My gaze goes to the mirror above the sink. “You are going to be an amazing mother, Layne. Everything you missed out on, you are going to give this little person.” Verbalizing these words uplifts my spirits. I CAN DO THIS. I send off a text to Wes in the chat.
Layne: You’re still heading to the beach after you’re done, right?
Wes: You still gonna wear the bathing suit?
I roll my eyes and respond.
Layne: Yes. We’ll see if you make good on your threat.
Wes: Brat. Yeah, baby. I should be there in about an hour. If any guy even looks at you, I’ll gouge their eyes out.
Atlas: Still a group chat motherfuckers.
Ocean Beach is busy today. The heat today has everyone out enjoying the weather, families and groups of friends enjoying the chilly water of the Bay. I sit on a towel guarding our cooler and towels while I watch Sky and Atlas in the water. A few feet away, a set of twins sits in front of their parents, building a sandcastle. Soon it’s going to be all of us like that with this baby. I can feel it.
“Ma Petite Mort!“ Wes shouts from behind me. I turn around and I have to wipe the drool from my mouth as my husband walks toward me. Wes has put on more muscle over the last few months, and my eyes are thanking him for it. As Wes approaches me, desire builds low in my belly. His sun-kissed skin glistens under the scorching sun, accentuating his sculpted physique. I can’t help but admire how his muscles ripple with each step he takes. His energy drink in hand, he flashes me a mischievous smile, knowing exactly the effect he has on me.
I quickly compose myself, trying to hide the drool that threatens to escape my mouth. Engrossed in my thoughts, I realize the beach has become even more crowded. Laughter and chatter fill the air as people soak up the summer vibes. Wes settles beside me on the towel. “Hey babe, are you trying to give everyone a heart attack?”
With a puzzled look, he raises an eyebrow in confusion. “What?”
“I’m pretty sure every woman on this section of the beach just got pregnant when you walked up.” I laugh.
Atlas and Sky plop down on their towels next to us. “Me too,” Atlas says. “Get ready to pay all these child support payments, because I’m keeping it.”
Wes takes a sip of his energy drink, trying to fight off the laughter. “Get the fuck out of here with that shit. I’m taken.” He holds up his left hand, his white gold band shimmering in the sunlight.
“Wanna go for a walk with me?” I turn to Wes, feeling the softness of his curly locks as my fingers glide through them.
“Sure, baby.” He hoists himself to his feet, holding out his hand to me. My hand fits perfectly in his as he pulls up into his arms.
Wes and I stroll along the shoreline, the waves crashing against our feet. I can’t help but feel a sense of contentment. The warm breeze brushes against my skin, carrying the scent of saltwater and sunscreen. Wes and I walk hand in hand, our fingers intertwined, and I can only think that I could have missed out on this.
We pass by families building sandcastles, children flying kites, and couples lounging in beach chairs. The vibrant energy of the beach surrounds us, filling our hearts with joy. It’s moments like these that make me grateful for the love we share.
We reach a secluded spot near the cliff. Wes pulls me close, his arms wrapping around me in a loving embrace. I bury my face in his chest, feeling the rhythm of his heartbeat. Time seems to stand still as we soak in the ocean’s beauty and the love between us.
I pull back. “So you really don’t like the bikini?” I tease, undoing the wrap I wore as a coverup, spinning around for him.
“Layne,” he groans. “Don’t get me hard right now. I’m always down to fuck, but,” he looks around, “there’s kids out.”
“You don’t think it makes me look pregnant?”
Wes pulls his sunglasses off his face and looks me dead in the eye. “Why would it make you look pregnant?”
I bite my lip, staring right back at him. “Because… I am pregnant.”
Wes’s eyes widen in surprise as the words sink in. He takes a moment to process the news, his hand still wrapped around mine. A mix of emotions flicker across his face – shock, joy, and a hint of nervousness.
“You’re pregnant?” he finally manages to say, his voice filled with excitement. I nod, a smile spreading across my face. The weight of the secret I had been carrying suddenly feels lighter, replaced by a sense of anticipation for the future.
Wes pulls me into a tight embrace, his arms enveloping me with a newfound protectiveness. “You’re sure,” he whispers, his voice filled with fear.
“Yeah, the test was so positive it was almost comical. I’m probably about eight or nine weeks pregnant. I think?” Leaning into his chest, I place a soft kiss right where his heart is. “Are you happy?”
As we stand there, our bodies pressed against each other, the sound of the crashing waves becomes a soothing backdrop to our shared moment of joy. The world seems to fade away, leaving only the two of us and the life growing within me.
“ Am I fucking happy? Of course I am! I can’t wait to meet our baby,” Wes says softly, his voice filled with so much love. I lean into him, feeling the warmth of his body against mine, grateful for the bond we share and the journey we are about to embark on together. He cautiously places his hand right where our baby grows. “Is this okay? Can I touch you here?”