Book 2: Chapter 9

 Chapter 9:  Day To Day Love

Lover’s Confession

Late morning sunlight drifted through the bedroom window, falling softly across the bed and catching the strands of gold in Kimmy’s hair so that they shimmered warmly against the pillow. The quiet of the room felt unhurried and comfortable, the kind of stillness that belonged to a house that had already begun its day and then paused for a moment to breathe. Kimmy lay contentedly with her head resting on Mark’s chest, her body relaxed against him as his hand moved slowly up and down the smooth curve of her bare back. Her finger traced lazy circles across his chest as she hummed softly to herself, the sound barely more than a whisper of contentment.

Mark looked down at her with a quiet smile, watching the small expression of happiness resting on her face and the sparkle dancing in her eyes. He had learned over time that the particular glint he saw there meant a thought was forming—usually one that would involve laughter before it was finished.  Sure enough, the quiet was suddenly broken by a series of soft giggles. Kimmy lifted her hand quickly to her mouth as if she might catch the sound before it escaped, but the laughter pushed through anyway. Mark chuckled softly.

“And what brought that about?” he asked.

Kimmy turned her head slightly, her eyes bright with mischief. “I have a confession!” she announced.  With that she pushed herself upright, sitting straight up on the bed. Instinctively she gathered the sheet up around herself as she moved, pulling it to her chest while her legs folded automatically into the cross-legged position that seemed to be her natural resting pose. Holding the corner of the sheet under one elbow, she giggled again, the energy of the story already bubbling out of her.

“Well,” Mark said, leaning up onto one elbow and settling in comfortably, “now you have my full and undivided attention. Please do tell.”

Kimmy lowered her head for a moment, laughing again before she took a breath to begin. “Okay,” she said, still smiling. “You’ve asked about ‘girl talk’ before.”

Mark immediately raised a hand. “Hang on,” he said with a laugh. “I’m not sure I want to hear this.”

“Oh, but you do,” Kimmy replied quickly, shaking her head. Mark opened his palm and motioned for her to continue.

“So,” she began, her voice picking up speed as she warmed into the story, “you know Allan got that big raise, right? And you know Sally’s been running that daycare out of her house.”

Mark nodded patiently.

“Well today,” Kimmy continued, her hands already beginning to animate the conversation she was replaying, “on the ride home from dropping the kids off Sally starts talking about how excited she is that she’s wrapping up the daycare business and how she’s going to have all this free time now. She’s going on and on about how everything is just wonderful and they’re good with money and life is great—and then she turns to me…”   Kimmy’s hands moved wider as she reenacted the moment, and the sheet slipped slightly down her shoulder. She caught it quickly, looked down at it, then looked back up at Mark with wide eyes and burst into laughter again.

“Almost gave you a show,” she said, shaking her head.

Mark laughed quietly. “Please continue.”

“So anyway,” Kimmy said, trying to regain her composure, “she looks at me and says that now that the daycare thing is done we can start playing pickleball together every morning again.” She paused, raising her eyebrows dramatically. “And I just froze. I mean—you know…”  Mark nodded slowly now, sensing the direction the story might be heading.  “So you mentioned something about a confession,” he said.

Kimmy leaned in closer and lowered her voice conspiratorially. “Well… I had to tell her.”

She giggled again.

Mark looked at her curiously. “Had to tell her what?”

Kimmy pouted and gave his shoulder a playful slap. The sheet slipped again and she grabbed it quickly. “Oops!” she said, laughing once more.  “I had to tell her I couldn’t play every morning,” she continued, “because I already had plans at least twice a week after dropping the kids off.”

Mark’s eyes widened slightly as the meaning began to take shape.

“Oh… ooooh.”

Kimmy nodded with a mischievous smile. “Right. That.”

She poked him lightly in the chest. “I am not giving up any more of our time, you know?”

Mark smiled. “But where’s the confession?”

Kimmy laughed softly again. “Well, Sally looked at me completely blank. Had no clue what I meant. She says, ‘What plans do you have in the morning?’”  Kimmy was laughing now as she continued. “You should have seen the look on her face. First she just stared at me… then she kind of tilted her head… and then suddenly her eyes got huge and she said really loud, ‘OH… OOOH!’”

Kimmy nodded proudly. “I just nodded back and said, ‘Yes… oh.’”

Mark chuckled and gave her thigh an approving pat. “Good job.”

