Though the Monsters

Chapter 36

On the Water

Harrison pushed the second paddle board onto the roof of his car and smiled. Ever since New Year's, he and Maggie hadn't had time to spend time alone. They were either working, preparing for the baby, surrounded by other people, or sleeping. There was no them time anymore, and Harrison wanted to change that. Maggie was about five months along in her pregnancy and she was very much showing. He kept thinking back to what she'd said on the beach that night, how she missed the water, and he knew that if he could do anything it was get her back out on the water. Even though she was pregnant Maggie's body clock was still working on doctor time, which meant she that she was up before the sun. This of course worked with Harrison's plan perfectly since he'd planned a sunrise paddle out on Bondi. Just the two of them, the morning waves, and the sunrise.

            Harrison made his way back up into the apartment building, he was hoping to get back before Maggie woke up so that he could surprise her with her allotted one cup of coffee. If you asked Maggie about said rule, it was inhuman, nobody should limit a person's coffee intake. Especially not a person who was known to be cranky unless they had at least two cups in the morning. They'd tried a few coffee alternatives but it was no use, nothing was the same and Maggie held to that. He poured the coffee and walked back into their bedroom. Maggie was still asleep when he pushed the door open. Harrison set the mugs down on her nightstand and sat on the edge of the bed. He ran his hand up and down her arm gently to pull her from her sleep. Slowly, her eyes peeled open.

"Hey." He said softly.

"Hey," She replied groggily. "What time is it?"

            The room was still dark since the sun wasn't up yet but that was how he planned it.

"It's early but I have something for you so you have to get up." He said.

            Maggie furrowed her brow.

"I don't have work today Hutz, why do we have to get up before sunrise?" She asked.

            Harrison nodded.

"I know, but I promise it'll be worth it when you get to see the sunrise from the water." He said.

            Maggie smiled.

"We're going out on the water?" She asked.

            Harrison nodded.

"I've got the paddle boards loaded and your coffee right here. All I need is you." He said.

"I just need thirty minutes to start functioning." She said, pushing herself up.

            Harrison laughed.

"I know, so you have forty-five." He said.

"You know me well Harrison Reid." She said.

            Harrison leaned in and kissed her gently.

"Almost as well as you now me" He smiled.

~~~~~~~

"I can't believe we're doing this." Maggie smiled, pulling on her rash guard.

            She had to wear one of Harrison's since her belly was too large to fit in her own. Harrison chuckled as she pulled at the stretchy material.

"You okay love?" He asked.

"Yeah," Maggie nodded. "It's just a weird feeling having the material on my stomach."

            Harrison nodded and walked over to his pregnant fiancé.

"You feel okay?" He asked, wanting to make sure that she was feeling up to the outing.