Page 109 of Hit Me With Your Best Shot

Gio: Bold of you to assume I can go a whole day without talking to you. Spoiler Alert: I CAN’T.

Awww.

That’s literally the sweetest thing he’s ever said to me.

Not really, but still—it’s amazing dating a man who doesn’t leave me guessing. No woman wants to play games—or insecurely navigate their relationship.

Me: Does that mean you’re dying to see me again??

Gio: DING DING DING… and I don’t mean at my game on Thursday, that doesn’t count. I need you there, but I want to take you on an actual date.

Another date.

I’ve seen him twice this week and he’s already planning to see me again.

My entire body fills with warmth, the implication that he wants to spend all his free time with me has me giddy.

Me: WHAT IF… we do something with Little Gio. You two need bonding time.

Gio: Little Gio cannot be tamed. The dog hates me.

Me: I know but wehave to TRY.

Gio: So what are you thinking? Dog park? Frisbee showdown?

Me: How ‘bout a walk or a trip to the pet store?? Gio could use a new toy, and you can see what it’s like to shop for “kids.”

Gio: Are you trying to scare me off by bringing up future children?

Me: Scaring you off isn’t the right term for it. Maybe…feeling you out??

Gio: Does this mean you want kids?

Is this the kind of conversation you have over text? Would it be best to have this talk in person, maybe over dinner or when it’s quiet at his place or mine?

Not in a casual text thread about taking the dog on a date.

I chew on my lip, my thumbs hovering over the keyboard. What do I even say to that?

Do I want kids?

Yes.

Growing up as an only child, I used to love the quiet and the space to myself. But now, with Dad gone and Mom living out of state—meaning I barely get to see her—I can’t help but feel the absence of family in a way I never did before.

A sibling would have been amazing—someone to lean on, to share memories and grief with, to call when life feels too heavy to carry alone. I never realized how much I craved that connection until it wasn’t an option.

So when Gio asks, the answer feels clearer than I expected. I do want kids.

Maybe not tomorrow or next year, but someday.

Me: I do. How about you??

Gio: For sure. Can you imagine how cute a little Gio would be?

Me: I already HAVE a little Gio ;)

Gio: WOWwwwww

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