Kimmy wagged her finger at him as she continued the story. Her hands began moving again, the sheet slipping once more before she caught it with another giggle.  “But the best part,” she said, trying to hold back laughter, “was about a minute later when Sally still wouldn’t even look at me. Then she finally turns slowly and says, ‘You mean at least twice a week?’”  Kimmy dissolved into full laughter, and Mark joined her.  Eventually she dropped back down against his chest, her head settling comfortably where it had been before.

“You and me come before pickleball,” she said with a contented sigh. “That’s the rule now.”

Her head rested there for a moment before she lifted it again. Mark immediately noticed the change in her expression. The smile was still there, but her eyes held something steadier now.

“Our time is the most important thing,” she said softly. “We’re not letting any of it slip away. Especially this kind of time.”

Mark met her gaze and nodded slowly.

“Choosing us,” he said quietly. “That’s what matters above everything now.”

Kimmy lowered her head again and nestled back against him as his hand moved gently through her hair.

“You are so special, baby,” he murmured.  Kimmy sighed contentedly. A quiet beat passed between them.

Then, just as softly, Mark heard her voice again.

“So you better not make any plans for Tuesday or Thursday morning, mister.”

A new round of giggles followed.

---

Later that morning the house had returned to its familiar rhythm. Kimmy sat at the kitchen table with her reheated Wawa coffee, working thoughtfully through the day’s puzzle while Mark relaxed in the living room watching the Today Show. The quiet domestic calm felt comfortable, the kind of routine that had become the background music of their life together.  Kimmy suddenly looked up.

“Hey honey…”

Mark reached for the remote and muted the television. “Yes ma’am?”  Kimmy stood up, coffee cup in hand, and wandered into the living room before settling beside him on the sofa. Her eyes brightened in that particular way Mark recognized immediately.

“So I want to ask…”

Mark raised a hand.  “You’re doing that thing again.”  Kimmy’s hand flew dramatically to her chest as she leaned back with theatrical offense. “Well what ever are you talking about? What thing am I doing?”  Mark laughed and leaned over to kiss her forehead.

“The answer will obviously be yes,” he said. “But I would still like to know what I’m agreeing to.”  Kimmy beamed.  “So do you remember Allan and Sally’s realtors? Sophie and Mike?”  Mark nodded.  “Their son Kyle is a little older than Brad,” Kimmy continued. “He’s been going to Sally’s every morning instead of preschool, so I’ve gotten to know Sophie a little. She’s cool.”

Mark made a gentle circling motion with his hands. “Go on… go on.”

Kimmy gave him a playful pout. “Don’t rush a girl when she’s asking for something special.”  Mark placed a hand over his heart. “My deepest apologies. Please continue.” Kimmy giggled again and launched forward.  “Anyway, us girls were talking and we thought it would be fun to all get together, so I asked Sophie and Mike—and Allan and Sally—to come over for spaghetti on Friday night.”  She took a slow, dramatic sip of coffee, her bright eyes peeking over the rim of the cup.

“Of course,” she added sweetly, “I told them I’d check with you first.”

Mark tapped a finger thoughtfully against his lips.  “So let me get this straight,” he said. “You’ve met a new girlfriend… the girls have all plotted a dinner together… and you told them you’d check with me before inviting everyone over.”  Kimmy nodded enthusiastically, her head bobbing like a cheerful little bobblehead.  Mark leaned forward slightly and tapped her gently on the chest.

“One honest question, sweetheart. Did you tell them you’d get back to them after checking with me… or did you already make the plans and they’re definitely coming Friday?”

Kimmy nearly choked on her coffee as she laughed.  “Wellllll…”  She set the cup down. 

“They’ll be here at seven.” 

Mark nodded slowly, smiling.   “As I said,” he replied calmly, “you do that thing.”  Kimmy slid comfortably against him and rested her head on his shoulder.  “That’s my man,” she said contentedly.

My Eyes Adore You

Friday arrived with the quiet kind of bustle that fills a house before company comes. Mark and Kimmy moved easily through the rhythm of preparation, each working through their mental list while making sure Brad remained happily occupied. The big screen television glowed in the family room, Peter Pan playing yet again as Brad sat cross-legged on the floor, his small plastic figures scattered around him in the middle of some epic imaginary battle between Peter and Captain Hook.

