Today. Tomorrow. Always (Free Falling, #3.5)(10)

“I did that because I know this is something you’ve wanted for a long time, something you’ve been waiting for.”

I nodded again.

The hand not cradling our son extended toward me and warmed my chin when he cupped it, tilting my head just a bit so we were staring into one another’s eyes. “Above everything else, I want you to be happy. If that means putting our family on hold for a bit, I’m okay with that. Once you get settled and have your feet planted firmly, that’s when we can start discussing what I want.”

I thought about that, listened to every syllable, wondering if I was misunderstanding him. It sounded to me like he’d just admitted to being more than ready to work on bringing another little Hahn into the world, but wanted me to be able to focus on my career… because he thought that was the most important thing to me? While I appreciated his concern, I was also a bit insulted at the same time. Had I really given him the impression that my career was the end-all be-all for me? If so, he was sadly mistaken.

“Okay, so I’m gonna say something, and I don’t want you to be offended. Let me know when you’re ready,” I said, still wondering where he’d gotten that idea.

He chuckled. “Speak your mind.”

I took a deep breath and weighed my words. “This isn’t all about me, AJ. This is our life, mine and yours—the life we’re building together,” I said, adding emphasis to the last word. “We should’ve been able to talk about this.”

His expression softened and I took his hand from my face to lace his fingers with mine.

After a long pause, he nodded, agreeing with my logic. While I loved that he seemed to be hardwired to put me first, I wanted him to realize that his needs were number one on my list, too. We were a team—a good one, might I add. Always had been. Always would be.

“What about a year from now,” he said, pulling me from my thoughts.

“Hmm?”

“What if we compromise and start trying in a year? Anthony will be two by then, more independent,” he added. “While right now would be awesome, I think a year’s probably better for you. That way you don’t have to put your career on hold.”

I stared at him. It warmed my heart that the idea of expanding our family was so important to him, loved that he was so content that having another baby together was this high on his list. His request resonated with me and I gave my response, bringing a smile to his face when I agreed. “Then a year it is.”





Chapter Three


AJ


Excited, Anthony squealed in Maisha’s lap, just like he always did when Sam and I blazed up the fire pit. Something about watching the flames just got him going. The weather was so nice we decided to sit poolside after coming in from having dinner in the city. We tried a Mediterranean restaurant not too far from the office and then walked around a bit while Sam and Maisha did some light shopping.

“Sam,” Terrell called out, smirking a bit.

With an eye roll, she cast a skeptical glance his way. The expression was laced with a faint smile when she responded with a dry, “What?”

He was grinning too hard for whatever he had to say to be innocent. “I think you should go in there and warm up your leftovers from the restaurant for me. I’m still hungry.”

Maisha shook her head at her husband. “Mmm mmm mmm.”

“Boy—” Sam couldn’t even find words. A laugh burst from her lips as she stared at Terrell like he was crazy. “No!” she finally managed to yell.

“Stingy,” he grumbled under his breath, which made Sam laugh even harder.

“It’s always food with you—figured that out the day you followed me and Dee to the store and then made us wait while you bought five bags of chips at once,” Sam complained, trying not to sound sentimental, failing at not sounding sentimental, when she thought back to when she and Terrell met our freshman year of college. As bad as he used to get under her skin, she couldn’t help but to love him.

“Mm mm… it’s seven bags,” Maisha clarified. “I’ve known this man most of my life and it’s been seven bags since he’s had his own money to support his food habit. I don’t know if he thinks it’s lucky to get that many at once, but it’s always seven. Always,” she added, giving Terrell the side-eye.

He waved her off. “Whatever. You don’t know me,” he teased, nudging her with his foot until she smiled at him.

Sam sat back in her lounger and got lost in a thought. “You used to get on my nerves sooo bad,” she said with a smile, reminiscing about how she and Terrell came to be friends. I thought back on it, too, remembering when I didn’t exactly get all warm and fuzzy when it came to him either. Considering how close we were now, it seemed so stupid that I ever went through a period of not trusting him, thinking he had ulterior motives for befriending Sam.

“Nah… that was all you. That stank attitude of yours made you such a joy to be around,” he said with an air of sarcasm.

Sam stuck her tongue out at him and laughed a bit.

“Sorry, but I’m gonna have to side with Sam on this one,” Maisha chimed in. “You’re a bit much for anyone to take in at first.”

Terrell made a face as if the comment offended him.

Maisha smiled. “I remember when I first met you, too. I walked home from school with Danielle, thinking we were gonna get our homework done then play outside or something,” she started with a smile mixed equal parts sadness and happiness as she reminisced about the friend she’d lost, Terrell’s little sister. “But no. We ended up spending the entire afternoon dodging stuffed animals being thrown at our heads, trying to stop him from pulling our hair, and guarding our papers from being stepped on and tossed around,” she said with a laugh. “He just couldn’t handle all the attention not being on him,” she reasoned.