The Course of True Love Never Did Run Smooth, chapter 13
*Sadie's POV*
"No Sadie, you sleep. I'll get them this time," Joe said, getting out of bed. His black hair was matted and he was wearing nothing but a pair of blue plaid boxers.
"Alright. If you insist," I said, laying my head back down on my pillow.
The twins had been at the house with us for three days now, and Joe and I hadn't gotten very much sleep. But we weren't complaining. It felt so good to finally have them home with us.
Joe left the bedroom and went over to the twins' room. After a few seconds, whichever baby was crying had decided to stop. Must've been lonely.
But being the wired-for-sound person I am, I heard quiet talking. It sounded as if Joe was in deep conversation with one of the kids.
I laughed to myself and turned over in the bed. I continued to hear Joe talk. I couldn't make out what he was saying though.
Eventually, curiosity got the best of me, and I quietly got out of bed. I walked towards the nursery and poked my head in the door. Joe was sitting in the rocking chair with Jonathan, rocking him back to sleep. Joe's eyes were closed so he didn't see me watching him.
"Man Jon, I can't wait till you get older. We're gonna have fun, you and me. And your sister too. I can teach you soccer, and you can get really good like me. I can teach you to ride a bicycle, how to rollerblade, all that fun stuff. And we can bug the crap out of your sister Fiona when she brings her first boyfriend home. But Mummy might not like it if we tease Fiona, so we'll have to bug her when Mummy's not in the room. Man, Mummy's a special lady. When you get older I hope you find someone as special as her. Someday you'll get married and have kids with the lady you love. Mummy and I aren't married yet, but someday we will be. Hopefully soon, but Daddy's afraid Mummy won't want to get married because when Mummy and Daddy were younger they had a whole bunch of silly theories about marriage, and how it puts pressure on a relationship. But Daddy changed his mind about marriage, and he really wants to marry Mummy now. Daddy loves Mummy so much. Wow, I've been using some pretty big words. If we keep this up you'll be pretty smart when your older..."
I gasped silently at Joe's remarks. He... wanted to marry me. And he was afraid I wouldn't want to. A part of me still sort of believes in that theory we made, but another part of me is aching to get married. I mean, Joe and I are so close. Marriage really wouldn't put that much pressure on us after all, seeing as we live the life of a married couple already. Occasionally I even find myself referring to Joe as my husband already. Maybe we really should get married.
"I dunno if he'll be that smart Joe. He's got a pair of painfully daft parents."
Joe's eyes snapped open and his jaw dropped.
"I... how much of that did you hear?"
"Enough to know that we really should get married. You're right. That theory is a load of bull."
Joe's shocked expression turned into a full-out grin, and he put Jonathan back in his crib. He walked up to me and put his hands on my waist.
"You really want to?"
"Yeah Joe. I really really want to," I laughed.
"I want to... too."
***
I woke up in the morning at eight o'clock to the smell of bacon wafting from the kitchen into my bedroom, which is actually quite a ways away.
I got out of bed and walked down the wooden stairs. Once I got to kitchen I was greeted by Joe, who was cooking breakfast and managing to feed Fiona. He had Fiona in one arm and a spatula in the other. He plopped the bacon onto a plate covered in paper towels, and grabbed a baby bottle from the beeping microwave.
"Morning Joe. Uh, do you need help with that?" I asked, as Joe tried to test the temperature of the milk on his wrist, but failing miserably and squirting the milk all over his sleeve.
"Uh, sure. Can you test this?" he asked, handing me the bottle and putting his free hand under Fiona's head.
I squeezed out a little of the milk onto my wrist It was an okay temperature, so I gave it back to Joe as he sat down with me. I grabbed an orange from a bowl on the table as he fed Fiona.
"Is Jon sleeping upstairs?" I asked, peeling my orange.
Joe pointed to the sunroom across the hall.
"He's in there in his bassinet."
"Alright. Uh, I'm gonna check on him."
Joe and I weren't conversing much. Sure, we were ecstatic over our decision to get married, but we were just too damn tired to do much right now.
I got up from the booth and walked towards the sunroom. On top of the ocre coffee table was Jon wrapped in a blanket, lying in the bassinet the receptionist at my main office bought me.
I scurried over to the sleeping baby, whom wiggling a little bit from the dream he was having. I smiled and kneeled down near him.
His squinty brown eyes slowly opened up, and he let out a shrill cry, sausing me to cringe.
