Bonus Scene
SPENCER- A FEW YEARS LATER
Shaking my head, I lean against the kitchen island to watch my very pregnant wife attempt to reach the top of the cake with her piping bag. I’m entertained, as April always forgets that her bump gets in the way.
“Come on, babe, I’ll help you with this one,” I offer as I wrap my arms around her from behind, my hands landing near her navel.
My head rests on her shoulder as we both examine the three-tier birthday cake for Hadley.
“Fine. But, Spencer, don’t ruin it. Remember to use a steady hand and gently tease the cake.” She hands me the bag of icing.
“I shall treat the cake like a lover,” I tell her seriously, but inside, I’m amused.
She glances over her shoulder at me and rolls her eyes before she hands me the icing and carefully supervises my hands as I attempt to decorate the cake.
“It’s not every day she turns nine, and we are moving past the princess phase. She’s onto more sophisticated things, so a simple cake with a few colors and sprinkles will just have to do.”
I give her side-eye. “This is a simple cake?”
“I mean, of course, I made a fresh strawberry filling, and each layer has a different flavor, but I didn’t melt any chocolate or anything.” She steps away from the counter to rub her big belly and glances around the living room that we decorated last night. “Maybe more balloons?”
I set the icing down and grab April’s hands to hold, giving her a quick peck on the back of her hand. “Relax, your mom is bringing more balloons, and my parents are picking up more drinks.”
Her eyes hit me, full of love. “I just want it to be extra special for her. It’s her birthday, and soon she will be a big sister. I want her to feel like nothing will change.”
My lips form an appreciative smile. “We’ve done our best to include her in everything, and she loves you. You’re doing great.” Hadley calls April Mom now, and they truly are a team together… against me. But I don’t mind, I spoil them rotten.
A dog’s yawn breaks our gaze, and we look down to see Pickles looking at us with droopy eyes.
How this guy is still hanging on, I’m not quite sure.
I’m ninety percent certain that it’s the special dog treats April bakes for him.
Or maybe it’s the occasional walk past the driveway that I convince him to join me on now that I’m retired from baseball.
I have a few ideas of how I will occupy my time, but for now, I’m going to enjoy every moment with the new baby.
“He keeps following me around, like everywhere,” April says as she examines our dog.
“That’s because he knows my baby brother is about to pop out,” Hadley announces as she enters the kitchen, with her eyes set on her phone that she’s scrolling on.
April is quick to shove me in front of the cake. “Hey there, birthday girl,” April says with a funny tone. “You shouldn’t see your cake until the big reveal.”
“It’s fine, most likely this party won’t happen.”
“Why do you say that, sweet pea?” I’m a little concerned.
Hadley points with her phone to April. “Dad, Mom is overbaking my brother.”
“I told him that he can’t come out until after your party,” April says, proud with her promise.
I snort a laugh, because nature may have other ideas.
We’re already two days overdue, yet I’m kind of relieved, as it delays meeting him.
I’m excited, but the baby thing is new for me, and it’s scary in an exhilarating way.
I didn’t get to experience Hadley’s baby months, just like sharing a pregnancy with someone was a first for not only April but myself. It’s brought us closer too.
“Why don’t you go sit down, I’ll finish my supreme icing technique,” I suggest.
“No way, I need to get to work on my spinach dip.” April is now agitated, but I let it go, because we know it’s an unusual time.
Hadley smiles at me with reassurance before she walks over to the sofa to flop down.
It’s two hours later when we have family filling our living room. My trusted neighbors, April’s mom and stepdad, plus my parents and a few of Hadley’s friends from dance class.
Hadley blows out her candles, and I hope her wish has nothing to do with her crush on Ford’s son, Connor.
Immediately, the grandmas are into helping mode with cutting and dishing out cake.
I don’t drink a beer because I’m on call for the moment I need to rush us to the hospital. Speaking of which, I notice Piper and April whispering in the kitchen.
Walking to them, I have to grin. “Up to tricks, you two?”
April laughs tightly. “Always.”
My eyes dart to Piper who gives me bold eyes. Instantly, my sight whips back to April and my hand lands on her upper arm. “Honey, are you okay?”
“My contractions started. We may need to leave after everyone goes.” April blows out a breath through pursed lips.
“Or now,” Piper suggests.
My heart fills with excitement that this moment has arrived.
April looks between us, panicked, and loudly whispers, “No! It’s Hadley’s day.”
“Our boy has decided.” I study my wife’s face and see that she seems conflicted, as she knows the clock is ticking, but her heart believes Hadley should have her day.
