We lived in a small rented apartment for the first two years of our marriage. It’s hard starting a business. It’s downright insane to start a business, get married, and move to a new city at the same time. Kiran and I worked long hours. We made some mistakes, but we sure as hell have no regrets. We celebrated our first year anniversary by jumping out of a plane together.
Dana got married. Yeah, it was to the scientist research guy. I have no doubt they’ll be crazy happy and have scary genius babies with monster IQs. Last year, my sister was offered a prestigious position in Miami. I’m grateful we’re not too far. Our kids will have a chance to know each other.
Kiran never excelled in making beach jewelry, but I did start sculpting again. The tourists buy up my smaller sandcastles before I can start on a new batch. The bookstore slash souvenir shop slash coffee bar isn’t going to make us rich, but it does make a nice profit.
I had my first official exhibition six months ago. Liam Montgomery and his wife, Mary, even attended. Kiran was right. They are good people. Surprisingly, I sold several of my larger pieces. I exceeded my expectations. Of course, my wife never doubted my talent.
She’s written two more books. I’m so proud of her. Kiran still freelances too. She has articles published in about a hundred different periodicals and is always on ten different deadlines. I’ve asked her to slow down. But my girl is stubborn. She promises she will though when the baby gets here. I’m going to hold her to that.
Oh yeah, we’re making a baby. Isn’t that awesome?
The ultrasound says it will be a girl. We’re planning to name her Ellen Anita after my Grams and Kiran’s mama.
Now that you’re all caught up, that brings us to today. Today we moved into a little house close to the beach. I guess you could call it a cottage. The kind of place Kiran once told me she wanted to live when we were dreaming together all those years ago. Bonus, it has a nice size outbuilding I can rehab and turn into a studio. But the first project I have in mind is to plant a tangerine tree and a jasmine shrub in the backyard.
Fun fact, our neighbor’s daughter is also an artist. Her name is Abigail Helms. A while back, she kicked my ass at a sandcastle building contest. Small world, huh? We commissioned her to paint the baby’s nursery. She did it in beach tones, complete with a mosaic of sandcastles and sea life. I’m sure she gave me a funny look when I asked her to add a few barnacles and hermit crabs to the mix. Although, I can’t see it, I can visualize how it turned out.
Kiran has been standing at the nursery door for the longest time. I wrap my arms around her and kiss her neck. My hands travel down to her protruding belly.
She tilts her head back. “I hope Ellen loves this nursery as much as I do.”
“I hope your boobs get bigger soon.”
She elbows me. “Mason!”
“Just kidding, baby. She’ll love it. It’s her daddy and mama’s love story painted out in four walls.”
“True.”
“How are you feeling today, sunshine?”
“Wonderful.”
“Yeah?”
“Another day in the sun.”
I frown, wondering if I missed something. I can smell the ozone and hear the patter of rain on the roof. “I’m pretty certain it’s raining.”
“It is. But it’s sunny too.”
She’s right of course.
Every day we are together is a sunny day.