Life is good.
That's all that I can say.
It's been two months since we've gotten married and I couldn't be happier. And if the cat ate the canary grin on Tay's face is any indicator then I'd say she's pretty content as well.
Everything has just been perfect.
While she took care of the wedding preparations, I focused on getting our home ready. I wanted it to be a total surprise.
The one bedroom apartment is slightly aging and definitely a far cry from those flashy upscale flats. But my family and I made sure it was in livible conditions before moving in. It's in a good neighborhood and the fact that it's ten minutes away from both our families doesn't hurt either.
After we left the reception, I brought Tay to our little home. Before allowing her to enter, I made it very clear that this place is only temporary and that whatever money I can save will be going towards our dream home. She giggled and told me not worry and that she looks forward to our future.
Two days later we left for our honeymoon. It was a lovely little cabin, surrounded by the woods on one side and the beach on the other. It was breathtaking. We spent two weeks there, trying out all sorts of activities our guide suggested.
Neither of us were too thrilled about returning home but I couldn't deny that I was excited about officially starting our lives together in our own home.
You know that saying about making the best out of every situation as long as you have the right person beside you?
I finally understood what it meant when I realized that I didn't even mind all the unpacking we had to do as long as we did it together. When I mentioned this to my mother, she laughed and said we're still in that goo-goo eye phase.
I scoffed at her words, even as I could feel the heat creep up my neck. Never have I been more thankful for our darker skin tones than I had in that moment-
especially since my colleagues were just a few feet away. Knowing those nosy buggers, they were probably trying to listen in on my call.
Deciding that it's best to carry on this conversation another time, I tell my mum that I'll stop by later and then hang up.
Turning back to my food, I quickly dig into the toasted sandwich my wife lovingly prepared this morning. I let out a moan of satisfaction, Tay is very talented in the kitchen and even the simplest of things manage to become a masterpiece.
I've actually mentioned to her that she should think about writing her own cookbook or maybe hosting classes for young girls that are interested.
She's a bit skeptical. She doesn't think that she could do it but I know she has it in her. Nevertheless I ensured her that I wasn't pressuring her, it was just a suggestion considering her love for the kitchen.
I feel a pang in my heart. It's only been a few hours since I'd last seen her, but I miss her every moment that I'm away from her.
I know, I know. I sound really clingy right now. And I would feel bad about being so overwhelming if I didn't know that my wife reciprocates my feelings.
Speaking of which, my phone chooses that moment to vibrate with an incoming message. Opening the message I smile when I realize it's from the subject of my thoughts.
She's sent me a meh-meh, or as Tahiyyah has recently informed me it's pronounced 'meem'. Still don't get how it's called a meme but whatever. Social media is weird.
I chuckle while texting her back.
One glance at the clock and I shove the last of my lunch down my throat before lugging my behind back to work.
Soon I'm swamped with work that I don't notice the day slip away.
Before I know it, my friend comes knocking on my door telling me it's time to pack up and head on home.
I hightail it out of there, pulling on the seatbelt to my beat up truck.
On the way home, I see a flower shop still open. Making a split second decision, I make a u-turn at the next corner and head back to the shop.
Stepping inside the quaint store, the bell above the door rings.
"I'll be out in a minute," a voice faintly calls out.
I walk around, noting the different flowers in each isle before heading back to the front desk.
This time it's occupied by an old man.
"Roses for the missus?" He questions with a smile.
"No, roses are too mainstream. I want something special, just like her," I shake my head.
"Does she have a favourite flower?"
Again I shake my head, "I don't think so."
"No favourite but something meaningful, huh?" He says more than questions, with a thoughtful look.
I bite my lip.
Maybe this was a bad idea. What if she hates the flowers I pick? Or what if she just hates flowers in general? I know some women are like that.
"How about a bouquet of white jasmine or maybe lavender?" The clerk suggests.
"What do they symbolize?"
"Lavender symbolizes devotion and the message of white jasmine is as intoxicating as it's scent; sweet love."
• • •
With a pep in my step I exit the florist. As I pull out of the parking lot thunder shoots through the sky and a light drizzle breaks out.
I flick on the windshield wipers and lean back in my seat, tapping my fingers on the base of the wheel to the beat in my head.
