Remember When...? (2)

22.

March 13th, 2021

Ben

Ally starts her 18th week of pregnancy tomorrow, and I finally get to get back on the court tomorrow following the NBA contact tracing protocols. I'm just glad to get back out there with the guys and play the game I love.

Right now, Ally is doing a face mask on my face while Liam sits on my stomach, hitting me in the chest with his stuffed lion.

"How long does it have to be on my face again?" I ask, looking up at her. My head was on her ankles that were crossed in the Indian style position she was in.

"Fifteen minutes." She replies, adding another layer to my skin.

We're sitting on the floor while she does this because she didn't want to get any on the white couch.

"It smells like coconut." I sniff the air.

"Mhm." She said. "It's nurturing for the skin."

I look down at Liam, who's looking between Ally and I. She also put the face mask on her face.

"What's up bub?" I ask him.

He reached for my beard, giving a slight tug. I smile up at him.

"Gimme kiss." I pucker my lips.

He leans down and gives me a kiss on the lips.

"Can mommy have one too?" Ally asked.

Liam stood up off of me, walking around to Ally. I hold his little hand as he does. He places his free hand on her shoulder and leans in to kiss her.

"Thank you papa." She smiles at him.

"Mama." He says.

"I love you." She pokes his little nose.

He giggles and claps his hands together.

"I need this baby to hurry up and come so I can make another one." I say, watching Liam hug Ally.

I catch the side eye Ally gives me and I chuckle. I don't know why she thinks we're not having more kids. Just look at Liam. He's so handsome. Just a perfect copy and paste version of myself. With a little bit of Ally.

"You only say that because you want them to look exactly like you." She responds. "Knowing good and well that you're stressing me out on purpose."

I shrug. "Or maybe I just like the children we produce."

"Give me three years after this one is born." She tries to compromise.

"You have two." I say.

"Keep pushing and I'll make it four." She narrows her eyes.

I narrow mine back, willing to take this challenge.

"Children aren't just something you can get rid of after some time Ben. They're forever." She said.

"I know." I say. "Due to that fact, you aren't going anywhere."

"So we're only engaged to be married because we have children together?" She asks.

"You're putting words in my mouth." I purse my lips, looking up at her.

She's looking down at me, trying to make everything make sense.

"You need to stop pushing that narrative Ally." I sigh. "I'm with you because I love you. I want to build with you. The amount of children we have doesn't make my love for you any less realistic."