Mark and Kimmy took turns slipping in and out of the room to spend a few moments with him before returning to their chores. Kimmy stayed mostly in the kitchen, stirring the spaghetti sauce and checking the garlic bread while humming softly to herself. Mark straightened the house, moving from room to room with the quiet efficiency that came from knowing exactly how Kimmy liked things to look when guests arrived.

Eventually his attention drifted outside. The porch needed a quick sweep, so he grabbed the broom and brushed the pine needles and stray leaves away. The evening air carried the soft scent of the creek below, and he paused for a moment to enjoy it before making sure the fire pit was ready. He stacked a few pieces of wood just so, knowing once the evening cooled the fire would become the center of conversation.

Right on schedule Allan and Sally arrived early with Jillian. Within minutes Jillian and Brad were sitting together on the floor flipping through picture books while Peter Pan continued playing in the background.

A little before seven the doorbell rang.  “I’ll get it,” Kimmy said, wiping her hands on a towel as she moved toward the door. Mark followed behind her.  When she opened it Sophie stood there with Mike beside her, both smiling warmly.

“Hi Sophie… hi Mike!” Kimmy said brightly, stepping forward to hug Sophie.

“Hi sweetie,” Sophie laughed, returning the embrace. “This must be the man. Hi Mark. Kimmy talks about you all the time—I feel like I already know you.”

Mark smiled easily. “Well I hope it’s all good.”  He gave Sophie a friendly hug before reaching out to shake Mike’s hand.  “Hey Mike, nice to meet you. Come on in.”  Soon the house filled with the easy warmth of people settling into new friendships. Mark had set Brad’s small plastic table near the big kitchen table, and before long the three little ones were sitting there eating their spaghetti, laughing and talking over one another as only children could.  The adults sat nearby, exchanging stories and getting acquainted while keeping a watchful eye on the kids. Every few minutes someone stood to refill a cup, wipe a spill, or rescue a dropped fork.

By eight-thirty the excitement had finally caught up with the little ones. One by one they drifted off to sleep beneath blankets—Brad in his room and the others sprawled across Mark and Kimmy’s bed.  The six adults moved quietly out to the porch.  Night had settled in around them. Crickets sang steadily in the warm darkness while the creek below gurgled its familiar song. The fire pit crackled and popped softly as flames danced upward, casting warm light across their faces.  Conversation drifted easily until Mike suddenly stood.

“Sophie and I actually have something we wanted to run by you guys,” he said.  The others looked up curiously.

Sophie smiled and leaned forward slightly. “We know the kids love being together, and honestly we’ve all been having so much fun hanging out…”  Mike picked up the thought. “So we were thinking about maybe doing something bigger together.”  He paused, then said, “Have you guys ever thought about doing a Disney cruise? Just a short one—four nights in the Caribbean later this summer.”

Allan looked over at Mark with a grin.  “You’re the travel guru, Dude. Ever looked into those?”  Mark smiled and glanced toward Kimmy. She slipped her hand into his and answered first.  “We actually have,” she said. “We’ve talked about it before as a way to introduce Brad to traveling. Everything we’ve read says they do an amazing job with kids.”

Sophie nodded enthusiastically. “That’s exactly what I’ve heard! Some of my clients have gone, and they all say the same thing. It’s Disney, so it’s already amazing—but the staff is incredible with the kids. They said the adults actually get time to relax too.”

Phones came out. Calendars were compared. Laughter bubbled up as they tried to match schedules.  Within a few minutes they found a stretch in mid-August that worked for everyone.  Allan leaned back in his chair and said, “I don’t know about you guys, but Mark and Kimmy’s travel agent—Nan—has always taken amazing care of us. I bet she could set the whole thing up.” 

Sophie looked at Mike.  “That would be perfect,” Mike said. “Would she do it for all of us?”  Then he looked at Mark.  “Can you call her?”  Kimmy slid her arm around Mark’s waist and turned her brightest smile toward him.

“Oh pretty please, honey.”  Laughter rippled around the fire.  Mark shook his head slowly. “She does this thing…”

“Sure,” he added with a grin. “I’ll call Nan tomorrow.”  Cheers followed. Glasses lifted. Someone declared the cruise already the best vacation ever planned.

