Extra
Ten months later, Lincoln and I welcome our daughter into the world. We name her Emma.
The happiest member of the family is Sandwich because he finally becomes a big brother.
However, when we first bring Emma home from the hospital, Sandwich is a bit cautious. Emma is asleep in her crib, and Sandwich stands a little distance away, lifting his front paw and sniffing the air, trying to take in the scent of the newest family member.
Sandwich turns out to be a great big brother.
When Emma is a baby and can't walk, only sleep, Sandwich lies next to her, making himself her pillow.
As Emma grows older and wants snacks that are placed on high tables, Sandwich stands on a chair and uses his paw to knock the snack jar down to the floor.
When she grows even older and loves to crawl everywhere or jump on the bed like it's a trampoline, Sandwich stays by the bedside, always keeping an eye on Emma's safety.
Life is wonderful, except for my career.
Even during pregnancy, I work hard. I'm lucky not to have the symptoms that other pregnant women often experience, like nausea or back pain, so I'm able to continue my routine.
But starting a business is tough, especially in the highly competitive fashion industry.
Lincoln offers to help me several times, given his extensive experience in the architectural field and his connections in fashion.
But I refuse. If I rely on Lincoln for everything, what's the point of attending Central Saint Martins?
I don't want to be a vine clinging to a strong tree; I want to be a pine, standing tall next to my famous architect husband.
So, I run my small, unnoticed fashion shop while spending much of my free time making clothes for myself. I don't just make clothes for myself but also use leftover fabric to create outfits for my daughter.
Now, every time Emma and I go out, whether to the park or the grocery store, we wear matching outfits.
I start casually sharing photos of us in our matching outfits online, and one morning I wake up to find my account has gone viral.
Overnight, I gained tens of thousands of followers, with many moms asking to buy matching outfits.
I become incredibly busy. I'm either designing in the shop, coordinating with pattern makers, or overseeing production at the factory. My business grows rapidly; I even established my own company and opened stores in major cities across the UK.
Initially, I worry that being so busy might affect my ability to care for my family and that Lincoln will be unhappy. But Lincoln has his own agenda.
While I'm swamped with work, he takes Emma on boat rides along the Thames, sipping coffee in the evening breeze.
"Sweetheart, can I retire now? You can take care of me from here on," he teases, sending me photos of himself and Emma along with a voice message.
"Come to the warehouse right now," I call him directly.
"Why?"
"To help me with the shipping."
Lincoln chuckles. "So, you're too busy to enjoy life, and you can't stand to see your husband enjoying it either?"
"Exactly," I admit without hesitation.
He sighs softly, "I'm starting to realize the woman I love is a bit petty."
"Just realizing that now?" I scoff. "Too bad, it's already too late."