“No kid wants to share their birthday with their sibling. He can’t come out today. See, I told you morning sex wasn’t a good idea,” April scolds me.
Piper holds her hand up. “My cue to leave. I’ll take over party duty.”
She walks away, and I can only grin at April. “It’s okay, it could be a while, and he may not appear until tomorrow.”
“You’re right. I just…”
I rub her shoulders to soothe her. “We’re parents to two now, that means we owe it to both Hadley and our boy to do what is right so they are healthy and happy. Our baby needs a hospital because I’m sure as hell not delivering him in the kitchen next to the jar of your sour dough starter.”
“I’m being ridiculous.”
“You’re nervous.”
“Kind of. We skipped all the classes, and all I know is that this may hurt a little.”
I swipe her hair behind her ear. “It will be worth it. I’ll even throw in an extra push present if you want.”
April’s lips quirk side to side. “I might take you up on that.”
“You should. Now come on, we need to get out of here.”
“Why don’t we just tell everyone that we need to run to the grocery store.”
I snort a laugh. “And come back with a baby? Yeah, not going to fly with this bunch.”
She groans as I begin to walk us in the direction of the front door where a bag has been waiting for a few weeks now. I give an indication to my mom that it’s showtime, and luckily, she brightly smiles, making no commotion, instead offering me a thumbs-up.
But then April’s mom notices and shit hits the fan.
Her hands go over her mouth as she tries to hide her squeal, and Hadley looks up from her plate of cake then to us.
“Were you just going to leave without saying goodbye?” Hadley seems disappointed.
“Of course not. It will take five minutes before we even get shoes on my feet,” April states.
Hadley walks to us, and we patiently wait despite the rush we should probably be in.
“Grams will bring you to the hospital when it’s time, okay?” I remind her of the plan. Pulling my daughter into a hug, I kiss the top of her head. “You know you’re my favorite daughter, right?”
“I’m your only daughter.”
“Lucky me. I’m sorry we need to leave your party, but your brother got excited and wants to come out.”
Hadley thinks for a moment. “It’s okay. You’ll just have to name him what I pick.”
Glancing to April, she nods in agreement.
“Deal.”
Hadley jumps in place. “Yes, I win.”
I smile at her excitement. “Save me some cake, okay?”
She gives me one more tight hug before running to April for a hug.
Driving around the lake, I’m beginning to freak out because we’re not moving. It’s early spring which means today of all days the city council decided to clean up the trees that fell during the winter storms that we had.
“Fuck me, I never want to see another deer-crossing sign in my life,” April breathes out, clearly in pain.
“Trees are the culprit for our standstill, not deer.” I tap my steering wheel with nervous energy.
“I know, but I’ve been focusing on that stupid deer-crossing sign for the last five minutes. Good God, I’m going to deliver a baby on this road like a wild animal.” A wave of pain hits her.
I rub her back as she grips the door handle. My body tightens, as I am afraid her ridiculous statement may come true.
“Relax, I see they’re moving up ahead.”
She finishes her contraction and looks at me with near possessed eyes. “Don’t tell me to relax. You said that nine months ago and now look where I am!”
It must be bad that I want to smirk, but even in this situation, April keeps me on my toes and makes every second an adventure, the kind I want to spend eternity on.
“I love you,” I tell her.
“I love you too, but please move this car.”
Luckily, it’s our turn to pass, and we’re driving again. With a new speed and our route time declining as we reach the hospital, I can only reflect on the many drives around the lake that I’ve taken with this woman.
“Remember the first night that you were here in Lake Spark and we went to the grocery store?”
“Yes, when I was unaware that you had trapped me here, only to make me fall for you, marry you, and now deliver our little bundle of joy. How could I forget that wonderful drive?” A warm smile spreads on her face as she rubs circles on her belly.
“I’m lucky it’s you.”
“You are lucky.”
I quickly glance to my side before focusing on the road. “You were stubborn and standoffish. A lot like now, and that’s a good thing, because it’s exactly what our boy needs. You’re going to be amazing at bringing him into the world.”
I can tell she’s staring at me, sentimental. “I can only do it if you’re with me, so lucky me.”
Grabbing her hand, I bring it to my mouth for a kiss before holding it tight on the middle console.
Chances and luck can be the same thing.
That’s what we are.
And twelve hours later, we are lucky enough to hold our son, with Hadley arriving early in the morning to name him Ashton Crews.
April and I look between our children, well aware that both of them will break and mend hearts one day, but they will also get to experience the love that April and I have in this very moment.
And we’ll be there to watch and support them.