---

Monday morning arrived quietly.  Mark carried two cups of coffee and the newspaper inside, placing Kimmy’s mug beside her laptop in its usual spot. Then he stepped out onto the back porch and dialed Nan.  They discussed the dates and possible cruise options. Nan promised to research everything and call him back later that afternoon.  When the call ended Mark rested his elbows on the porch rail and looked out over the creek.  The water flowed steadily beneath the trees, sunlight flickering across its surface. His eyes drifted to the path that followed the creek bank.  He smiled.  That was where she had told him.

I’m pregnant.

The memory warmed him for a moment before his phone rang again.  “Hello… yes, this is Mark.”

“Mr. Love, this is Dr. Burkett’s office. We’re calling to remind you of your injection appointment tomorrow morning.”  Mark sighed softly.  “Yes, I know. Eight-fifty. I’ll be there.”

“Wonderful. We look forward to seeing you. Have a nice day.”

After the call ended he covered one eye, then the other, comparing his vision the way he had done so many times before.  All good, he thought.  Then he remembered Kimmy’s last words before leaving for pickleball.  Don’t forget to coordinate with Sandy for Thursday night. He pulled up Sandy’s number and left a quick message.  “Hey Sandy, just checking about Thursday around six. Brad will be expecting Hide-N-Seek.”  He smiled as he hung up.

---

Wednesday morning Kimmy pulled up in front of Dr. Burkett’s office where Mark waited on the curb.  He lifted a hand in greeting and climbed into the car.  “Hi baby,” Kimmy said cheerfully. “I still can’t believe how easy those injections are now. It doesn’t even bother you anymore.” 

Mark smiled gently. “It’s a lot better these days.”  Kimmy’s radar flicked on instantly.  It wasn’t the words.  It was something in his tone.   She eased the car back into traffic and said nothing, giving him space.  The silence stretched through the next few blocks. At the second traffic light she heard it—the small sigh she knew so well.  Here it comes, she thought.  Trying to sound casual, she asked, “Baby… did the doctor say anything today?”

Mark reached over and squeezed her hand.  “I don’t want you to worry,” he said quietly. “Promise. I’m okay.”  Kimmy’s heart jumped. 

“No….no honey… what’s wrong?” she asked quickly. “We promised—no secrets.”  Mark turned toward her. “We’ll be home in a couple minutes,” he said gently. “I’ll show you on my phone. It’s okay. Really.”

Kimmy drove a little faster.  Soon they were pulling into the driveway.  Mark led her out to the porch.  She tried to hold her composure, but emotion was already pressing at the edges.  They sat close together on the porch sofa. Mark took both of her hands.  “Look at me,” he said softly. “No really—look.”

Kimmy lifted her eyes.  The warmth in his gaze was unmistakable.  “Okay,” she whispered. “I’m here. Let me have it.”  Mark pulled out his phone and opened a photo.  The image showed the inside of his eye.

“Look at this… now this,” he said, swiping to the next one.  Kimmy studied the pictures carefully.  “They look the same to me.”

Mark nodded.  “That’s exactly what I said.”  He zoomed in on the second image.  A dark spot appeared clearly in the center.  Kimmy pointed. “That black thing?”

Mark reached into his back pocket and handed her a pamphlet.  The title read:  Geographic Atrophy  Kimmy frowned.  “I’ve never heard of this. What is it? Please baby… get to the part where you’re okay.”  Mark met her eyes.  “Here’s the thing,” he said gently. “All the tests say I’m stable. When I look at things—at the doctor’s office, or here at home looking at your beautiful face—it all looks the same.”

Kimmy blushed faintly.  “Stop. This is serious.”  Mark smiled softly.

“That’s the point. I see the same.”  He pointed to the image again.  “This is what they’re watching. Eventually… maybe in this eye… I could lose the center vision and only have peripheral.”

Kimmy gasped.  “No, baby,” she whispered.  Mark gripped her hands firmly.  “But listen,” he continued. “There’s no change right now. No way to know if or when it progresses. And no way to know how quickly if it ever does. Today was just… a warning.”  Kimmy buried her face against his shoulder and cried quietly.

“Promise me you’re telling the truth,” she said. “You’re not protecting me.”  Mark gently lifted her chin.  “Promise,” he said softly. “Cross my heart—”

“…don’t even finish that,” she said quickly, managing a small smile.  She stood and pulled him up with her.

“We’ll handle whatever comes,” she said firmly. “Together.”  Mark smiled.  “That’s my girl.”  Kimmy’s expression softened into a crooked smile. 

“After all that,” she said, “you know what I have to say?”  Mark shook his head.  She tugged his hand gently toward the hallway.

