Good Times

My date with Connie went great. We spent a romantic night at the best restaurant in town. After that, we took a walk in the park, using only the light of the moon to show us our path. I was completely in love with her, and nothing could have made our date any more perfect.

For once, it seemed as though my life was turning around. I had heard nothing of Ashley since that horrible night and my agent had decided to give me three months off from touring. This gave me plenty of time to establish my relationship with Connie.

Layla had a formal anniversary party a few weeks after my date with Connie. It was great to see my brother, Garret, again. He was still working his way up in law enforcement, hoping to someday work as a DNA analyst for the FBI. He hadn’t really changed much, and after only seeing him for about an hour, he scampered away to catch his plane home.

Layla told me that he hadn’t met any good women out in Bridgeport yet and she suspected that he was jealous of the relationship she and Kevin had. Taking in the moment of privacy with Layla, I told her of my plan to propose to Connie.

She stared at me for a bit before putting in her two cents worth, “Are you sure it’s a good idea? Maybe you should let things settle more before you make such a huge commitment. What would you do if Ashley got upset and decided to hurt you or Connie?”

I didn’t want to think about that, “Look, Layla, I have always respected your wisdom, but I love Connie. I can’t continue waiting around. Ashley promised me she would leave us alone, and thus far, she has kept her word. I don’t want to lose Connie again, I would die without her. I just want you to support me on this.”

She looked upset, “Well, I just can’t support it. I don’t think it’s the right time. Have you even thought about what this would do to your career?”

I couldn’t stand to listen to her negativity anymore. I turned and walked over to Zackary. That little boy was like magic to me, the way he could erase my mind of any dark clouds.

A month went by in light speed. My relationship with Connie grew stronger each day that passed, every hour with her proved to me more that she was meant to be with me. Ashley was completely erased from my life and Connie never spoke of her. I was positive that she would finally leave me alone.

One morning, I had Connie over at my house. I sat at my keyboard and played her a couple new songs I had been working on.

She watched happily and gave me feedback on what she thought. Even though we were improperly dressed, the moment just felt so right. I got down on one knee before her and took her smooth hand in mine.

“Connie, I have always loved you, and I will never stop loving you. You are my everything, and I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you. Marry me. Make me the happiest man in the whole wide world.”

I pulled out the 2 carat diamond ring I had gotten for her and her eyes sparkled more vibrantly then the ring ever could have. She was so excited she could barely mutter a word. She put out her hand and I placed the ring on her slender finger.

She jumped into my arms and covered my face in kisses. It was the happiest day of my life, my soul mate had finally chosen to become my wife.

A couple days later, we were laying in bed talking about wedding plans. Connie really didn’t have too much to say, I was concerned that she may have been having second thoughts. When I asked her what was on her mind she perked up a little bit.

She crossed her fingers through mine and gazed in my eyes. She smiled at me as she said, “Josh, I think we will need to hold off on the wedding plans for a while.”

I didn’t understand why she looked happy. I couldn’t wait to marry her, “Why is that, love, I thought you wanted to get married this fall.”

“I did, but life has other plans. I’m pregnant, Josh!”

It took a second for her words to sink in. I nearly jumped out of the bed I was so ecstatic. “Really? I can’t believe it!”

It was all too unreal, not only did I have the woman of my dreams, but she was also carrying my child. All my wedding plans flew out the window as we began to talk about baby plans. Connie was nearly two months along, mostly likely she got pregnant the night that I go home from touring.

We decided that she would stay at her home until the baby was born, and then she would move in with me. Just so she wouldn’t have to worry about the stresses of moving while in her delicate condition.

Before she left, I patted her growing tummy. “Take good care of our little sprinkle. I’ll see you tomorrow, babe.”

That night, I could hardly sleep. In just a few days, my life had become so wonderful. The night passed by slowly, but eventually the sun began to peek out from behind the trees, and the sky turned from black to red to a bright blue. It was a gorgeous day outside, in the distance I heard the birds chirping and children laughing.

I got dressed and headed outside. As I started down the road towards Connie’s house, my phone began to vibrate in my pocket. I pulled it out and looked at the screen.

It told me the caller was from an unknown number. I pushed the talk button and put it up to my ear, “Hello?”

Chapter Nine: To Be a Father