"Why'd you wake him?" Joe called from the kitchen.
"I didn't. He woke up on his own," I said, picking up Jon from his bassinet and checking his diaper to see if it was dirty.
It was clean. Thank God.
I figured he was hungry, so I went back to the kitchen and sat down at the booth.
"Why're you bringing him in here if he's crying? I'll make Fiona cry."
"No it won't. She's eating. Plus, he'll stop crying in like, three seconds. He's hungry."
I unbuttoned my shirt and started to feed Jon.
Joe and I were silent as we fed the kids. Joe took a rag off the table and put it on his shoulder as he tried to burp Fiona.
"Joe, you're doing it wrong again."
"Doing what wrong?"
"Burping her. You're doing it wrong. I showed you the right way yesterday."
"I did it like this before and it works," said Joe, obviously annoyed.
"Joe don't get all pissy. I'm just saying there's a better way for you to do that."
"I'm sure there is."
"God Joe, don't be such a know-it-all," I said, rolling my eyes.
"Don't give me that shit Sadie. I'm really fucking tired. Just don't nag me today kay?"
I raised my eyebrows at Joe. He could tell I was pissed off at him now.
"Oh you're tired. You're tired? I don't think you're the one who has thirty pounds to work off, a giant set of stomach stitches healing painfully slowly, and raging hormones causing you to cry every hour," I said getting up and leaving the table with Jon still attatched to me.
Joe just groaned and pulled the rag off of his shoulder. He waited for me to go upstairs before he left the kitchen and put Fiona in the bassinet.
I sat in my studio with Jon in my lap. Times like this confined me to my big, comfy, red chair.
This wasn't the first spat Joe and I had now that the twins were home with us. We were both really irritable, and were often foung butting heads. Last night was a brief moment of our normal selvesm and we probably wouldn't be like that too often now. Sure, once the kids are old enough to be looked after by a baby sitter or something, than sure. We'd be in an alright mood. But right now, constantly looking after not one, but two kids was really making us nuts.
The phone rang and my eyes shot open. Yeesh. Almost falling asleep with a baby in my arms? Not a good idea.
I grabbed the phone with my free hand and put it to my ear.
"Hello?"
"Hey Sadie. It's Adrienne. How are things?"
"I'm pretty tired. So is Joe. Fiona and Jon are up a lot," I said, leaving out the part about Joe and I deciding to get married.
"Yeah, I know how you feel. Joe used to be a screamer. It took a lot to shut him up sometimes," Adrienne laughed.
"Ha, not much has changed since then," I laughed.
"Oh don't tell me he's being an ass again."
"Well, yeah. But we're both really tired so we're kind of butting heads a lot. Occasionally we're both in a good mood and can carry on a civilized conversation, but Joe's a little extra stressed today. He has a meeting at work. He's gonna be out most of the day."
"Oh Sadie, you're gonna be so exhausted by the end of the day. If you need anything at all just call me and I'll be over in a flash," said Adrienne, fidgeting with the phone cord.
"Alright. I'll keep that in mind," I said as Joe appeared in the doorway with Fiona.
"I'm going to my meeting now. Here's Fiona," he said, trying to hand her to me.
"Just a second Adrienne," I said, looking up at Joe.
"Here," he said, holding her out to me."
"Joe where am I supposed to put her? I've got Jon."
"I don't know. Put the phone down or something. I thought you were too tired to talk in a civilized manner."
"Fuck off Joe. Just put her on the floor right there," I said, pointing to where the rug was.
Joe looked shocked at what I had said. I never swear at him.
"Fine," he said, bending over and placing Fiona on the rug. "Bye."
I put the phone back to me ear.
"Sorry about that Adrienne. Joe's just leaving for work now," I said as Joe left the room.
"Oh, okay... Sadie, you sound really tired. I think I'll go. Remember to call me if you need anything okay?"
"Alright Adie. Talk to you later."
"Bye Sadie dear."
We both hung up, and I looked down at Jon. He was pulling at my shirt. I sighed and put him down on the floor with Fiona. I was so tired. I was gonna be a wreck by the end of the day.
*Joe's POV*
I left the house and stepped into my car. I drove down the road, breathing a sigh of relief. I needed a good break from those kids. Sure, I love them so much. I mean, they're my kids. But they cry to such an extent, sometimes I consider ignoring them for a minute.
I feel a bit bad that Sadie has to spend the day alone with both the kids. But I have work to do. I'll help out when I come home.
