It has been a crazy first few weeks, but today is my first official day away from the chaos and problems. Decompression and relaxation are my words of the day. My bakery, Meraki, is finally up and running for the world to see.
The word Meraki is a Greek word that means, to do something with soul, creativity, or love. There couldn’t have been a better name for it, everyone agrees on that.
Some days Kylo will come down to the shop and help on the bakery or bookstore side if needed, but most days, he works on his artwork in different locations. I think it’s cute that my big, scary husband spends his days sitting peacefully, sketching or painting. You would never expect it at first glance.
I’m snuggled into his chest on the sofa in our cottage. There is soft, acoustic music playing from a speaker loudly in another room and Ace is napping on the hearth in front of a hot, crackling fire. The rain is lashing against the windows, but none of us mind. We are warm, and safe, and happy, and everything is as it should be.
“Meraki did really well this past week. I know I say it often, but I truly am so proud of you, baby.” Kylo comments, playing in my hair and pulling me out my head.
He has evolved so damn much from when I first met him to where we are now. I love how far we both have come.
“Thank you, amor. I’m proud of you, too. For everything. Not only is your art doing great, but so are you.”
Leaning up to capture his lips in a kiss makes any worries wash away. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for my anxieties to crawl their way up to the forefront of my brain when I lay my head back down.
Lately, I have been on edge and more anxious than usual because I feel like Kylo might want to take a new step soon. I have always been adamant on not having children for my own personal reasons, and we have talked about it briefly before, but a part of me is afraid I’ll bore him, that eventually this won’t be enough for him.
Honestly, it has been on my mind ever since we babysat for one of our neighbors and I saw him interacting with the baby.
“Penny for your thoughts? I can feel those wheels turning, you aren’t alone.”
A few seconds is all I need to muster up all my strength to have this conversation. I know it had to be had again eventually but this time I’m scared.
“I’ve been thinking lately about something that I want to discuss with you.” My nervousness in the air is almost tangible as I sit up straighter.
“Why doesn’t this sound good?” His nerves seem to mirror my own now.
Lacing my hand through his, I push through. “I hope this doesn’t end badly, but I feel it’s a conversation that needs to be had. I don’t ever want you to get bored or tired of me and want more than what I can give you.”
“Hey, hey. Where is this coming from?”
My eyes search his for any clues, but all I find is confusion mixed with tenderness. After a deep breath, I blurt it out.
“Do you…Did you ever want to have kids someday?”
Any lingering nerves dissipate on his end and he shines a reassuring smile my way.
“If you want kids, we can start right now. If you want it to stay just us and Ace, I will be happy either way. You, Mrs. Kincaid, are my family. I will never need more than this right here. I promise.”
That statement alone is comforting in ways I can’t even begin to explain. My entire body feels lighter with his words.
“I want it to be me and you. Until the end of time.” I wrap my arms around his neck and cuddle him on his lap.
“It’s always going to be us. Even after death, I will always find you.”
He tilts my chin up and kisses me long and hard.
“Ti amo.”
“Te amo mas.” I punctuate my statement with a kiss over the tattoo behind his ear. The matching lily tattoo we got on the night of our wedding ceremony.
This is where I belong.
THE END
