Joe Merriweather x Jen @jasoncrouse
(please let me know if this is not to your liking, I will gladly redo!)
Sometimes I wonder how we got here. How you ever agreed to even go out with me is a freaking miracle. Let’s be honest, you hated me. I get it, I was your superior, and fuck if we didn’t butt heads.
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“You’re a fucking chauvinistic ass, Merriweather. I swear…”
“Whatever you say, sweetheart.”
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But as time went on, feelings, attitudes changed. And a wonderful night between the sheets turned into where we are now.
You said you didn’t want anything for Christmas, didn’t need anything. But that can’t be. The woman who turned my whole life upside down, making everything right again. Well, I have to do something special, something extraordinary. This year needs to be commemorated. Our life together, what you have done for me, I can’t truly thank you. But I will try.
Coming home from another late night, I close the door as quiet as possible, slipping my shoes off and placing them on the mat. I stealthily make my way into the living room, thinking you must be in bed by now, but am surprised to see the tree lights still on and you sitting in front of it.
You don’t notice me, so I lean against the door frame, taking in this wonderfully breathtaking sight. You sat in the darkened room, lit only by the tree lights and the dimming fire in the fireplace. I could hear you softly humming, singing, a Christmas carol I couldn’t quite place. Your voice so melodic, something I never hear enough of.
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“I can’t sing, it’s why you never hear me! So don’t make me!” Your bottom lip jutting out at me.
“Darling, your voice sounds like a chorus of angels, don’t tell me otherwise!” I grabbed you by your waist, pulling you impossibly close.
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I catch a bit of the lyrics, realizing it was The Little Drummer Boy. You were emphasizing the “ra pum pum pum pum” your own sweet spin on it, making me snicker. I moved closer to see your gorgeous face gazing lovingly at another face that was now sound asleep. Slowly, I pull my phone out of my pant’s pocket, needing to capture this oh so precious sight. As I take a photo, I realize that the volume is up, your head swiveling towards the shutter sound.
I give you a smirk, hoping you won’t be too upset. “Hey sweetheart, don’t stop on my account.”
“Oh my word! You scared the crap out of me!” You whisper/yelled at me, trying not to wake the sweet baby girl in your arms.
But I knew you weren’t angry, not really. I knew you were happy that I had made it home, safe and sound. Something that is far from a given in our work.
You patted the spot next to you. “Sit, enjoy the quiet. I’m sure she’ll sense soon enough that her Daddy is home.” You giggled, your free hand reaching up for mine.
As I crouched down, my joints protesting, I could feel a calmness wash over me. I was home, home. You, my sweet Jen, have made it all true. A dream I never dared dream, it’s because of you.
“Thank you my sweet girl, for everything.” Leaning on one hand, I moved closer, kissing the top of your head, inhaling your delicious scent. “Sugar cookies?”
“Yep. And apple pie, shortbread, banana bread, bread pudding, chocolate fudge…” You were ticking off each item you listed with your fingers.
“Sweetheart, don’t overdo it, remember what the doctor said.” I bent down, placing a soft kiss on baby girl’s forehead.
“I’m pregnant, Joe, not dying!”
I placed my hand on your rapidly growing bump. “With twins, Jen. You can’t be on your feet for hours on end.”
I hear you sigh. Snaking my arm around you, I pulled you tight. “I’m sorry, you know your body better than me. It’s just…”
You turned, bringing your hand up to my face, caressing my cheek. “I know, you can’t help but worry, I get it. And I promise once the holidays are over, I’ll rest.”
We both looked down to see our tiny sweetheart stirring. “I knew she’d sense you. Such a Daddy’s girl she already is!”
I situated myself to pull her into my lap. “Come to daddy, sweet pea.”
You stood up, almost slipping. “Sweetheart!” I grabbed for you.
“It’s just my foot’s asleep, Joe. No need to panic.” You giggled, hobbling towards the kitchen.
You came back in, your phone in hand. “Two can play at this!” You snickered, already snapping away. “A perfect picture. Look!” You handed me the phone and I couldn’t help the audible gasp. You were right, it was nearly perfect.
Reaching up for you with my one free hand, the other being occupied by a certain princess. “Sit, let’s truly make it a perfect picture.”
You slowly lowered yourself, your stomach already hindering easy movement. “Not even 5 months and already a freaking beached whale.”
“I know, I know!” You laughed, laying your head on my shoulder, one hand reaching for princess. You held your phone up, snapping the perfect selfie. Bringing it down to view, we both smiled.
The picture perfect family. Who would have ever thought?