I turned my CD player on, and Bob Marley's 'Redemption Song' played quietly. I drummed my fingers against my steering wheel.
I arrived at the office about ten minutes later. As I walked into the building I was greeted by the giddy recetionist.
"Good morning Mr. Armstrong. How are Sadie and your kids?"
"Quite well Grace. It's good to have them home."
"Good to hear. Your meeting is in room three hundred. Have a good day Mr. Armstrong."
"Thank you Grace," I said, making my way towards the elevator. I pressed up button, and placed my briefcase on the floor as I waited.
The door opened, and I picked up my briefcase and entered the chrome box covered with buttons. I pressed the third floor button and held the door for one of the one of the soprts columnists.
"Floor five," he said. I pressed the button, and the man turned to me.
"Hey, you're that Armstrong character. The music columnist. I'm Tex. But I'm not from texas. I'm from Louisiana. But then what're they gonna call me? Louise? Ha! Just thought that one up. I really did. So what are you up to Armstrong?"
"Uh, well I have a meeting in a minute."
"I see. Now, don't take offence from this Armstrong, but you look real tired. Yer eyes are bloodshot, and you've got big black circle's under 'em. You been losin' sleep?"
"Uh, yeah I have. My wife had twins a while ago and I've been busy with them."
"Oh yeah. I heard someone mention you had a set o' runts in the house. Congrats Armstrong."
"Uh, thanks."
"Boys or girls?"
"Uh, both. I have a girl named Fiona, and a boy named Jonathan."
"Both? Well ain't that somethin'. Well, it was nice talkin' to ya Armstrong," he said, as the elevator doors opened.
"Yeah. See you Tex," I said, leaving the elevator. I entered the office full of other journalists, where the meeting was to take place.
"Ah, Mr. Armstrong. You've arrived. May I ask why you are ten minutes late?" said my boss, sitting down at the end of the table everyone sat at for meetings.
"I'm sorry sir. My kids are home now and keeping me busy 24/7."
"Alright, I'll excuse you for being late just this once. Now, we can start this meeting."
***
*Sadie's POV*
I was at wits end. Joe was gone for four hours, and I was about to crack. Both of the twins had decided to continue crying. I had no idea why they were. They had been fed earlier on today, they had clean diapers, I had rocked them back and forth, given them pacifiers, I had tried everything. They wouldn't stop.
I didn't know what to do. I put them in their crib together, and I sat in the corner, shaking, with my hands over my ears. My head felt like it was about to implode from all the screaming.
Eventually I broke down and started to bawl. Sometimes in the orphanage they'd cry like this, but when they got this loud Miss Tranch would shove me out of the way and look after them. I was never stuck in this kind of position. I was so overwhelmed. I had gotten about an hour of sleep in the past two days.
I needed Joe. I really did. Sure, he hardly knew what to do when they started crying. But right now I needed him for my benefit. But chances were by the time he got home he'd be so exhausted that he'd go straight to bed instead of talk to me.
I grabbed a tissue from the box off of the table that beside me and wiped my eyes with it. I probably looked like shit. Red puffy eyes, ratty braids in my hair, no makeup, and Joe's baggy old pajamas. Most of my clothes didn't fit me right now. The maternity clothes were too big, and my old clothes too small. I was going to have to work this weight off at some point.
The twins were so loud I didn't even hear Joe arrive home. He walked into the room and spotted me in the corner, shaking like a leaf.
"Sadie? Sadie what's wrong?" he asked sleepily, sitting down beside me.
"Th-they won't stop. It's been three hours. I tried everything. Twice. They keep crying. I don't know what to do. I'm going nuts."
Joe sighed and pulled me into his lap. I rested my head in the crook of his neck and he put his arms around me.
"I'm sorry I'm being an ass. I really am tired. I'm too used to sleeping in until ten every day," he said, kissing the top of my head.
"It's okay. Why are you home early?"
"Well, the meeting wasn't that long. Afterwards everyone was ordering food and stuff, but I decided I was needed at home more than I was there. So I left."
I sighed and kissed Joe's cheek. It was scratchy. He hadn't shaved in two days.
"I also picked up something for you on the way home."
"Hm?" I asked, lifting my head from his shoulder. He pulled a little box out of his pocket and opened it, to reveal a clear-cut diamond ring on a wide, silver band.
"I'm gonna do this the normal way. Sarah Jane Wright, will you marry me?"
I laughed, and nodded.
"Yeah Joe, I'll marry you."
