Torn

Chapter 2

"It smells good in here" I said grabbing my wife by her waist. I pulled her close and kissed her passionately

"ummm" she moaned. I removed myself from her embrace and peeked into the pots that were on the stove. She's cooking my favorite; steak, shrimp, cheddar potatoes, and asparagus. Curiosity got the best of me because I hadn't had a meal like this in a while. Don't get me wrong, my wife cooks but not like this

"What's all this"? I asked.

"It's for you duh" she giggled.

"Alright, I'm going to change". After I changed into something more comfortable I made my way back into the kitchen. Something's not right. The dining room was dimly lit and soft music played in the background. I looked at my wife suspiciously because I knew something was up. This wasn't like her.

"Shawn, I have something to tell you. Before I say this, I just want you to know that my mind is made up". By now I was all ears. My curiosity peaked as I listened intently. She got up from the table and my eyes followed her every move. She reached into her purse and grabbed a piece of paper.

"Shawn please have my back on this" she said before handing me the piece of paper. I opened it and I couldn't believe my eyes.

"You're pregnant" I stuttered. My expression changed from fear and worry to pure joy and excitement. I picked her up and spun her around

"Marie why would you think I wouldn't have your back? You don't know how happy this has made me" I said honestly.

"Because we can't afford a child Shawn. I was afraid that you would tell me to have an ab-

"Don't. Marie I love you and I love this baby. I would be a coward if I didn't. We're going to be okay" I said as I placed a kiss on her forehead.

"You promise"?

"I promise"

I woke up sweating bullets. I've had that same recurring dream for the past three days. I looked over to my right and my daughter was sound asleep. I placed a kiss on her forehead before getting up and taking a shower. Today was Sunday, which meant I didn't have to work so it was just going to be me and my munchkin.

About two hours later Kennedy and I were eating cereal and watching Bubble Guppies on Nick Jr. This girl was laughing hysterically and I couldn't help but smile. The two of us sat on the couch, her feet propped on my lap and watched cartoons for majority of the day.

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It was a little passed 2 pm when Marie's parents stopped by.

"Shawn can I speak with you for a moment" Larry, Marie's dad said.

"Sure".

"How about we take a walk" he said. I nodded and followed him as he led the way.

"So how are things"? he asked.

"They're good"

"Shawn be honest with me"

"Things could be better but I'm managing" I said honestly.

"You know Justine and I would do anything for you and K" he said honestly

"Yeah I know" I pretended to kick a rock to avoid eye contact

"Our doors are always open, you know that right"?

"Yes, sir"

The two of us took another walk around the block in silence. When we returned, Kennedy was playing with her dolls while Justine braided her hair.