53. We’re Ready
We’re Ready
Zoe
Two Weeks Later
I’ve lived in Forest Falls my whole life.
I know everyone, and everyone knows me. My dad ran the bar before he left it to me, so our family was the center of the community. Being a part of a small town like ours can be a curse at times, but mostly, it’s a blessing.
Those people helped raise me, and those people lifted me up when I was at rock bottom. I love it there.
I was born there, raised there, I fell in love there, and I suffered great loss there more than once. Now, it’s time for the next chapter in my life. In our lives.
We may not live in Forest Falls anymore, but it’s still home. In this beautiful townhouse on the outskirts in the suburbs, somewhere in between the city life we grew to love and the country life we always did, we found our dream.
We have a little tradition in Forest Falls, well, in our family, at least. It’s not an age-old tradition, but it’s something that means the world to me — we make promises, and we keep them.
A promise to live a full life, a promise to care deeply for someone, a promise to always be there.
I promised so many times, and I kept them all. I promised to be the best sister in the world, and it is safe to say I nailed that. I promised to be a loyal friend. I promised to be a good daughter, an awesome granddaughter, a great auntie.
I vowed to love and honor, comfort and keep, in sickness and in health, and I meant every word.
That’s what you’ll get to know about me as the days, weeks, months, years, and decades pass: I mean it when I say I love you, and you can trust that I mean it with my whole heart. When I tell you I’m going to whoop your behind for sassing me and breaking curfew, I’m damn sure going to mean that too.
‘Baby, we have to go.’
That’s your daddy. Don’t listen to him. We’re in no rush. You don’t ever need to rush, okay? Except maybe when I’m telling you to get your shoes on because we’re running late — but don’t rush to grow, don’t rush to be older, or to act older. Just be you every step of the way, and I promise I will always be right behind you.
‘ Ooh ,’
‘Zoe, you’re having contractions. We need to get in the car.’
‘I love you.’
‘I know you do, and I love you. Now will you get your butt downstairs before I have a heart attack?’
He’s a good man, your daddy — the best. He makes promises, too, and you can trust them just like you can trust mine.
‘ Ohhh , this is a big one.’
Okay, okay. I get it. You want to say hey.
‘Zo.’
‘Okay, we can go.’
I promise you, little one, your daddy and me, we’re going to be here to hold your hand. We’re going to love you and be so proud of every little thing you do. We’re going to keep you safe and make you laugh, and I know that I’m the luckiest woman in the world.
I know you can’t speak yet, so I’m going to just trust that you understand how important promises are to our family, and I’m going to ask you to keep a promise to us.
Get here safely. I don’t care how long it takes or how much it hurts. I’m tough. I can take it. You just do everything you can to get to me safely, and once you’re in my arms, I’ll take the wheel, okay?
‘You okay, honey?’
‘Yeah, I’m okay.’
We’ve got this little one, you, me, and Daddy. We’re going to be so happy. I promise you.
‘Okay, Mama, we’re here. You ready for this?’
We’re ready.
‘Yes. Let’s have a baby.’
The End