Until Then

by Delisa Lynn

“Nope, I just like looking at you. You’re beautiful.”

  I smile. “Thank you. You’re not too bad yourself.” He is the most handsome man I’ve ever laid eyes on. Every day, I thank God that Kole totaled my car that day. Had that not happened, there’s a chance we wouldn’t have met.

  “All right, Mrs. Harris, time for your twelve-week ultrasound. This one is called a Nuchal screen. The gel will be a little cold. If you watch the monitor, you’ll see your baby,” the older lady informs us.

  “Wow!” I gasp. “She’s growing quick. Can you see, Kathy?” I smile over at Kole holding his phone so his sister can see. She was very adamant about the FaceTime with ultrasounds. I told her she could come with us, but she said she didn’t want to intrude, that she could see on the phone. I laughed at her, as it’s the same thing. Besides, I would never think she was intruding; I love her as if she were my own sister.

  “Yes! It’s amazing how that little baby can make a grown woman like me cry.” She sniffles.

  “Okay, sis, we’ll call you when we leave,” Kole tells Kathy, and she nods in agreement. He slides the phone off and slips it in his pocket.

  Hearing the baby’s heartbeat then seeing the small human we created has my hormones going crazy; I’ve cried more in the last hour than I have in weeks. I can see the gleam in Kole’s eyes as we stare at our little miracle. I don’t know who I want to stare at more, the monitor or Kole.

  “Looks like the little one doesn’t want to move their legs, so no gender today. Now, while we may not be able to see the sex of the baby, we can definitely see how well he or she has grown. The baby measures great for your twelfth week,” says the tech wiping off the gel. “All right, we’re all done. You can get dressed and head up front to schedule your twenty-week ultrasound, as well as your next appointment.”

  “Okay, sounds good.” I smile and squeeze Kole’s hand. “Maybe we can find out the sex next time.”

  “Babe, thank you,” he whispers in my ear.

  “No, thank you. I can’t wait to see her.” I wink.

  “Yeah, he’s going to look good in a Browns jersey.”

  “You’re impossible.” I roll my eyes. “You ready to show these new images off?”

  “Absolutely. Do you want to grab lunch before we meet Tammie?”

  “Sure. Actually, I could go for some frozen yogurt.” I used to hate any kind of yogurt, but now I crave it.

  “That sounds good too. Whatever you want, babe.”

  We make our way out to schedule our next appointment, and I can’t help the smile on my face. Our baby is growing perfectly, my man is happy, and I’m happy. I never thought I could be happy ever again, but Kole’s shown me what true love really is. We’ll have obstacles, but we’ll overcome them, just as we have in our past relationships.

  “Mrs. Harris, we’ll set you up for your next appointment. Would you like morning or afternoon?” she asks, and I look to Kole.

  “Morning. I’ll request the day off,” he states.

  “Morning, it is then.” She makes our appointment then hands me a reminder card.

  “Let’s grab some frozen yogurt.” Kole kisses me as we walk through the door.

  As we climb in the truck, he asks, “You okay?”

  “I’m more than okay. I’m so glad our baby is growing the way she should.”

  “Me too. He’s going to be a tall little guy, just like his daddy.” He winks.

  Rolling my eyes, but knowing he wants a boy so badly, I tell him, “Yes, he will. We need to discuss names.”

  “My parents have a tradition—our first names start with K, middles with A. But if you don’t want to stick with that, I’m okay with it. It’s up to you.”

  “I’m okay with that. I don’t have a middle name.” My mom didn’t give me one. She was a bitch.

  “I didn’t think you’d mind, but I’m okay with whatever you want. I really like the name Koby for a boy.”

  “Koby Allan Harris?” I like that name. I want to give our child his daddy’s middle name.

  “I like that too. What about a girl’s name? You know, just in case.” He winks.

  “Hmm, what about Kaley Anne? It would be after Kathy since her middle name is Anne, of course.”

  “She would be forever grateful.” And I know she would. She’s thrilled that we’re having a baby. I know she’ll be a wonderful aunt, and Lopez, a terrific uncle.

