Page 55 of Burden to Bear

My eyes went back to the crib for a fleeting moment before I returned my attention to Brock. “My whole life is going to change in such a short time. There are parts of it that I feel prepared for, parts I’m terrified about experiencing, and something else entirely that makes me worry that all the things I like and enjoy and love will no longer exist until this baby is grown.”

A look of understanding and sympathy came my way. “I’m not an expert on any of this, Mia, but I think that what you’re feeling is normal. Maybe talking about it will help.”

My head moved from side to side as wave after wave of uncertainty, fear, and anticipation moved through me. “I don’t know what to say. I mean, I’m terrified of the newborn stage and all the sleepless nights. But I’m used to working with young children every day, so there’s the part of me that feels slightly more prepared, or even excited, to experience the toddler and little kid phase. I’m worried about never being on time for events, functions, or work again, and I wonder if I’ll ever get to watch When Harry Met Sally or Crazy, Stupid Love ever again.”

“Wait. What?”

“What?”

Brock’s eyes roamed over my face, his brows furrowed, as he searched for the answer to whatever was confusing him. Finally, he said, “Those are movies, aren’t they?”

He was asking me that. As if… as if he didn’t already know the answer. “Yes, Brock, they’re movies. Are you telling me you’ve never seen them?”

“I’ve heard of them, but I have not seen them.”

I gasped, jerking back in utter horror at his admission. “You’re joking.”

He tipped his head to the side, and I could have sworn I saw him fighting not to burst into a fit of laughter. I was convinced I saw his lips twitch. “I’m not. Can I ask what those movies have to do with the baby anyway?”

I realized he’d asked a question, but I was far too disturbed by the news he’d just shared. “How have you never seen either of those movies? They are the best movies of all time.”

Brock raised a curious brow. “That’s a pretty grand statement, don’t you think?”

My eyes narrowed in response, and I might have allowed a slight growl to escape. I couldn’t believe he was questioning the validity of my declaration. “It’s an accurate statement. If you saw those movies, you’d understand.”

Fearing things were about to get heated, Brock wisely held his hands up in surrender, but he couldn’t manage to contain the small smile playing on his lips. “Fair enough. I’ll reserve any judgment until I’ve managed to see both films. But I still don’t understand what either one of them has to do with the baby.”

I sighed. “They don’t have anything specifically to do with the baby, but my guess is that once the baby is here, I’ll either be way too tired or entirely too busy taking care of him or her to be able to sit down and enjoy watching my two favorite movies of all time.”

Something changed in Brock’s expression. It had gone from amused and entertained to sympathetic and understanding. “That’s not going to happen,” he said gently.

“What?”

“You’re not going to be suddenly unable to watch a movie ever again,” Brock clarified. “I suspect things will be a bit challenging the first few months, but it’s not going to be eighteen years before you watch your favorite movies or do things you enjoy again. The baby is due by the end of August. Assuming he or she arrives on time and without complications, I’m willing to bet you’ll be doing something for yourself, watching favorite movies or otherwise, within three to four months.”

Now I was the one sending a raised brow in his direction. “I think that’s highly optimistic.”

“And I think it’s accurate,” he fired back playfully, using my own argument against me.

“I guess we’ll just have to wait and see who’s right,” I told him.

“You know there is a temporary solution to this portion of what you’re dealing with, don’t you?” Brock questioned me.

I had not a clue what he was talking about, so I shook my head. “No. What is the key to solving this dilemma?”

“You’ve got four months.”

“What?”

“Mia, there’s a little over four months left until your due date. You could spend that time doing things that you enjoy that’ll likely have to take a back seat for a bit after the baby is here.”

What was wrong with me? Why hadn’t I thought of it like that?

Granted, I might not be able to do everything I enjoyed doing between now and then, especially with needing to make time to take care of things like the baby furniture, clothing, diapers, and more, but I could certainly squeeze in quite a bit of fun before the end of August if I tried.

“That’s a great idea, Brock.”

“I’m a smart man,” he declared, puffing up his chest with pride. “And do you know what the best part is?”

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