The twins stopped crying.
"No Sadie, you sleep. I'll get them this time," Joe said, getting out of bed. His black hair was matted and he was wearing nothing but a pair of blue plaid boxers.
"Alright. If you insist," I said, laying my head back down on my pillow.
The twins had been at the house with us for three days now, and Joe and I hadn't gotten very much sleep. But we weren't complaining. It felt so good to finally have them home with us.
Joe left the bedroom and went over to the twins' room. After a few seconds, whichever baby was crying had decided to stop. Must've been lonely.
But being the wired-for-sound person I am, I heard quiet talking. It sounded as if Joe was in deep conversation with one of the kids.
I laughed to myself and turned over in the bed. I continued to hear Joe talk. I couldn't make out what he was saying though.
Eventually, curiosity got the best of me, and I quietly got out of bed. I walked towards the nursery and poked my head in the door. Joe was sitting in the rocking chair with Jonathan, rocking him back to sleep. Joe's eyes were closed so he didn't see me watching him.
"Man Jon, I can't wait till you get older. We're gonna have fun, you and me. And your sister too. I can teach you soccer, and you can get really good like me. I can teach you to ride a bicycle, how to rollerblade, all that fun stuff. And we can bug the crap out of your sister Fiona when she brings her first boyfriend home. But Mummy might not like it if we tease Fiona, so we'll have to bug her when Mummy's not in the room. Man, Mummy's a special lady. When you get older I hope you find someone as special as her. Someday you'll get married and have kids with the lady you love. Mummy and I aren't married yet, but someday we will be. Hopefully soon, but Daddy's afraid Mummy won't want to get married because when Mummy and Daddy were younger they had a whole bunch of silly theories about marriage, and how it puts pressure on a relationship. But Daddy changed his mind about marriage, and he really wants to marry Mummy now. Daddy loves Mummy so much. Wow, I've been using some pretty big words. If we keep this up you'll be pretty smart when your older..."
I gasped silently at Joe's remarks. He... wanted to marry me. And he was afraid I wouldn't want to. A part of me still sort of believes in that theory we made, but another part of me is aching to get married. I mean, Joe and I are so close. Marriage really wouldn't put that much pressure on us after all, seeing as we live the life of a married couple already. Occasionally I even find myself referring to Joe as my husband already. Maybe we really should get married.
"I dunno if he'll be that smart Joe. He's got a pair of painfully daft parents."
Joe's eyes snapped open and his jaw dropped.
"I... how much of that did you hear?"
"Enough to know that we really should get married. You're right. That theory is a load of bull."
Joe's shocked expression turned into a full-out grin, and he put Jonathan back in his crib. He walked up to me and put his hands on my waist.
"You really want to?"
"Yeah Joe. I really really want to," I laughed.
"I want to... too."
***
I woke up in the morning at eight o'clock to the smell of bacon wafting from the kitchen into my bedroom, which is actually quite a ways away.
I got out of bed and walked down the wooden stairs. Once I got to kitchen I was greeted by Joe, who was cooking breakfast and managing to feed Fiona. He had Fiona in one arm and a spatula in the other. He plopped the bacon onto a plate covered in paper towels, and grabbed a baby bottle from the beeping microwave.
"Morning Joe. Uh, do you need help with that?" I asked, as Joe tried to test the temperature of the milk on his wrist, but failing miserably and squirting the milk all over his sleeve.
"Uh, sure. Can you test this?" he asked, handing me the bottle and putting his free hand under Fiona's head.
I squeezed out a little of the milk onto my wrist It was an okay temperature, so I gave it back to Joe as he sat down with me. I grabbed an orange from a bowl on the table as he fed Fiona.
"Is Jon sleeping upstairs?" I asked, peeling my orange.
Joe pointed to the sunroom across the hall.
"He's in there in his bassinet."
"Alright. Uh, I'm gonna check on him."
Joe and I weren't conversing much. Sure, we were ecstatic over our decision to get married, but we were just too damn tired to do much right now.
I got up from the booth and walked towards the sunroom. On top of the ocre coffee table was Jon wrapped in a blanket, lying in the bassinet the receptionist at my main office bought me.
I scurried over to the sleeping baby, whom wiggling a little bit from the dream he was having. I smiled and kneeled down near him.
His squinty brown eyes slowly opened up, and he let out a shrill cry, sausing me to cringe.
"Why'd you wake him?" Joe called from the kitchen.