“That it’s Thursday somewhere.”

As she led him inside, the tension from the porch drifted away with the steady flow of the creek below, disappearing quietly into the distance.

Dating Game

The faintest sense of movement stirred somewhere along the edge of Mark’s sleep. For a moment he floated in that half-awake place where thoughts were soft and distant, until his mind slowly focused on the warm weight tucked beneath his arm. Kimmy’s auburn hair spilled across the pillow, glowing faintly in the early morning light that crept through the curtains. She slept deeply, breathing evenly, one hand resting lightly across his chest.  Mark smiled.  Then he noticed the other pair of eyes watching him.  Two bright little eyes blinked up at him from the edge of the bed. Brad stood there clutching his clown blanket in one hand, the other holding his small plastic sword.

“Peter Pan, Dad?” he whispered.  He lifted the blanket and pointed toward the hallway. “Watch Peter now, Dad?”  Mark stifled a chuckle and carefully slid out of bed. The floorboards creaked softly beneath his feet, and just as he straightened, a sleepy whisper drifted from the bed behind him.

“Don’t let that bad man Hook get you, Dad.”

Mark turned.  Kimmy hadn’t opened her eyes, but the small smile spreading across her face gave her away.  He leaned down and kissed the top of her head just as a tiny hand tugged impatiently at the leg of his sweatpants.

“Dad… c’mon… Peter. Momma sleeping, right Dad? C’mon… watch now.”  Mark took the little hand and the two of them shuffled quietly down the hall.

---

By the time Kimmy wandered into the living room a few minutes later, Brad had already positioned himself in front of the big screen television. One hand clutched his blanket near his cheek while the other waved his plastic sword wildly as Peter Pan battled Captain Hook across the screen.  Kimmy paused in the doorway.  Her white t-shirt clung softly to her figure, and the short white shorts revealed just enough leg to bring an appreciative smile to Mark’s face. As she stepped closer she absentmindedly touched the ruby pendant resting just below the gold heart necklace, both glinting softly against the white fabric.

“Good morning, boys,” she said with a sleepy grin. “Is Peter winning, honey?”  Brad spun toward her and waved the sword dramatically. 

“Momma! Peter fighting Hook! He a bad bad man, right Dad?”

Mark slipped an arm around his son’s shoulders and nodded solemnly.

“See, Momma? Peter’s winning.”

Kimmy laughed softly and kissed Brad’s tousled blonde hair.  “How about sausage and pancakes, honey?” she asked. “Then we have to get dressed for school, okay?”  Brad nodded enthusiastically without ever taking his eyes off the television.

“Yes ‘pease Momma. Sausage… pancakes. Oooo Peter, look out!”

The sword fight continued. 

Kimmy pulled Brad’s little plastic table closer to the couch and set his breakfast in front of him. He immediately began devouring pancakes with both hands, completely ignoring the plastic fork beside the plate as his eyes stayed glued to the screen.  She slid down onto the couch beside Mark and pulled out her phone.

“We’re good for tonight, right?” she asked. “I see the reservation here… Thursday, seven o’clock at The Drift. What time is Sandy coming?”  Mark checked his phone.  “Five forty-five,” he said. “It’s about a forty minute drive so that works. I’m excited to try this place. The pictures online look amazing—right on the lake.”  Kimmy smiled and stood up.

“Shouldn’t be too crowded on a Thursday,” she said slowly, stretching the word with a mischievous look.

Mark tilted his head.  “Ummm… wasn’t yesterday ‘Thursday somewhere’?”

Kimmy planted her hands firmly on her hips.  “And it is Thursday here now,” she replied with mock seriousness. “Is that a problem for you, mister? Because it’s certainly not a problem for me.”  Mark raised his hands in surrender.

“No problems here. I just thought—”

Kimmy wagged a finger at him.  “You think too much. This is our life. This is our morning. Nothing interrupts us anymore. That’s the rule now. Got it?”  Mark snapped a playful salute.

“You have that look. You’re doing that thing again. So yes… I’m all in. With pleasure, baby.”

Satisfied, Kimmy nodded and turned toward the living room.  “Okay buddy, time to get dressed. Jillian will be here soon.”  Brad jumped up so quickly the little chair tipped over behind him.

“Juju coming! Where my clothes?”  He tore down the hallway, sword and blanket abandoned mid-battle.  Mark laughed softly and began clearing the breakfast dishes.

