Page 50 of Big Island Moonlight
Maybe-Petra let out a mewling cry, and Jun’s blood pressure spiked.
“Is he hungry?” Cody asked.
“I just fed him.”
“I’ll go change his diaper. You eat.”
He carried their baby into the bedroom, and Jun took another bite. She looked at their long list of baby names while she ate, waiting for one of them to jump out at her, but none did. Nothing seemed quite right for their brand-new human.
She had eaten half of the chicken pot pie by the time Cody came out again, this time sans baby.
“A clean diaper and he went right back to sleep.”
“What a trooper.” She slid the pie towards him. “You hungry?”
“No, I’m alright.” He gestured to the couch. “Sit with me a while?”
“Sure.” She sat beside him and leaned into the circle of his arm.
It was the first time in days – ten months, really – that she hadn’t been right next to their baby, and that felt odd. Not bad, though. Being just the two of them for a moment, their baby sleeping peacefully in the next room, felt deeply nourishing.
Cody stroked her hair, lulling her almost to sleep.
“Hey Jun?”
“Hmm?”
“I don’t want to go back to my cabin at the ranch.”
“Okay,” she said sleepily.
“Like, ever.”
“Good.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay.” He was quiet for a moment; his heart raced beneath her ear. “And I think we should get married.”
“What?!” She sat up so fast that her head collided with his jaw.
Now wide awake, she looked into his eyes. There was an intensity there that she had never seen before, love and determination tinged with fear. His hands gripped hers.
“Marry me, Jun.”
She was so surprised that she laughed. Then she clamped a hand over her mouth, scared that she’d hurt his feelings. Her eyes were stuck wide as she stared at him.
“We both turn eighteen next month. And whatever comes our way, whatever surprises are ahead… I’m sure of you, Jun. I’m all in.” He squeezed her hand in both of his. “You, our son… there’s nothing more important to me than our family. I know that we both have a lot more growing to do, and things that we want to accomplish, but I want to do thatwithyou. What do you say?”
“Yes.” She didn’t even have to think about it.
“You mean it?” He held her hand tightly, and tears shone in his eyes – which of course made her cry too.
“Of course I mean it.”
He took her face in both hands and kissed her passionately – a moment later, the baby cried. They broke apart with a laugh, and Juniper was on her feet in an instant.