  “I figured as much. After frozen yogurt, we’re going to meet Tammie, right? Then to show Mom our new ultrasound?”

  “Yep, sounds like our day is eventful. Are you doing okay?”

  “Yes, I’m fine. I think I’ll need some new clothes soon. All of mine are a little tight.” I’ve tried everything, and it’s either tight or won’t go up my thighs. I can’t tell that I’ve gained weight there, but apparently I have.

  “We can add the mall to our to-do list for today if you want. Or you can go with the girls if you’d rather do that instead.”

  “We can go together. I’m fine going anywhere with you, never think otherwise.” And it’s the truth. I would rather go with him anyway; it’s just more together time in my eyes. “I would like to do some baby shopping too. I wanted to start a book collection. My dad always read to me, and I want to do the same for our little one.”

  He rubs his hand over my leg. “Sure, I like that idea. Our parents always read to us as well.”

  “Let’s go to the mall now. We can get frozen yogurt there,” I say excitedly. “I want to get everything while I’m with you today since I know your schedule is crazy the next few weeks.”

  “Okay, babe. Anything for you.”

  After our mall trip—where we spent way too much money—we stopped off at Tammie’s. She seemed super sweet, and my heart ached for her as I know it’s probably hard seeing her son-in-law with another woman. But she was a peach, and I really enjoyed our visit. She inquired about our baby and offered to sit for us anytime we needed her to.

  Now we’re on our way to Kathy’s. She’s texted us both several times, wanting to know when we’re going to bring her new pictures of her baby. Yes, she said her baby. I’m really blessed to have all of them in my life; they’ve opened up to me and have taken me in as one of them. It feels amazing to have a big family like them. My dad is supposed to come for a visit soon, and I can’t wait for him to meet everyone.

  The baby will be here in a little over a month. Roe is miserable, and although she looks great pregnant, I know she’s ready for our baby to get here. We’re still unsure of the sex, as our baby is stubborn and always has his/her legs in the way.

  The last few months have flown by. I’ve worked a lot lately; although we don’t need the money, I want to make sure we have it for our children. We’ve been talking about selling the house so we can purchase a larger home.

  Although we both love our current one, I’m afraid we’ll outgrow it. We both want more than one child, so we’ve been looking for houses in the same area, as Roe loves it and so do I. I’m still struggling; although we’re now married, there are times that I feel like I’m not giving her my all. Some days, I feel like I can’t give her everything, but then there are other days when I know this is the life that was destined to be. I try to put everything in, but some days I’m afraid. I had this perfect life once, and it was taken from me; I’ve had that on my mind daily.

  Having just got home from a twenty-four-hour shift, I shower and climb in bed. I hate leaving my wife alone overnight, but she says she’s okay with it. I just miss her so much when we aren’t together.

  I watch as she sleeps, her chest moving up and down. Her long hair sprawled over the pillows. Her olive skin flushed from sleep. I love to watch her sleep. I know I sound like a creeper, but knowing I have her in my life has made me the happiest I’ve been in a long-ass time.

  When I move the hair away from her face, she stirs a little. Kissing her softly, her eyes open and her legs lazily part.

  “Touch me,” she begs, her voice laced with sleep. “I wa
s dreaming of you making love to me. I’m pretty sure I’m soaked.”

  Sliding my hand up her thigh and under her nightshirt, I realize she isn’t wearing panties. My fingers slide through her wetness. “Jesus, you are soaked, love. Did you miss me?” I ask as I pull her breast out with my other hand. Her breasts have grown so much with the pregnancy. I run my tongue over her nipple as my fingers move deeper in her sweetness. “I missed you. I hate leaving you,” I say into her chest.

  “Feels so good,” she moans. “I always miss you. Please taste me,” she whines as her body moves around the bed. She doesn’t have to ask me twice; I love eating her pussy. I slide down, planting small kisses along her round stomach before my mouth latches onto her clit.

  “Yes!” she screams. I slide my fingers out then back in, her walls contracting around them. Licking her a few times, sucking up her arousal, I wipe my mouth on my T-shirt then pull it over my head and toss it to the floor. I slide my shorts down my thighs; my dick is so fucking hard, so ready to be inside her.