"I didn't. He woke up on his own," I said, picking up Jon from his bassinet and checking his diaper to see if it was dirty.
It was clean. Thank God.
I figured he was hungry, so I went back to the kitchen and sat down at the booth.
"Why're you bringing him in here if he's crying? I'll make Fiona cry."
"No it won't. She's eating. Plus, he'll stop crying in like, three seconds. He's hungry."
I unbuttoned my shirt and started to feed Jon.
Joe and I were silent as we fed the kids. Joe took a rag off the table and put it on his shoulder as he tried to burp Fiona.
"Joe, you're doing it wrong again."
"Doing what wrong?"
"Burping her. You're doing it wrong. I showed you the right way yesterday."
"I did it like this before and it works," said Joe, obviously annoyed.
"Joe don't get all pissy. I'm just saying there's a better way for you to do that."
"I'm sure there is."
"God Joe, don't be such a know-it-all," I said, rolling my eyes.
"Don't give me that shit Sadie. I'm really fucking tired. Just don't nag me today kay?"
I raised my eyebrows at Joe. He could tell I was pissed off at him now.
"Oh you're tired. You're tired? I don't think you're the one who has thirty pounds to work off, a giant set of stomach stitches healing painfully slowly, and raging hormones causing you to cry every hour," I said getting up and leaving the table with Jon still attatched to me.
Joe just groaned and pulled the rag off of his shoulder. He waited for me to go upstairs before he left the kitchen and put Fiona in the bassinet.
I sat in my studio with Jon in my lap. Times like this confined me to my big, comfy, red chair.
This wasn't the first spat Joe and I had now that the twins were home with us. We were both really irritable, and were often foung butting heads. Last night was a brief moment of our normal selvesm and we probably wouldn't be like that too often now. Sure, once the kids are old enough to be looked after by a baby sitter or something, than sure. We'd be in an alright mood. But right now, constantly looking after not one, but two kids was really making us nuts.
The phone rang and my eyes shot open. Yeesh. Almost falling asleep with a baby in my arms? Not a good idea.
I grabbed the phone with my free hand and put it to my ear.
"Hello?"
"Hey Sadie. It's Adrienne. How are things?"
"I'm pretty tired. So is Joe. Fiona and Jon are up a lot," I said, leaving out the part about Joe and I deciding to get married.
"Yeah, I know how you feel. Joe used to be a screamer. It took a lot to shut him up sometimes," Adrienne laughed.
"Ha, not much has changed since then," I laughed.
"Oh don't tell me he's being an ass again."
"Well, yeah. But we're both really tired so we're kind of butting heads a lot. Occasionally we're both in a good mood and can carry on a civilized conversation, but Joe's a little extra stressed today. He has a meeting at work. He's gonna be out most of the day."
"Oh Sadie, you're gonna be so exhausted by the end of the day. If you need anything at all just call me and I'll be over in a flash," said Adrienne, fidgeting with the phone cord.
"Alright. I'll keep that in mind," I said as Joe appeared in the doorway with Fiona.
"I'm going to my meeting now. Here's Fiona," he said, trying to hand her to me.
"Just a second Adrienne," I said, looking up at Joe.
"Here," he said, holding her out to me."
"Joe where am I supposed to put her? I've got Jon."
"I don't know. Put the phone down or something. I thought you were too tired to talk in a civilized manner."
"Fuck off Joe. Just put her on the floor right there," I said, pointing to where the rug was.
Joe looked shocked at what I had said. I never swear at him.
"Fine," he said, bending over and placing Fiona on the rug. "Bye."
I put the phone back to me ear.
"Sorry about that Adrienne. Joe's just leaving for work now," I said as Joe left the room.
"Oh, okay... Sadie, you sound really tired. I think I'll go. Remember to call me if you need anything okay?"
"Alright Adie. Talk to you later."
"Bye Sadie dear."
We both hung up, and I looked down at Jon. He was pulling at my shirt. I sighed and put him down on the floor with Fiona. I was so tired. I was gonna be a wreck by the end of the day.
*Joe's POV*
I left the house and stepped into my car. I drove down the road, breathing a sigh of relief. I needed a good break from those kids. Sure, I love them so much. I mean, they're my kids. But they cry to such an extent, sometimes I consider ignoring them for a minute.
I feel a bit bad that Sadie has to spend the day alone with both the kids. But I have work to do. I'll help out when I come home.
