Page 89 of One Timer With A Wingman

Heading home with Aaron for the summer was the right decision. During the week, Aaron trains hard to keep in shape for the hockey season, but he also has a lot of free time and watching him interact with his mom has been a special treat. He’s so caring and attentive to her needs. It says something about him as a human. I can envision him as a father, and it’s clear what an amazing role model and caring dad he will be.

I was also lucky to get a job in town working in a maternity store. It was a bonus because now I get discounts on maternity clothes, and I very much need them since my stomach popped last month. Now it looks like I swallowed a watermelon.

At about thirty weeks pregnant, I am carrying a load and my legs are feeling it after a long day at work. Aaron wanted me to stop working, but I like having my own money. I feel better when I don’t have to rely on anyone, which is something I am working to change because Aaron has been trying to drive home the message that we are a team, partners. For me it’s something that is hard to trust in because my parents were my team growing up, but when the going got tough they pivoted and found a new team. That fear of abandonment is something that is ingrained in my DNA.

Now I’m sitting in the family room with Aaron’s mom. My legs are resting on an ottoman after a long day at work, and I am eating the watermelon Aaron cut up for me while watching one of his mom’s soap operas.

Aaron comes into the room with his usual swagger. “Buttercup, we’re going away.” He’s wearing a tank top and shorts with sneakers on his feet. He looks like he just finished one of his work outs. His father has a whole gym set up in their basement, and Aaron spends a lot of time keeping himself physically fit for the season.

“Huh, where?” I ask.

“Saugatuck,” he says. “My friend, Shane, has a yacht there. It’s free this weekend. Saugatuck is a beautiful beach town. . .”

“Aaron, you’re forgetting I’m friends with Ruby. I know all about Saugatuck.” I blush a little, thinking of Ruby’s stories from the place.

“Right,” he says.

His mom stands slowly. “I’m going to go get some tea.”

I think she just wants to give us privacy.

“I can make you tea,” Aaron offers her because her hands are shaky and we both worry about her burning herself.

“I’m good. You make your plans,” she insists before leaving the room.

Aaron flops down on the couch beside me. He plants a deep kiss on my mouth then dips his head to my belly. “Hi there, Nugget.” Even though we have a name, we are keeping it a secret until he is born. He places his hand on my belly. “Oh, whoa.” Nugget is very active right now since I am eating watermelon. He’s moving about and I feel him poking around.

Aaron holds my belly as Nugget pokes his hands.

“Are you sure you don’t want to spend Fourth of July with your parents?” I ask him. I took time off work this weekend to just relax since I’ve been working six days a week.

“Buttercup, I want us spending time alone on the boat. We need this before we go back to school and Nugget arrives,” he explains.

“You mean before you go back to school,” I remind.

“You’re coming with me,” he says.

“Where are we going to live? We can’t live in the hockey house with everyone there,” I say. We haven’t spoken about our living arrangements next year. I think it’s time that we do.

“Honestly, I’ve been checking the student housing sites and there isn’t much available for an affordable price that’s clean and in good condition. I’m not taking you to live in some rat-infested house.” He winces.

“So what do you suggest?” I ask him.

“I’ve spoken with Mack and Luc. They think we should stay living in the house. We are getting two new guys in the house this year, but I’m sure it will be fine.”

“I don’t think freshman are going to want to live with a newborn baby.” I snicker.

“Good point,” he says. “So we can find a two-bedroom condo then.”

“Can we afford that? All I have is the money I made this summer,” I remind.

“Buttercup, I’m less than a year out of drafting. Even if I have to take a small loan from the bank, we’ll be fine,” he assures.

His mom returns to the family room. “I’m sure your dad can provide that loan. You don’t have to go to the bank.”

“Thanks, Mom,” Aaron says.

“That’s what we’re here for,” she replies.

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