my life than to finally ask her this question. Everyone we care about is in this room, but the only person I see is her.
Dropping to one knee in front her, her hand comes up to cover her mouth as I reach for the other. Then I realize I have her right hand, and not her left, so I ask her to switch, which makes everyone chuckle.
“Victoria Baker,” I start after the laughter has subsided and I released the pen to the ground. “I have loved you since I was ten-years-old, not even old enough to truly know what love is. But deep down, I knew that’s what I felt for you. And now that we’re older, I’ve realized that love isn’t as simple as I thought it was back then. But loving the right person is. Love is having the patience to know that timing is everything. Love is fighting harder for someone than you ever thought possible. Love is owning your mistakes and learning from them alongside the one person in the world you know won’t push you away because of your faults.”
Victoria’s lips are trembling, her eyes starting to well with mine as I watch her and fiddle to pull the ring out of my pocket, my stare never leaving her as I finish my speech.
“And even though love is complicated, complex, and frustrating at times, our love has always been simple. Because there has never been anyone but you. So if you’ll let me, I will love you, and only you, until we’re old and gray. Victoria, will you marry me?”
I watch Victoria’s eyes close as her body shudders from her cries. When she finally pulls herself together, her lips are spread so wide in elation, I think her mouth might stay that way forever.
“YES!” She shouts, and the audience goes wild. The noise is deafening, but I surprisingly block it all out and concentrate on nothing but slipping the ring on Victoria’s finger before standing and crushing our lips together.
“Oh my God, Mike,” she mumbles behind her hands that she’s covered her face with as we part. “How did you get all of those kids to remember when they were supposed to deliver those notes?” I love that’s the detail of the evening she’s focused on.
“It was no easy feat, I assure you.” I chuckle through our tears. “But you must have trained them well because they were right on point!”
“Oh my God! Vic! Mike! Congratulations!” Hayley is running up on stage, throwing her arms around both of us. Leave it to her to be overly enthusiastic about anything. Although I guess this does call for a celebration.
Dean comes up behind me, followed by Pauline holding Axel, pulling me in for a brotherly hug. “Congrats, bro. It’s about damn time.”
I laugh. “Don’t remind me.”
“Vic, I’m so happy for you guys!” Pauline bursts through the crowd of people that have flooded the stage, all vying for a chance to give us their congratulations and admire Victoria’s vintage-style ring.
“Thank you! I still can’t believe this!” She smiles smugly over at me as I shrug back at her. Glad to know I can surprise her when I need to.
Victoria’s parents and my mom all fight their way to us eventually once the initial excitement has worn off. Lilly hugs me tight and asks if she can call me her brother yet. I don’t have a problem with it, so I agree wholeheartedly.
After I help Victoria and the other first grade teachers store the costumes and backdrop, clear the aisles of debris, and lock up the multi-purpose room, I help my fiancé to my truck and make our way home.
Once inside, she turns to me and lunges for my body, throwing her arms around my neck.
“Mike, that was the sweetest thing ever. Thank you,” she says between closed-mouth kisses she’s placing rapidly along my jaw and neck.
“I’m glad you think so because what I’m about to do to you is not sweet at all.”
I lift Victoria up, her legs circling my hips as I stagger down the hallway, her laugh drifting along the walls. I throw her on the bed, strip her naked, and make dirty (and semi-sweet) love to her until we both succumb to sleep.
Chapter 28
Victoria
Two Years Later
“I blame Pauline.” Mike and I are walking out of the OBGYN’s office holding a strip of sonogram pictures as the fall breeze wafts through the air and rustles the leaves on the trees above us.
“Uh, Pauline didn’t get you pregnant, babe. I did,” he states proudly as I narrow my eyes at him.
“I’m aware of how it happened, but TWINS! That’s Pauline’s fault!”
“Ok, you’ve gotta fill in the details for me, Vic, because I have no idea what you’re getting at.”
The conversation flashes in my mind vividly. A girl’s night at Hayley’s house two years ago was when she dropped the bomb out of frustration in her own pregnancy. I was helping her get situated on the couch, watching her balance a plate full of food on her swollen stomach. I laughed at her because it was endearing and made me a little jealous that she was having a baby and I was caught up in a dating triangle, and that’s when she sealed my fate.
