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THIRTY-NINE

GAGE

The house is a flurry of activity as Ale and I work together to get everything ready for the baby.

At thirty-three weeks pregnant, Ale’s belly is round and full, a constant reminder of the miracle growing inside her.

Whenever I watch her move, her body nurturing our child with such grace and strength, I’m left in complete awe.

“Okay, so the crib’s put together, and the bassinet is in our room,” I say, checking items off our ever-growing to-do list. “What’s next on the agenda, pretty girl?”

Ale looks up from the pile of tiny gender-neutral clothes she’s folding, a soft smile playing on her lips.

“Well, we need to stock the nursery with newborn diapers and I want to make sure we have plenty of onesies and sleepers on hand. Oh, and we should probably install that second baby monitor we got as a gift.”

I nod, eager to tackle the next task. “On it. I’ll run to the store and grab the supplies we need. Anything else you can think of?”

She purses her lips, thinking. “I think that covers the basics. But you know how it is—once the baby is here, we’ll probably realize we’re missing something. But if you are feeling extra nice. Some french fries and vanilla ice cream sound amazing.”

I chuckle, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead. “Don’t worry, we’ll be ready. And ice cream and french fries, on it.”

Ale laughs, a warm, beautiful sound that fills the room with joy. “That’s for sure. Now go, before I add a million more things to your list.”

I salute her playfully and head out the door, eager to check off as many tasks as possible.

The store trip goes by in a rush as I grab diapers, some more baby shampoo, and an assortment of baby clothes.

I probably look like a damn fool, smiling as I throw a few extra items in the cart—a cute little outfit here, a soft blanket there.

It’s amazing how something so small can bring so much joy and excitement.

I'm hitting the drive-thru for some fries and ice cream before heading home to my girls.

Back at home, I unload the car and bring the supplies into the nursery.

Ale is already there, carefully organizing the drawers and shelves with the clothes and other essentials.

I watch her for a moment, my heart swelling with love.

She’s so nurturing and so caring, and I know our children are lucky to have her as their mother.

“Need any help in here?” I ask, setting the bags down on the changing table.

She looks up and smiles. “Actually, yes. Can you help me hang these mobile toys above the crib? I want to make sure they’re secure.”

I nod, putting down the bag of fries and taking the mobile from her, carefully following her instructions to hang it just right. This room, this space, is a testament to our love and the family we’re building.

“It looks great, Hermosa. Really perfect,” I say, pulling her into my arms for a quick hug.

She leans into me, resting her head on my chest. “It does, doesn’t it? I can’t believe we’re almost ready to meet this little one.”

I kiss the top of her head, inhaling the sweet smell of her perfume. “Neither can I. It’s exciting and a little scary, but I know we’re ready for this. Now, it's time to get off your feet for a little and eat your snack. Zoe’s only going to be down for a little while longer.”

Ale pulls back, looking up at me with serious eyes. “Speaking of being ready, have you given any more thought to names? We should probably decide soon, don’t you think?”

I nod, running a hand through my hair. “You’re right. I’ve been thinking about it, and I have a few ideas. But I want to hear your thoughts first. What are you leaning towards?”

She takes my hand, leading me out of the nursery and into the living room, where we sit down on the couch. “Well, I love the name Sofia for a girl. It’s elegant and strong, and I think it would suit our little princess perfectly. What do you think?”

I consider it for a moment, letting the name roll off my tongue. “Sofia. I like it. It has a nice ring to it. What about a boy’s name? Any thoughts there?”

Ale nods, a mischievous glint in her eye. “I was thinking something strong and classic. Like Joshua, or maybe even Daniel.”

I raise an eyebrow, a smile playing on my lips. “Joshua… I like that a lot, actually.”

She beams at me, her eyes shining with happiness. “Really? You like it?”

“Of course, I do. It’s perfect. Just like you.”

We spend the next little while eating the fries and discussing names and the future, our voices low and serious as we plan for the life we want to build with our children. It’s a surreal feeling, knowing that our family is about to grow, and with it, our responsibilities and joys will multiply.

