Page 4 of Midnight and Mine

“It’s a six or seven-hour surgery, so probably late. I’ll call you on my way home. What’re you doing today?”

“Just writing. I may take some photographs today since I feel so good.” She pauses and places my hand on her stomach. “She’s kicking.”

A fluttering kick presses against my hand. It’s hard to describe how it makes me feel—a combination of amazement and fear, hoping we can give this little baby the life she deserves. I place my ear by my hand on her belly and whisper, “It’s your daddy. Do you like cinnamon rolls too?”

Chapter Two

Wynter

I’m on cloud nine, I think to myself as I sit on the patio, drinking water with orange slices for flavor. The afternoon sky is as blue as I’ve ever noticed, and the cotton ball clouds look strategically placed for a painting. And all I can think of is how lucky I am.

Lucky to have a husband like Scott.

Lucky to have parents who have loved me and supported every wild whim.

Lucky to have a baby growing inside me.

Lucky to have a career as a freelance writer and photographer.

Wrapping both hands around my water glass, I breathe in and just relax in the glow of the spring sunshine. At first, I thought having a baby meant I had to quit doing the things I love. I just have to find things safe for our baby girl but that still gets my adrenaline pumping.

Sex with Scott always does the trick.

I’m writing a book about Kissing Springs, the romance capital of the South. Southern Charm Magazine hired me to write an article last year and when I did, the response was overwhelming, so Scott talked me into publishing a coffee table book.

I’m working with all our friends to highlight their businesses such as Barron’s Bourbon Distillery that Beau and Vanessa own. Axel and Ali own a little bed and breakfast by the Springs. But there are so many places—The Two Fourteen Restaurant, Love Lock Bridge, the caves at the gorge, the wedding venue at the distillery, the horse farms, and the drive in. I can’t stop thinking about everything Kissing Springs and the surrounding areas have to offer. Our little town is truly a hidden gem.

Leaving this town has never been a consideration for me. I love everything and everyone here. On the other hand, since Scott took a job with a pharmaceutical company, he is rarely in town since he travels all over the state.

My phone rings, and it’s one of our best friends Drake. “Hey.”

“I’ve been knocking on the front door. I brought you a turkey and avocado sandwich from Magee’s.”

“Does it have cheese on it?”

“What?”

“The only way I’m letting you in is if it has cheese.”

“You want me to go back and have them add cheese? You hate cheese.”

Chuckling, I walk back inside to the front door, and I see Drake through the glass. As I open it, I say, “Not anymore, but you’re lucky Scott bought cheese last night.”

He hugs me, then handsme the bag. “Do you think after the baby is born, you’ll hate cheese again?”

I snort. “I hope not because I was missing out.”

“We tried to tell you.”

I grab him a Coke and refill my water, as I grab a piece of cheddar cheese from the fridge and layer it on my sandwich. “Have you already eaten?”

“Yeah. Had lunch with my parents today. They… umm… well, they’re getting a divorce. Married for twenty-nine years and are getting a divorce.”

His words hang heavy between us. Our parents have been best friends since they were in high school. “Oh God, I’m so sorry,” I say, as I surround his waist with my arms and bury my head in his chest.

Drake and I were always forced together when our parents had dinner parties and cookouts when they played card games like Rook or Euchre. And I’ve always felt like he was a little brother to me, being two years younger. Now, he’s part of our friend group.

He strokes my hair as he strains to say, “All my life, they were my definition of the happy couple. Always were together, supporting their children. They admitted the last few years have been rough because they don’t have anything in common anymore. Somewhere along the way, their life became about their kids.” His voice trembles, and I can’t shake the feeling that he’s about to break down. I know I would.

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