I turned my CD player on, and Bob Marley's 'Redemption Song' played quietly. I drummed my fingers against my steering wheel.
I arrived at the office about ten minutes later. As I walked into the building I was greeted by the giddy recetionist.
"Good morning Mr. Armstrong. How are Sadie and your kids?"
"Quite well Grace. It's good to have them home."
"Good to hear. Your meeting is in room three hundred. Have a good day Mr. Armstrong."
"Thank you Grace," I said, making my way towards the elevator. I pressed up button, and placed my briefcase on the floor as I waited.
The door opened, and I picked up my briefcase and entered the chrome box covered with buttons. I pressed the third floor button and held the door for one of the one of the soprts columnists.
"Floor five," he said. I pressed the button, and the man turned to me.
"Hey, you're that Armstrong character. The music columnist. I'm Tex. But I'm not from texas. I'm from Louisiana. But then what're they gonna call me? Louise? Ha! Just thought that one up. I really did. So what are you up to Armstrong?"
"Uh, well I have a meeting in a minute."
"I see. Now, don't take offence from this Armstrong, but you look real tired. Yer eyes are bloodshot, and you've got big black circle's under 'em. You been losin' sleep?"
"Uh, yeah I have. My wife had twins a while ago and I've been busy with them."
"Oh yeah. I heard someone mention you had a set o' runts in the house. Congrats Armstrong."
"Uh, thanks."
"Boys or girls?"
"Uh, both. I have a girl named Fiona, and a boy named Jonathan."
"Both? Well ain't that somethin'. Well, it was nice talkin' to ya Armstrong," he said, as the elevator doors opened.
"Yeah. See you Tex," I said, leaving the elevator. I entered the office full of other journalists, where the meeting was to take place.
"Ah, Mr. Armstrong. You've arrived. May I ask why you are ten minutes late?" said my boss, sitting down at the end of the table everyone sat at for meetings.
"I'm sorry sir. My kids are home now and keeping me busy 24/7."
"Alright, I'll excuse you for being late just this once. Now, we can start this meeting."
***
*Sadie's POV*
I was at wits end. Joe was gone for four hours, and I was about to crack. Both of the twins had decided to continue crying. I had no idea why they were. They had been fed earlier on today, they had clean diapers, I had rocked them back and forth, given them pacifiers, I had tried everything. They wouldn't stop.
I didn't know what to do. I put them in their crib together, and I sat in the corner, shaking, with my hands over my ears. My head felt like it was about to implode from all the screaming.
Eventually I broke down and started to bawl. Sometimes in the orphanage they'd cry like this, but when they got this loud Miss Tranch would shove me out of the way and look after them. I was never stuck in this kind of position. I was so overwhelmed. I had gotten about an hour of sleep in the past two days.
I needed Joe. I really did. Sure, he hardly knew what to do when they started crying. But right now I needed him for my benefit. But chances were by the time he got home he'd be so exhausted that he'd go straight to bed instead of talk to me.
I grabbed a tissue from the box off of the table that beside me and wiped my eyes with it. I probably looked like shit. Red puffy eyes, ratty braids in my hair, no makeup, and Joe's baggy old pajamas. Most of my clothes didn't fit me right now. The maternity clothes were too big, and my old clothes too small. I was going to have to work this weight off at some point.
The twins were so loud I didn't even hear Joe arrive home. He walked into the room and spotted me in the corner, shaking like a leaf.
"Sadie? Sadie what's wrong?" he asked sleepily, sitting down beside me.
"Th-they won't stop. It's been three hours. I tried everything. Twice. They keep crying. I don't know what to do. I'm going nuts."
Joe sighed and pulled me into his lap. I rested my head in the crook of his neck and he put his arms around me.
"I'm sorry I'm being an ass. I really am tired. I'm too used to sleeping in until ten every day," he said, kissing the top of my head.
"It's okay. Why are you home early?"
"Well, the meeting wasn't that long. Afterwards everyone was ordering food and stuff, but I decided I was needed at home more than I was there. So I left."
I sighed and kissed Joe's cheek. It was scratchy. He hadn't shaved in two days.
"I also picked up something for you on the way home."
"Hm?" I asked, lifting my head from his shoulder. He pulled a little box out of his pocket and opened it, to reveal a clear-cut diamond ring on a wide, silver band.
"I'm gonna do this the normal way. Sarah Jane Wright, will you marry me?"
I laughed, and nodded.
"Yeah Joe, I'll marry you."
The twins stopped crying.
