“I’m sorry buddy, I was thinking too much and forgot where I was going.”

“It’s ok B, I know you’re thinking about mommy and the baby. You worry too much B.”

“I know, it’s just..,” I started then stopped when I realized that I was about to have a serious and personal conversation with a five year old. “When did you get so smart?”

“My mommies are smart. My daddy is smart. So I’m smart.”

“Yes buddy, very true. Have a good day at school, I love you.”

He smiles, gives me a kiss and walks off. Tina and I put him in a private school and he was making great academic strides; he was the top of his class. For only being five years old and in the first grade, we had no doubts he would be skipping another grade soon.

***

“Hey Porter, can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Of course, I have all the time in the world for you,” I say as I wave Dana into my office, “What’s going on?”

“Well, I have something serious I want to talk to you about. You’re the most adulty and honest friend I have.”

“You’re giving me anxiety, what did you do?”

“Nothing yet. It’s just,” she said and then cleared her throat, “I am in the process of purchasing a restaurant for Lara.”

“Oh wow, that’s great!”

“Yeah, she’s been eyeing it for some time and I want to give it to her as an engagement present.”

“That’s awesome! Congrats! I didn’t know you two were engaged!”

“We aren’t yet, I’m going to ask her, I just don’t know how.”

“Well, be romantic but not over the top.”

“I don’t know how to not be over the top,” she laughed.

“Well keep it simple. Lara doesn’t seem like the kind of woman who likes a grand show of things. Just be subtle and cute. She’s going to say yes regardless.”

***

After work I stopped by The Planet to pick Jackson up and grab a couple of cookies, chocolate milk, a pickle and a slice of lemon merengue pie. Tina’s cravings were all over the place and I was more than happy to oblige. I talked to Kit about the next framily dinner, which would be our last for a while.

Tina was asleep when I got home, so I placed her snacks on her nightstand and went to the kitchen to cook dinner. Jackson was talking about his day and all the things he learned that day and I whipped up some shrimp pasta with garlic bread. I went to check on Tina once more and then sat down with Jackson to eat dinner. He was really excited about participating in the art show that was coming up.

“Hey.”

“Tina, you shouldn’t be up babe,” I said as I saw Tina walking into the kitchen. I jumped up and helped her into a chair at the table. “Baby, you really should be in bed.”

“I know but I hate it. I feel like I’m getting sores on my ass.”

“Mommy,” Jackson said in a chastising tone.

“I’m sorry baby. I just don’t like not being able to do anything.”

“I know Tee, but if you’re going to get out of bed, you need to call me.”

“I know, I know, we’re so close. I am just ready for Angelica to move out,” she said and we both laughed.

Tina was so close to giving birth, I was scared. So scared. But looking into her eyes, I could feel myself calm. I knew everything was going to be ok. I was ready to meet my daughter, I was ready to add our little Angel to our growing family. I just have to let go of my anxiety and I knew just how to do it.