The usual ten minute drive takes me twice that time to reach home today.
As soon as I park the car, I grab the flowers and beeline it straight to the entrance of the building.
I nod a greeting to some of the other tenants milling about and by-pass the lifts, heading to the stairs instead.
I jog up the three flights of stairs and stroll towards the end of the hall, stopping at apartment 3-E.
Too lazy to search for my keys, I knock on the door and step back as I wait for it to open.
I faintly hear the padding of feet on the floor before the lock jingles and the door swings inwards, revealing my wife.
I stumble back a few steps as she launches herself into my arms. Once I've caught my balance, I adjust her in my arms and move into the flat.
Kicking the door shut, I place Tahiyyah on her feet.
"Not that I'm complaining but what's got you so excited?"
She bounces on the balls of her feet, practically shaking with excitement.
"Okay, so I was gonna do this in a really cute and cheesy way but I'm just so happy I can't wait," the grin on her face is so wide it almost looks painful.
She takes a deep breath and all but squeals, "I'm pregnant."
I blink, dumbfounded.
I'm going to be a father. As in a living breathing person is going to depend on me?
Crap.
What the heck am I gonna do?
I can't be a dad, I can barely take care of myself.
But then I look at Tahiyyah. I see the sparkle in her eyes and the way the happiness radiates from her entire being and I relax.
I can see it now, a little boy or girl- the perfect mixture of the two of us-causing mischief and running away as Tay tries to get him or her to eat their veggies or take a bath. I see myself teaching them to ride a bike or going fishing.
Excitement bubbles up inside of me and before I know it, I pull Tahiyyah in my arms as a bellowing laugh escapes.
She hugs me back just as fiercely.
I kiss her forehead, "thank you."
She nuzzles her face in my chest.
"Oh, I almost forgot!" I exclaim.
She draws back with confused look on her face.
"Here," I hand her the slightly crumpled bouquet.
"They're beautiful," she says- softly fingering the petals.
"Why don't you put them in a vase while I get changed into something dry?" I suggest, remembering that I'm still wet from rain.
"Hmm," she nods and heads to the kitchen.
I turn to the opposite direction and make my way to the bedroom.
• • •
Once changed into a pair of sweats and a hoodie, I join Tay in the kitchen.
"Take a seat, I made your favourite."
I sit at the table after washing my hands and watch as she places a steaming casserole of lasagna in front of me.
I dish out some into my plate and then scoop up a little with my fork. "Here," I say- bringing it to her mouth.
After she takes a bite, I take one too and we carry on like that until we're both stuffed.
"You relax, I'll clean up," I say-grabbing the dirty dishes.
"Are you sure?" She asks- always the busy one.
I give her a reassuring look, "chill."
Sighing heavily, she nods her head, "okay."
She leans back in her chair as I pack the leftovers in the fridge. I can feel her eyes on me as I fill the sink with soapy water.
"You're staring."
"Sorry," she turns away with heated cheeks.
"I didn't say that I don't like it," I smirk cheekily.
She rolls her eyes.
"Are you really okay with this?"
"With what?"
She gives me a 'duh' look, "you know what."
I grin, "of course I am, this baby is half you and half me what's not to be happy about?"
She still looks hesitant.
"Besides with you and I as parents we'll have some pretty kickass kids. I mean sure we're probably going to mess up more times than anyone else but we'll be fine."
Finally the furrow between her brows relax and she breathes out a sigh of relief, "yeah, you're right."
"Come on," I hold out a hand to her.
She stands up and tugs me towards the lounge.
Once we're both settled on the coach, she reaches over to the coffee table and grabs a book.
"I know it's still early and that we don't even know the gender but I was thinking we could skim through and get a feel of some names?"
I nod, "okay."
She opens the book and starts reading names aloud as well as their meanings.
"Aariz. One who is a respectable, intelligent man. One who leads."
I wrinkle my nose, "I don't know about that one."
"How about Aadeel?" I point out.
"Nah, my cousin's son is Aadeel."
"Okay, keep going." And like that we spend the rest of the evening bouncing potential names off each other.
Chapter 2, what do you guys think?
Is it too soon to have a baby?
You've got a little more insight into the couples life, what do you think? Love them? Hate them?
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Shatteringsoul.