“You know, I’ve been thinking about how we’re going to manage with two kids under two,” Ale says, her brow furrowed in concentration. “It’s going to be a challenge, but I think we can do it.”

I nod, eager to hear her thoughts. “Absolutely. We make a great team, and I know we can handle anything that comes our way. What’s your plan?”

She takes a deep breath, her eyes meeting mine with determination.

“Well, first, I think we need to establish a routine. A solid routine will help us stay organized and ensure that both kids get the care and attention they need. I want to make sure Zoe doesn’t feel left out or neglected, so we’ll need to involve her in caring for the baby as much as possible. ”

I smile, impressed with her foresight. “That’s a great idea. Involving Zoe will not only help her feel important but also teach her about responsibility and sibling love. What else?”

“Second, I think we should hire a part-time nanny or babysitter to help, at least in the beginning. Having an extra set of hands will be a lifesaver, especially when we’re both adjusting to life with two kids.”

I nod in agreement but tease. “I dunno, pretty girl. You know what happened the last time a nanny came to work here?”

Ale narrows her eyes. “What are you trying to say?”

Oh shit, she looks like she wants to kill me.

Me and my big fucking mouth.

“I’m kidding, baby. There will never ever be anyone else.” I need to learn to shut the fuck up. My brain is going to get me into trouble with my wife. “Anything else?” I swallow.

Ale thinks for a moment before continuing.

“I also want to make sure we take care of ourselves, both physically and mentally. Having two kids under two will be demanding, and we need to be at our best to provide for them. That means eating well, getting enough sleep, and making time for self-care and each other.”

I lean over and kiss her softly on the lips. “You’re amazing, you know that? I’m so lucky to have you as my partner on this crazy journey called parenthood.”

She blushes slightly, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Thank you, Gage. I feel the same way. We’re a team, and together, we can face anything.”

Later that evening, as we lie in bed, Ale’s head resting on my chest, I think back on this incredible journey we’ve been on and the amazing woman she is.

“You know, pretty girl, I’ve been thinking about how lucky I am to have you in my life.

You’re not only an incredible mother but also the most supportive and loving partner I could’ve ever asked for. ”

She looks up at me, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “Thank you, baby. That means the world to me. I feel the same way about you. You’re an amazing father and an equally amazing husband. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

I kiss the top of her head, holding her close. “You’ll never have to find out, Hermosa . You couldn’t get rid of me now if you tried.”

The next few days are just as busy as we continue to prepare for the baby’s arrival. The bassinet is ready in our room, and we’ve even set up a comfortable nursing chair for Ale and me to use during those late-night feedings.

One afternoon, as we’re putting the final touches on the nursery, Ale turns to me, a serious expression on her face. “Gage, there’s something else I’ve been wanting to talk to you about. It’s important.”

I put down the box I’m holding and give her my full attention. “Of course, pretty girl. What’s on your mind?”

She takes a deep breath, her hands resting protectively on her belly. “I’ve been thinking about our future, about what it will be like raising two kids under two. And I want to make sure we’re on the same page about something.”

I nod, encouraging her to continue. “Go on.”

“Well, I want to make sure that we prioritize our relationship, even as our family grows. I know it will be challenging to find time for just the two of us, but I think it’s crucial that we do. Our relationship is the foundation of our family, and I want to make sure it stays strong and healthy.”

I reach out, taking her hands in mine. “You’re absolutely right, Ale.

Our relationship is the most important thing, and I promise you, I will do everything in my power to make sure we find that time for each other.

Whether it’s a date night once a week or just a few quiet moments together each day, we will make it happen. ”

She smiles, her eyes shining with relief and happiness. “That means a lot to me, baby. I just want to make sure that we don’t lose sight of what’s truly important amidst the chaos of parenthood.”

I pull her into my arms, holding her close. “We won’t, mi amor. I promise. Our family is our priority, and that includes nurturing and strengthening our relationship every step of the way.”