---

Later that morning Mark pulled into the Wawa parking lot and immediately spotted Allan leaning against his truck, coffee cup already in hand.  “Dude,” Allan called out. “How’s it going?”  Mark grinned.

“Let me grab coffee and the paper. I’ve got an update on the Disney cruise.”

“Cool,” Allan said, following him inside.  A few minutes later they sat outside at a small table while Mark pulled up Nan’s email.  “So she can get us three balcony staterooms,” Mark explained. “King beds with sleepers for the kids. Thursday morning flight to Orlando, shuttle from the airport straight to the port. Ship sails at five-thirty.”  Allan nodded as Mark walked through the itinerary.  “Friday Nassau, Saturday Castaway Cay, Sunday full day at sea. Back to Port Canaveral Monday morning.”  Allan leaned back in his chair.  “That actually sounds pretty great.”  Mark laughed.  “Send it to me,” Allan added. “You know how this works.”

“Oh yeah,” Mark said. “I still need clearance from the boss.”  They clinked coffee cups.

“Sounds like a plan, my man.”

---

When Mark returned home he placed Kimmy’s coffee beside the familiar Mickey and Minnie figurines and stepped out onto the porch.  The creek moved lazily below, sunlight already dancing across the water. He checked his Fitbit.  Fifteen minutes.  Leaning against the railing, he let his mind drift to the cruise. In his imagination he could already see Mickey and Minnie welcoming passengers aboard the Disney Magic. Brad would be running across the deck in pure excitement.  The sliding door opened behind him.  Mark turned.  Kimmy stood in the doorway, her t-shirt lifted slightly with one hand, revealing the smooth curve of her stomach. With the other she crooked a finger toward him.

“You,” she said softly. “I choose you. This way.”  Then she backed slowly into the house.  Mark followed without hesitation.

---

By the time Sandy’s car pulled into the driveway that evening, Mark was already dressed. He glanced out the bedroom window and pulled on his navy jacket.  “Sandy’s here!” he called.  “I’ll be ready in ten!” Kimmy replied from the bathroom.  Brad stood waiting eagerly by the door.  “Look Dad… Andy here. We play Hide-N-Seek, right Dad?”

“I’m sure Sandy will play,” Mark said with a smile.  The door opened and Sandy stepped inside just as Brad launched himself into her arms.  “Look what I got!” she said, pulling a small plush Mickey Mouse dressed in a captain’s uniform from her backpack.  Brad’s eyes lit up.

“MICKEY!”

Mark laughed.  “That’s perfect. You didn’t have to do that.”  Sandy shrugged.

“Ms. Kimmy told me about the cruise. I saw it yesterday and thought Brad might like it.”  Kimmy appeared in the hallway just then.  “Oh my goodness, what’s that?”  Brad proudly held up the toy.

“MICKEY Momma! Andy give Brad Mickey!”

Mark’s eyes widened when he saw Kimmy fully.

“The yellow halter dress from Egypt,” he said softly. “You’re a ray of sunshine, baby.”  Kimmy blushed and hugged Sandy.  “We’ll be back around ten-thirty. Call if you need us.”  Then she turned to Mark.

“Did you take your meds?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“How about your eyes?” she asked quietly. “It’s getting dark. Want me to drive?”  Mark shook his head.

“I’m good. Maybe on the way home.”  She paused, studying him carefully.  “Hang on… let me look.”  Kimmy spun him around slowly and examined him with exaggerated seriousness.

“You are very handsome,” she concluded. “I picked a good one.”  She kissed his cheek.

“Should you take Tylenol for your back before the drive?”  Mark patted his jacket pocket.

“Already prepared. But honestly? I feel great. How could I not with you on my arm?”

Sandy burst out laughing.  “Oh my god, you two are adorable. Go! Have the best time!”  They called goodbye to Brad, who barely glanced up from his new Mickey toy.

---

The Drift restaurant sat quietly along the edge of the lake. As Mark and Kimmy settled at their table on the deck, the setting sun painted the water in glowing shades of gold and orange.  “This is nice,” Mark said, raising his glass.  Kimmy smiled and slipped her hand over his.  “I love our date nights.”

Mark lifted her hand and kissed it softly.  “So do I.”  He pulled out his phone.  “I wanted to show you something. Nan sent the cruise itinerary. I meant to show you this morning but… I got a little distracted.”  Kimmy giggled knowingly as he walked her through the details. She nodded approvingly as dinner arrived.

