Page 67 of Future Like This

“There will still be cake,” Rae says with a laugh. “That’s my only condition. Must still be cake. Baby likes sugar.”

Aaron beams at that, and I get it. There’s something about watching the woman you love carry your baby that fills you with pride.

“We’re not going to just let you plan a party. We’re helping,” Joel says.

“Agreed! I’ve gotta get back, but I’m here to help with all the planning things,” Rae says.

“Thanks, kid,” I say.

“Bye, Rae Rae,” Joel says.

“Later, Beautiful.”

“Bye, guys. Love you,” Rae says before hanging up.

All the guys turn to me. “I guess I better call Amanda tomorrow.”

“Fuck that, let’s start planning now,” Aaron says.

“Yeah, we’re capable enough to get some basic ideas down,” Jesse says.

“Like the place and how formal you want it to be. The more we know, the more we can help you spin it,” Joel says, grabbing his laptop.

“I think I want it to be a little formal,” I say. “Not black tie, but like your engagement parties. Because it’ll probably serve as our engagement party.”

“I think that’s a good way to plan it,” Aaron says. “Propose earlier in the night, then we can spend it celebrating.”

“Will she want that, though?” Trevor asks. “Some people hate surprises.”

I think that through for a moment. “No. She’ll like it. She loves presents because she loves knowing that someone put the time and thought into picking something out for her. This is an amplified version of that.” Silence falls over the room as they all look at me. “What?”

Aaron shakes his head, then smacks my arm. “You found your unicorn.”

I smile to myself. I sure as hell did.

“So, unicorn is the theme, then?” Joel jokes, pretending to type.

“Fuck no. I want wildflowers and sunflowers. Lots of rich hues. She loves those kinds of colors.”

“What about a place?” Joel asks.

“I’m not sure yet. April is iffy for outdoors, but I’d like to be if we can.”

“We can come back to that,” Jesse says, sitting down next to Joel and looking at the computer.

We spend the next half hour going through some basic ideas that Amanda will expand on down to the tiniest details.

“Anything else?” Joel asks.

I look around the room. “There is one more thing, but this one has to stay between us.”

“I’m exhausted,” Amelia sighs as Emmie nurses. I’m hoping after a quick burp, a good swaddle, and some light rocking, she’ll be ready to go back to sleep.

“I know. I can take her and feed her some pumped milk if you want.”

Amelia shakes her head and runs her hand through Emmie’s hair. “No. I love this, but just make sure I don’t fall asleep.”

“Will do. Tell me something. Anything. Was there anything else big that happened tonight?” Amelia told me about her night with the girls, including talking to Sarah and Rae about buying some property from them. As much as I love this apartment, the idea of having our own home designed how we want is exciting. Time to start crunching some numbers to see when we might be able to afford that. Another piece of our future falling into place.

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