up my plates, I sigh as I move them into the cupboard. This is the third area of Charlie’s house I've found to be disorganized while in the process of moving my stuff in. Thankfully, he’s fine with me moving everything around. Like, actually good with it. He didn’t just say it to appease me, which is what I was afraid of. Most of the house was empty, with all of my things in here now, it’s... well it’s still a bit bare. We’ll make this house a home though. Charlie tells me that every night.
With a pleasant warmth running through me, I shut the cabinet door softly and count the days again. It’s been almost a month. I’m exhausted, which is apparently normal for the first trimester, but more than that, I’m still in awe that this is really my life.
I got the Prince Charming I longed for. My hand slips to my lower belly. Together, we’ll have a family.
Sooner or later, I’m going to break down and reorganize the kitchen, the bathroom, and the laundry room. I would do it now, but I don’t want to freak Charlie out… although Ann says when I start nesting, I won’t have much of a choice.
Back to the living room, I pick up the now-empty box that previously held the plates. Breaking it down, I fold it flat so it will be easier to take out to the recycling later.
My phone buzzes in the back pocket of my jeans and I pull it out to check the message. It’s a text from Charlie, saying he'll be home soon… and that I better not be lifting anything heavy. The last part makes me laugh. I might be tired, but it’s not like I’m suddenly frail and can’t lift a couple of dishes.
My phone vibrates in my hand. I check it again, and then grin. It’s a picture of Eric, Charlie’s new bar manager, standing on his hands on top of the bar. Eric is supposed to manage the bar in Charlie’s stead, but Charlie’s having a hard time letting go.
I guess it’s safe to leave Mac’s in this guy’s hands… right? he texts.
I’m pretty sure. You wouldn’t have hired him otherwise. I respond.
Okay. On my way home.
I check the time, and realize it’s midnight, long past my bedtime. I got wrapped up with unpacking, but I’ll still be expected at work in the morning.
At my new position. In my new office. Oh, and a Diane-free office at that. She got fired. When Sarah informed me, I didn’t even bother asking why. I just told her I’d divide her assignments accordingly. Good riddance. Ann agrees. When I told Ann what happened at Mac’s that night, she flipped on Diane.
I drift into Charlie’s bedroom, shaking off the negativity — our bedroom, I suppose I should call it. Only good vibes from here on out. For both Charlie and me. Taking a seat on the edge of the bed and feeling a yawn come over me, I look down at my grubby t-shirt and cotton shorts. It’ll only take a moment to change out of these and into a button down of Charlie’s to greet him in when he comes home. It only takes a moment and I’m glad I did. The cotton smells just like him.
It’s been a hell of a month. I moved all my things into Charlie’s two-story McMansion. It’s out in the rural area, and I absolutely love it. Charlie and some of his guy friends helped move all the big stuff so it only took one day.
I’m surprised there weren’t raised eyebrows and red alarm bells from his family and friends. And judging by the comments from his sisters and mother, when we finally tell them we’re pregnant, at that safe twelve-week mark, I think they’re going to be overjoyed. I love my mother, but a big family is different. I didn’t know how much love could be amplified.
The metallic chime of the security system alerts me that somebody opened the front door. I huddle under the covers, waiting for him. He’s going to shower before he joins me, and I’ll probably drift asleep. But he always kisses me first thing.
When he comes around the corner, I can’t control the smile that breaks out across my face. He looks so handsome, in his old Mac’s t-shirt and low slung jeans with a peek of that sexy “V” showing.
He’s all mine. My sexy southern bartender to knock boots with.
“Looks like you