“That looks great,” she said finally. “Did you send it to everyone else?”  Mark nodded.  “Just waiting on your approval before I lock it in.”  Kimmy leaned back dramatically in her chair and lifted her glass. 

“So let it be written… so let it be done.”  Mark laughed and cut into his filet.

The evening drifted by easily. The last rays of sunlight faded into soft moonlight over the water while they talked quietly about the cruise, about Brad, about the small plans that slowly built a life together.  It was Thursday.  And it had been a very good Thursday.

Anticipation

Brad sat cross-legged at his small plastic table in the living room, his iPad glowing in front of him as Mickey’s Clubhouse played cheerfully through his headphones. Bright cartoon colors flashed across the screen while Mickey and Goofy bounced through their latest adventure, but every few moments Brad’s attention drifted away. His eyes followed Kimmy instead as she moved briskly through the house, a folded sheet of paper clutched in her hand like a mission plan.  She disappeared into his bedroom and reappeared a moment later dragging two large suitcases from the closet, their wheels bumping softly against the hardwood floor. A minute later she slipped through the door to the garage and returned with a smaller one, dusting her hands on her shorts as she rolled it into the hallway.

Brad watched with growing curiosity.  Kimmy caught the look and stopped beside him, smiling warmly. “See buddy?” she said, tapping the smaller suitcase with her foot. “You have your own suitcase. Just like Momma and Daddy.”

Brad’s face lit up for a moment, pleased with the idea, before his attention drifted back to Mickey and Goofy on the screen.

From the bedroom Mark called out as he sorted clothes from the closet. “This would be a lot easier if he were in pre-school today.”  Kimmy stepped into the doorway and patted his arm reassuringly. “He’s plenty preoccupied with Mickey this morning. And honestly, I kind of like that we have a quiet Sunday to pack. The trip will be all weekdays anyway—maybe the ship will be a little less crowded.”

Mark paused thoughtfully before nodding. “You’re right… that’s a good thought.” He glanced toward the bed where a small pile of shirts was growing. “How many dress outfits are you taking?”  Kimmy stopped mid-step and checked the list in her hand. “Well… every night is a nice outfit, but really nice…” She tilted her head slightly as she counted. “One really nice, one better than casual… and the other two just casual.”

Mark nodded and returned to his closet with quiet determination.

Several minutes later Kimmy slipped back into the room on silent feet and whispered excitedly, “Come here. You have to see this.”  She took Mark’s hand and gently led him down the hallway. From Brad’s room came a steady stream of small voices and sound effects. Mark started to say something but Kimmy raised a finger to her lips.  They stopped just outside the doorway.  Brad’s door was halfway open.  Kimmy pointed.  Mark leaned forward slightly and peered inside.

Brad had dragged his little suitcase onto the floor and opened it wide. Piled inside were five stuffed animals, arranged with surprising care. On top sat Peter Pan and Mickey Mouse side by side like co-captains of the journey. Beneath them Mark could see the Peter Pan hat, the green pajamas, and wedged firmly across the middle—the large plastic sword that made it absolutely impossible for the suitcase to close.  Brad knelt beside it all with intense concentration, his backpack open next to him as he carefully selected figures from his toy collection.

“Hook… you bad man,” he said thoughtfully, holding the figure up for inspection. “But Peter say okay for you to come.”  He placed Hook carefully into the suitcase.

“Tink… yes… you come with us.”  Another figure joined the pile.

“Wendy… John… where Michael?”  Brad looked around the room briefly before spotting the missing character near the edge of the bed.

“Michael… there you be.”  He placed the final piece neatly beside the others and stepped back, studying the suitcase with deep consideration.  Suddenly his head popped up.  He scanned the room quickly, then dashed across to the bed and grabbed his beloved clown blanket. With great ceremony he waved it through the air and dropped it triumphantly on top of everything before turning toward the door.

Mark and Kimmy jumped back into the hallway, doing their best to look casually uninterested just as Brad burst out of his room and raced back toward the sofa.  Moments later the headphones were back on and Mickey’s cheerful voice filled Brad’s ears once more.

Mark looked over at Kimmy and lowered his voice.

“Well,” he murmured, “at least one of us is packed.”

Kimmy leaned in and kissed him softly before they both chuckled and returned to their own preparations.