  Stroking my cock, I murmur, “Is this what you want, baby?” I position myself at her entrance. “You okay?” I ask, always afraid I’m going to hurt her.

  “I’m more than okay. Please, make love to me,” she begs, her face flushed. She tugs at the bottom of her nightshirt, up around her chest. “Take this off. I’m so hot.” I pull it over her head. “Now, make love to your woman.” She smiles, opening her legs wider. I ease into her, unsure how long I’ll last, as her pussy is Heavenly.

  “Is this what you want, babe?” I ask as I glide in and out, slowly making love to her. Her eyes are closed, and she’s biting her bottom lip. She does this thing where she sucks it between her teeth, and it drives me wild. “I love you.”

  “I love you too. Please, go faster. I’m so close. So close, Kole.” My name rolls off her tongue. I pick up speed, sliding my hand between us to tweak her clit. “Holy hell, that’s it!” she cries out.

  “Let go. I can’t hold back much longer. The way you’re milking my cock, I’m going to lose my shit real quick, babe. Come on my dick,” I urge, thrusting in and out.

  “Yes!” she hisses. “Come in me, baby.”

  As soon as the words leave her sexy lips, my balls tighten as my cock pounds into her. My legs grow weak as she clamps around me tighter, and I feel my release filling her. I could never get tired of making love to her. From the very first taste, I knew she was going to be mine, and I had to have all of her.

  “You want to shower? I’ll start the water.” I kiss her softly before standing up.

  “I need to. I swear I was dreaming about you. I guess that’s what happens when you send me dirty texts at night, asking if I want your eggplant.”

  I run my hand down the back of my neck. “Sorry, love. Did I make you horny?”

  “Please, I’m always horny when it comes to you.” She stands up and grabs a bottle of water, taking a large gulp. “I want to shower with you, and then you’re going to take me to breakfast. Unless you want to sleep first?”

  “Sounds good to me. I can sleep later.” I head to the bathroom to start the shower, my mind going back to our texts. It was so late, and I was sleep-deprived.

  Me: I only have four hours to go, and then I’ll be home.

  Roe: Good, I miss you. I want you to come and snuggle me.

  Me: I sure will. You want me to give you my (eggplant emoji)

  Roe: Hmm, yes. That would be good too.

  Me: All the way down to my onions.

  Roe: Huh? Options?

  Me: No read it again, sleepyhead.

  Roe: Omg! Got it. Onions, huh? I sure would love to touch your onions right now. I’m lying here skimming through Netflix and can’t find anything. I keep thinking about how much I want your arms around me.

  Me: Jesus, woman. When I get home, I’m going to show you how much I missed you.

  Roe: Good. <3 Falling asleep. Love you.

  “I feel so huge. Please tell me I don’t look as big as I feel.” Her words pull me back to the present as she comes up behind me in the bathroom.

  “You’re beautiful. Always,” I say, helping her into the shower. “You washing your hair today?”

  “Yes, it needs it. I can just throw it in a bun, though because I’m ready to go eat. Can we go to Carl’s?” she asks, sliding back under the water.

  I love Carl’s. It’s a small diner we go to a lot, as it seems to be one of her many cravings.

  “Of course, wherever you want. I can go for some steak and eggs from there.”

  “That sounds good, but I want some fruit, and they have the best fruit bowls.”

  “Okay. Let’s get you cleaned up, and we’ll go.”

  “I never imagined that I would feel this way being eight months pregnant. It’s like there’s more than one baby occupying my womb.” Roe laughs as she settles on the couch. “Did you get the popcorn?” she calls back to me.

  “I sure did, and the drinks and candy.” I carry everything and set it on the coffee table. “Water okay, or did you want Sprite?” I ask as I twist the top from my beer.

  “Water is fine, I really just want that popcorn.” She beams when I hand her the bowl, popping a few pieces in her mouth, “This is so good. Wart mogie we atchting?” she asks with her mouth full.

  Looking down at her, I laugh. “Can you say that without the popcorn in your mouth?”

  “Oh, sorry. Yes, what movie are we watching?”