“Don’t laugh, girl. One of these days, you will understand. And I hope you get pregnant with twins!”
I watch Mike’s face contort from amusement to shock. “No shit,” he runs his fingers through his hair. “Well, I guess I have a bone to pick with my sister-in-law.”
“Right?” I say as we make it to the car, my protruding belly making it more challenging to walk without pain with each passing day. And now that I know we’re having twins, it makes sense how quickly my stomach has popped out.
“Listen, babe,” Mike turns to me once we’re settled in his truck. “I know this is overwhelming right now, but the reality is, we’re having twins and that’s a blessing. There are so many people who can’t have kids, Victoria… and we get two! At the same time!” Mike’s face is glowing with pride and adoration. “You are going to be the best mom, and I’m gonna rock this dad thing if I do say so myself.” He brushes his hand off his shoulder for effect.
“Oh, God… you’re right!” Tears instantly start to flow. Damn hormones. “We’re having twins babe!” I attack him across the center console, his lips meeting mine just like they always do. Even two years later, I can’t get enough of him, hence why he knocked me up twice in one shot.
After Mike proposed to me, we waited until the spring to get married, which was only about three months. Again, we figured why wait any longer. Our wedding was over my spring break from school, which transitioned nicely into vacation time for our honeymoon in Aruba. We waited at least a year before actively trying to have kids. I wanted to become established in my job and earn tenure (which I did this year) and he wanted to expand his business more. We added square footage onto his shop and he hired three more employees. The business has been great after he purchased a website and now takes orders from companies all over Nebraska.
We settled into married life just like we did after we officially started dating. It was just the two of us, enjoying our time and every minute we could spend together. Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of arguments and disagreements over living situations that every couple experiences. I mean, come on… Why can’t men put their dirty clothes in the hamper? Why must they end up on the floor RIGHT NEXT TO IT? But we’ve survived, and now we’re in for an even bigger challenge… having twins in about six months.
We arrive at Tyler and Hayley’s house a little later than expected, since the doctor’s visit ran long from my epic freak out in the exam room. The nurse assured me I wasn’t the first mother to yell and break down upon finding out she was having twins.
“Knock, knock!” Mike shouts as we open the door and let ourselves in. Utter chaos surrounds us as Axel chases Hannah, Tyler and Hayley’s daughter, around the living room, blood-curdling screams assaulting our ears.
“Hey, momma-to-be! How’d the first appointment go?” Hayley greets me with a kiss on the cheek, then leads me to the kitchen where Tyler, Dean, and Pauline are all standing around feasting on snacks before we have dinner.
My appointment today was the first time I got to see the doctor. Since it’s my first pregnancy, they made me wait until I was around ten weeks before they’d see me.
“Well, I’d just like to point out that Pauline has clairvoyant powers.”
The boys give me confused looks, while Pauline grins from ear to ear.
“You’re having twins, aren’t you?” She chuckles, popping another chip in her mouth.
I nod. “Yup! Thank you very much for influencing the universe!”
“Holy shit! No way? Congrats you guys!” Dean bellows his congratulations while patting his brother on the back.
“Yeah, it was a bit of a shock, of course. But we’re happy about it, right babe?” He turns to me, anxious for my reaction.
I sigh. “Yes, we’re excited. I’m just feeling a bit overwhelmed still. But I know this is a blessing, and we will tackle it just like every other challenge we’ve faced.” I rub small circles over my belly, already so in love with the two little lives growing inside of me.
As karma would have it, Pauline found out she was pregnant with their second child a few weeks later, so we commiserated in our changing bodies together. It was actually really momentous to experience pregnancy alongside my sister-in-law, who was also one of my best friends. Two months later we found out we were having two girls, and in the spring of the following year, I gave birth to two beautiful and perfect little angels, Amelia and Annabelle.
Mike was and still is, the best husband and father I could have asked for. I watch him with our daughters, who inherited our dark features and look more like Mike than me, and everything in the world just feels right. Amelia was an extremely fussy baby, so the first few months were more exhausting than I anticipated. I was able to take the end of the school year off for maternity leave, piggybacking summer break, so by the time I returned to work, we had established a routine. Mike’s mom offered to watch the girls full time so he could continue working his business and I could return to the classroom.