---

Later that evening, after Brad had finally drifted off to sleep, Mark and Kimmy sat together on the back porch. The warm August air wrapped gently around them, thick with the soft hum of summer. Fireflies blinked lazily along the creek bank below while the quiet gurgle of water over the rocks filled the darkness with a steady rhythm.  Mark sat with his arm resting along the back of the sofa, gazing out toward the creek, the anticipation of the coming trip flickering across his thoughts like the tiny lights along the water.  Kimmy watched him instead.  Her arm looped through his, and after a moment she squeezed it gently.

“Excited?” she asked.  Mark turned and immediately saw the familiar brightness in her eyes—the look that meant Kimmy was deeply, happily alive in the moment.

“Very,” he admitted with a soft smile. “It’s our first big adventure with the boy. And not only that… he’s going to have so much fun. I think I’m almost more excited to watch him enjoy the trip than to take the trip myself.”

Kimmy nodded slowly.  Inside her thoughts she added quietly, I’m excited to watch you watch him.  Mark’s expression softened as his mind returned briefly to the practical side of things.

“Are we ready?” he asked. “Your list all checked off?”

Kimmy lifted the folded paper from the sofa beside her. “I knew you’d ask,” she said, smoothing it across her knee. “Let’s double check.”

“Go for it,” Mark said.  She began reading carefully.  “Four outfits for Brad… two extra. Swim shorts. Two stuffed animals. iPad, headphones, charger cords. Two sets of pajamas. Toothbrush.”

Mark leaned back with a grin. “And a partridge in a pear tree.”

Kimmy shot him a playful glare. “Stop. This is serious business unless you want me to take your credit card into the ship’s store and buy everything we forgot.”

Mark’s eyes widened dramatically. “Oh no, baby… no shopping. Please continue.”

Kimmy paused halfway down the list and gave him a knowing look.

Mark chuckled. “Well duh. Of course you got everything. What you really want to know is if I’m ready.”  Kimmy nodded.  “Tell me what you packed so I can check it off.”

Mark leaned back and began counting on his fingers. “Let’s see… three polo shirts. Sports jacket. Two pairs of slacks and two pairs of shorts. Underwear and socks—didn’t forget the socks this time.”

He nodded proudly. “I think I’m ready.”

Kimmy looked at him carefully. “Seriously… or are you kidding?”

Mark blinked. “What? Did I forget something?”  Kimmy sighed with theatrical patience.

“Three polos?”  Mark nodded.

“We’ll be gone four nights.”

Mark’s expression slowly changed. “Oh… right. Well see…”

Kimmy shook her head, smiling despite herself. “Don’t even start. You forgot the other shirt. And your swim shorts.”

Mark’s eyes widened in realization. “Ummm… didn’t I say—”

“Nope,” Kimmy interrupted. “And I already checked your bag.”

Mark dropped his head in defeat. “What else did I miss?”  Kimmy scanned the list again, then looked up with that familiar sparkle returning to her eyes.

“I’ve got your back, honey. It’s okay. I usually do the packing anyway. I normally only have to pack for one boy, you know.”  Mark pulled her into a hug.  “What would I do without you?”

Kimmy leaned back slightly, her expression softening into something more thoughtful.  “You do have your meds though, right? Enough for every day… and a couple extra just in case the flights get delayed?”

Mark nodded reassuringly. “I did.”  Kimmy’s shoulders relaxed.  Then Mark chuckled.  “Tell me something,” he said. “How did you manage to repack Brad’s bag without him pitching a fit?”

Kimmy burst into laughter.  “Oh that was priceless. I had him come help me and asked him to close it. When it wouldn’t shut he gave me this look like what’s wrong here? So I explained there was too much in his bag.”  She paused, shaking her head with amusement.  “He just looked at the suitcase… then at me… and said, very matter-of-factly, ‘Momma do it.’”

Mark laughed out loud.  Kimmy joined him.  Their laughter rolled easily through the warm night air, the kind that grew stronger the longer it lasted until neither of them could quite stop.  Finally Mark wiped a tear from the corner of his eye.

“Didn’t take him long to figure out who runs this family.”

Kimmy’s heart swelled at the words.  She pulled him close again and rested her head against his shoulder.  Together they leaned back into the cushions, letting the darkness settle gently around them while the creek murmured softly below, its quiet music carrying their anticipation into the night.