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My mom, Mom Gigi, Ellen, and Agnes held their Lunch Lady Club meetings at Saigon Bistro, like how the Smart A.S.S. had our Chill and Chat gatherings at my art gallery. The power of friendship and women working together was something we wanted to continue for generations to come.

The garage door opened, and nerves stirred inside me. My husband was home. I would’ve gone to the door to greet him like I usually did, but I was too tired.

Attikus entered the kitchen, whistling a lovely tune as he kicked off his shoes on the mat and looked at me.

“Where is my Lily Pad?”

“Right here waiting for you.” I smiled.

He approached,gave me a kiss, and studied me. “You look exhausted. What did you do today?”

I told him what I’d done today.

“No wonder you’re tired.” He glanced at the terrariums. “These are gorgeous. Joseph and Agnes will be thrilled.” He looked into his terrarium. “You know my office now looks like a rainforest, right?”

“Yup, and so does mine.” I beamed with pride. “All the wonderful plants and flowers are promoting positive energy and producing healthy air for us.”

“Do you want three more greenhouses to play with?”

I knew he was putting together the third one for me, but I figured I’d need more soon. I wanted to grow fruit trees all year round.

“Thank you!” I gripped his face. “How did you know I wanted that?”

“Because I’m the best husband out there.”

My heart was so full. “You are an amazing man.” I kissed him. “And I’m so lucky to be your wife.”

“I’m the luckiest man because I have a creativeandnaughty wife.”

Laughing, tears formed in my eyes. “Love is like a plant that can tolerate all kinds of weather—sun, rain, wind—to grow into something more. Our love is that versatile plant.”

He folded himself on the stool beside me and took my hands in his. “I’m like your bamboo or willow tree—extremely versatile. We can deal with anything that comes our way.”

“In a world of storms, I’m reminded that a blade of grass survives while a big tree collapses easily.” I breathed. “The little things matter. Reading with you, sketching with you, cooking with you,walking in our yard,and listening to your silly plantjokes—all those things make my life worthwhile. So thank you for being the magical blessing in my life.”

His eyes warmed. “I love you more than you could ever know.” He reached for a tissue on the table and dabbed my eyes. “You’re crying a lot these days.”

I gestured to the two wrapped paintings on the table. “Those are for you. I made them.”

“You were supposed to rest today.”

“I was too excited. I’ll rest tomorrow.”

“That’s what you said yesterday.”

I rolled my eyes. “Just open the gift.”

He opened the gifts and stared at the baby pink and baby blue abstract paintings. I studied his face as a series of emotions washed over him. Appreciation, gratitude, wonder, and revelation.

He whipped his gaze at me. “You’re pregnant with twins?”

I nodded. “We’re gonna be parents!”

Attikus

I thought I was already a blessed man with Vanessa in my life, but this news made my life even more precious.

“Life is a painting, and I’m living a masterpiece now because of you.” I wrapped my arms around my wife, loving her and our babies. Joy radiated from me. I kissed the top of her head. “Is this why you’ve been tired?”