There are some days when I come home from work so utterly tired, I don’t know how I was still functioning. But when I looked at Mike and our girls, I knew it was all worth it. I wouldn’t change a thing about our story. I used to get sad when I thought about our history and how little choices and instances kept us apart longer than I wanted. But then I realized that life works out the way it’s supposed to. A plan is only a guide. Sometimes, our idea of what we want is redirected to what we need. Mike and I needed that time to grow into individuals, accomplish our goals, and then find each other when the time was right. No matter what happens now though, I know Mike and I can get through anything together. That’s how I know he’s my one and only. My simple love.
Epilogue
Mike
Fifteen Years Later
“Are you ready, Lilly?” I slowly push open the door to the bridal suite at the hotel where the wedding will take place. Lilly turns to me and I choke on the emotion that bubbles in my throat. My God, she looks just like Victoria did all those years ago. Flashes of our wedding day flood my mind while I try desperately not to cry.
Lilly’s long black hair is down around her face in soft curls, her veil cascading down her back. The dress she chose is perfect for her, a sweetheart neckline that hugs her chest and then flows out is soft waves to the floor. Those hazel eyes all the Baker women adorn stare back at me as I push my way inside and shut the door behind me.
“Yeah, Mike. I am,” she smiles up at me, fighting off her own tears. “Thank you for doing this. I wish Dad were here, of course. But having you fill in for him is definitely my next choice.”
Frank Baker died about five years ago from a heart attack. It was sudden and out of the blue, and Lilly was a senior in high school. That year was rough for our family, especially Victoria, Lilly, and her mom. But I’ve done what I can to help them grieve, and now we have more good days than bad. Of course, with today being Lilly’s wedding day, I knew we would all be emotional.
“It’s an honor to give you away today. I couldn’t have chosen a better guy for you than Cameron. I know your father would have felt the same way.”
Frank and I became very close once Victoria and I got together. He became the father figure I never had. He taught me a lot about life and love, and the example he showed of how he loved Leslie was one I strived to live up to with Victoria every day.
Lilly met Cameron through my c
ompany about three years ago. He was a new hire, came from a small town in Oklahoma, and was obsessed with woodworking in high school. I took him under my wing and mentored him. He discovered Lilly one day at our house and the rest was history. Now he manages our furniture store in Lincoln, and Lilly moved there to be with him and finish her master's degree. She’s majoring in English and hopes to teach and write someday. Their wedding is being held at a very romantic and elaborate hotel in the city that Victoria and I gladly paid for.
“I hope so. I know he’s here in spirit, but I still miss him.” She dabs at her tears under her eyes.
“Me too, Lilly. But it’s time to get you married, so give me your hand so we can get this show on the road and I can give you away.”
“I love you, Mike. I always knew you would be a part of my life. I’m so glad my sister pulled her head out of her ass and finally let you in,” she teases as we cascade down the stairs leading to the outdoor garden for the ceremony.
Her bluntness makes me laugh. “Me too, Lilly. Me too.”
The ceremony is beautiful and heartfelt, paying tribute to Frank with a moment of silence and a flower placed on an empty chair next to Victoria and her mom. Victoria’s hands never leave mine as I stroke her skin, offering support and comfort as we watch Lilly and Cameron pledge their love to each other. Memories of our wedding day play like a movie reel in my mind over the course of the evening, reminding me of the love I felt for Victoria on our wedding day and how different that love is now.
“What are you thinking about?” Victoria asks me as I’m holding her in my arms while we sway across the dance floor. Time has been good to us both if I do say so myself. My wife is more beautiful than ever. The lines on her face were earned out of laughter, concern, and love for everyone around her. Her hazel eyes still sparkle when light hits them and they still darken when I’m buried inside of her. Her dark hair is streaked with a few greys now, that she tries relentlessly to cover, but still can’t win the battle. And her curves are still so seductive and easy to worship… I fail to keep my hands off of her even to this day.