Page 61 of Dove

I knew he was thinking about his mother and how he hadn’t had a good role model in her when it came to parenting. But he had the Reeds as excellent role models, as well as my parents.

His mother had a couple of relapses over the last year, but none where she disappeared. If she didn’t break down into depression, then she would shut people out or start talking nonsense for a while.

Reighvyn turned to face me and cupped my face. He pressed his forehead against mine. “I love you.”

“I know that you do.”

“You’re so amazing, girl.”

“And so are you, husband.”

“I cannot believe that I’m about to be somebody’s father. I’m gonna spoil her if it’s a girl, and if it’s a boy, that li’l jit about to be my roadie. He’ll be in the gym with me from the time he can walk.”

I laughed, because I knew that he was serious. “I’m sure that he will be.”

“I love you, Dove. Thank you for continuing to give me such precious gifts. Shit hasn’t been easy for me. I haven’t had much experience in what a normal, healthy relationship looks like, but you believed in me enough to take a chance on me. You have taken time to make sure that I’m healthy mentally and that when it would be easier for me to shut down, you wouldn’t let me. Thank you for getting in this fight with me, because I swear, learning to be in a healthy relationship and receive love has been the biggest battle of my life.”

“Reighvyn, you’ve been so worth it, baby.”

We kissed for a while before he reclined on his couch and pulled me with him. The game was forgotten as was the dinner I had just finished cooking.

“What do you want to name her if she’s a girl?” I asked.

“I was thinking of Robyn or Lark.”

I giggled. “So we continue the theme of bird names, huh?”

“Why not? I mean, we don’t want our baby to feel left out, do we?”

“Absolutely not.” I agreed.

“What about you? You like those names or something else?”

“I think they’re both perfect.”

“Not Robyn Lark, baby. Either or.”

“Uhm, I like Lark then, if I have to choose.”

“What do you want to name him if it’s a boy?” He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead and rested his hands on my midsection and gave it a little pat.

“I like the name Reighvyn.”

“Nah, I don’t think so.”

“What’s wrong? I love your name.”

“Really?”

“Yes, baby. I pray that he’s an exact little replica of his father. You’re the most beautiful man I’ve ever known.”

“Reighvyn Jr. or RJ it is then.”

I giggled until he silenced me with a sweet, slow kiss.

My heart was so full of gratitude for the blessings we had received. I knew that we would be fine. I had no doubt that despite the things he had gone through in his past, he would be an excellent father. My husband had so much love inside of him to share with someone else, and as much as he showered on me, I knew he would double that with our child.

We had come a long way in a short while. I was thankful that within each other, we had both found healing and peace.Reighvyn was as much my peace as I was his, and within him, I had found love and learned how to forgive myself.

THE END