Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 67039 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67039 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
I head down toward her garden. I pause at the entryway, watching her. The sun is shining down on her, making it appear like there is a halo above her head. She's in one of her dresses that goes to her knees, the wind blowing it as she picks another flower that will decorate the library for tonight. Tova goes all out when her friends are coming over. I love that she has these nights even though I hate being away from her.
When she sees me, her whole face lights up. It hits me right in the chest, igniting emotions in me that only she can. This tiny woman is my whole world. I make my way over to her.
“You remind me of our honeymoon.” I kiss her bare shoulder, which is still sunkissed from our month-long trip where I’d taken her all over Europe, starting in the Netherlands. I mapped out all the best places to visit for flowers. Tova loved every second of it. It was her first time being away from home. I enjoyed watching her experience new things. How her eyes would light up and the smile it brought to her face.
“Because we made this while on it?” Her hand cups the small bump that has formed. “Or the flowers?”
“All of it.” I rest my hand over hers.
“It was wonderful. I can’t wait for Japan next. The blossoms will be…” Tova lets out a dreamy sigh. "Perfection." We’re going next month. It will likely be our last trip before the baby arrives.
"Not sure I can agree with that. I've been all over the world, and the only perfection I have ever seen is you."
"Oh, whatever." Her cheeks pinken, a shy smile taking over her face. "You already got the ring on my finger and the baby in me. No need for the smooth talk."
"I don't think anyone has ever accused me of being a smooth talker."
Tova laughs. "Probably not."
"But as you said, wife, I already have the ring on your finger and a baby in your belly. I have no reason to lie." She is perfect. Everything about her pulls me in. Tova lifts onto her toes, and I press my mouth to hers. "Are you ready to head out?"
"Yes." She digs her fingers into the front of my shirt. "I'm dying to find out. So are the girls. They want to start making little outfits, and so do I."
"Then let's go find out." I take her hand, leading her back through the house and out the front door. The drive to the city isn't too long. We've talked about getting a place there so we can stay when needed, but Tova says she's not in a rush. That she's happy at the farm. If she's happy, then I'm happy. That's all that matters.
“There is no one here,” Tova says when we enter the doctor's front office. “Wait, did you do that?”
“Yes.”
“Of course you did.” She laughs as Dr. Wills comes out to the waiting room herself. Dr. Wills is the best OBGYN in the city. I had her thoroughly vetted. She’s married with a few kids of her own. Which is what I’d wanted: a female that would truly understand the things my wife’s body would be going through.
"Mrs. Marino." Dr. Wills greets my wife first, shaking her hand.
"Call me Tova."
"Tova." She gives her a warm smile. "And you must be Mr. Marino."
"I am." I shake her hand too.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I always enjoy when the partner is extra involved and wants to be hands-on."
"I'm always involved and hands-on when it comes to my wife." I place my hand on the small of Tova’s back.
"He's kind of obsessed with me," Tova says playfully, though we both know it's far from a joke. In fact, the only thing about what she said that is a joke is the “kind of” part.
"I love to hear that." Dr. Wills laughs. "Come on back. I bet you want to listen to the baby's heartbeat and find out the sex."
"Yes, please!" Tova bounces on her heels. "Tonight is girls’ night, and we talk books while we sew, and everyone wants to start making baby items."
"That sounds sweet." Dr. Wills opens one of the doors to an exam room.
"It's really quiet here," Tova says.
"Mr. Marino wanted complete privacy." I had. This is a moment my wife has been looking forward to. I want all of the attention on her. Tova is always putting her focus on everyone else. I want this to be all about her.
I also don't want anyone to have access to her. Dr. Wills and I already went into that thoroughly. She was a touch skittish at first to work for me, but money can persuade a lot of people, and Dr. Wills wasn't an exception to that. She had surprised me, though, when she asked for her payment to be in the form of a donation to a charity. I respected her even more for that. A lot might call it overboard, but I don’t care.