  “Whatever you want. There’s something in the DVD player already,” I say as I grab the remotes and snatch the blanket from the chair.

  “Ah, this is fine,” she says, taking the remote. “I’ve wanted to see this.”

  “This?” I reply, lifting her legs and sliding them in my lap.

  “Yep, this.” She smiles. “I put it in there a few weeks ago, hoping you would watch it with me.” It’s a little scary. Not that I’m against scary, of course, but I wasn’t feeling the preview.

  “So, this is where the grandparents kidnap the kids?” I ask, tearing open a box of Sno-Caps. These things are the best; whoever invented them needs a kiss.

  “Yes, well, not sure they kidnap them. But yes, this is The Visit.”

  “I have a feeling you’ll be asleep before the credits start rolling. You’ve had a very adventurous day, after all.”

  “Nope, I’m wide awake.” She sticks her tongue out before snatching my box of candy. “These are so good. I hope you got a backup box because once I eat one, I can’t stop until they’re gone.”

  “Good thing I know you, love. Look what I have.” I grab the other box. “I knew you would want your own.”

  “Thank God, I really didn’t want to share. As much as I love you and all, I really wanted to eat all of these.”

  “Kathy’s supposed to bring Brutus over tomorrow. Do you miss him?” He went to live with my sister; with the baby arriving, we thought it would be best as she can give him more attention.

  “I do miss him. He was my eating buddy, but I know he loves it over there. She said she can’t get any work done without him.”

  “Yeah, she’s mentioned that before. I knew there was an underlying reason she talked me into getting him.” She was adamant that I get a dog. Then he started staying with her and Pez more than he was at my place.

  “Oh, my gosh… Do you think the grandparents are killers?” she questions as she raises her brows in curiosity.

  “What? Nah… Well, I don’t know. But the previews looked like something was up with them.”

  “I bet they’re the killers.” She digs into the popcorn. “Shit, I won’t be able to sleep after this, but I want to watch it.”

  “Good thing I’m off the next two days.”

  “Sure is.” She smiles.

  We continue to pig out and watch the movie. Not even an hour into it, Roe’s snoring; she can never stay up and watch movies. Hell, shows too—she always falls asleep.

  I turn the movie off and carry her to bed, placing her under the comforter.
She has popcorn in her hair, so I pluck it out and toss it in the trash. After turning all the lights off, I slide into bed with her. It’s been a long few days, and I am so damn tired, but I know with the baby coming next month, neither of us will be getting much sleep.

  “Drop the gun, back away from her. No, please don’t shoot her. Take me. Shoot me. She’s my wife.” I hear shots fired and see her fall to the ground. “Sherrie, God. No!” I cry out. “Baby, please wake up. I need you to get up. Come on, don’t leave me. I need you.”

  “Kole, I loved you so much. I was looking forward to starting our family. But you know as well as I do that our days aren’t promised. Go, be with your new wife. She loves you. I can see it in her eyes.”

  “Sherrie, please don’t leave. I love you, baby. Stay with me.”

  “I’m sorry, Kole. It’s time for me to go. Rosealy is your future; don’t let her slip away. She adores you, and you will love him unconditionally. He’s going to have your eyes,” she says, running her hands down my face. “I always loved looking in those eyes.”

  “Please, don’t go. I love you,” I whisper through my tears.

  “I know you do, and I know you’re going to be a wonderful father. I have to go, but always remember what we had. Although it was short-lived, it was real.”

  “Always. I’ll love you always, Sherrie,” I cry into her hair. “I miss you so much. So fucking much it hurts.”

  “I know. I know you do. Until we meet again.”

  “Until then,” I whisper.

  “Kole, wake up honey. You’re dreaming.”

  “Sherrie, you came back. God, I missed you so much.”

  “Kole Allan Harris, wake your ass up! It’s me, Roe, your new wife.”

  “Oh, God… Roe?” I say, sitting up.

  “Yes, you’ve been screaming and crying for the last hour,” she says, handing me a glass of water.

  “I just put you in the bed.” I glance at the clock on the nightstand and see it’s a little after four in the morning.

  “No, we’ve been in here since before eleven. I’ve been up twice before this.”