Page 122 of Blind Date

“Hi, Mom.”

“Hey, baby. Miss us already?”

“Uh, no. I just wanted to tell you that the mini fridge isn’t working. I talked to the dorm leader, and she said that the school doesn’t provide them and that one was left by the other student who lived here. So, I need a new one ASAP.”

“How can the school not provide them with the outrageous tuition they charge?” I said.

“I don’t know, Dad.”

“I’ll order one now, and you’ll have it tomorrow. Get that Sebastian kid to help you with it.”

“He already said he would. He’s so nice. Thanks, Dad, for introducing us.”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart,” I said, and Sam smacked my arm.

“I have to go. Talk to you later.”

“Why did you smack me again?” I cocked my head at Sam.

“Because he’s probably going to become her boyfriend.”

“And? He seemed like a good kid.”

“We can’t keep an eye on her while she’s there and we’re here, can we?”

“It’s called trust, babe. You raised her right and taught her to make the right decisions. She knows every literary man ever written about and their bad decisions. Trust me. She’ll be just fine.”

“I love you, Wes.” She kissed my cheek.

“I love you too, baby. More than you’ll ever know.”

We heard Charlotte’s cries through the monitor.

“I’ll get her,” I said.

I stepped into the nursery and found her standing in her crib, holding her arms out to me. I walked over, picked her up, and sat in the rocker, as I held her against my chest and softly rubbed her back.

“It’s been a long day, princess, and you need to sleep.”

I wasn’t okay as I claimed to be. For years, silence had been my favorite sound. Now, it felt empty. I glanced at the photo of the four of us sitting on the dresser. Sam in her wedding dress. I was in my tuxedo, holding Charlotte, and Zoey was standing beside us. All three of my girls were smiling. My entire world was captured in that frame.

My mind drifted to Sunday mornings at the StarlightCafé. Zoey’s constant sarcasm. Sam’s laugh, and Charlotte’s sticky hands all over my expensive suits. This was what life was all about. I’d become rich in all the ways that mattered. And being financially wealthy wasn’t one of them.

Charlotte had fallen back asleep, so I carefully laid her in her crib and covered her with a blanket. Looking over, I saw Sam standing in the doorway. I hooked my arm around her as we went up to our bedroom.

“I love our life, Sam.” I kissed the side of her head.

“So do I, Wes. And I wouldn’t change a thing about it. Except?—”

“Except what?”

“Adding another child into the mix.”

I stopped dead in my tracks before we reached the bedroom.

“You want to have another baby?” I smiled.

“I do.”

“Then let’s get to work.” I picked her up.

“That’s the thing. We don’t have to. I’m pregnant, Wes.”

“You are? When did you find out?”

“The other day. I wanted to wait to tell you because of the whole college move and everything. Are you happy?”

“I couldn’t be happier.” I kissed her lips. “Maybe this one will be a boy.”

“Don’t hold your breath.” She laughed.