The University of the South

Family (6 of 6)

Julio and I graduated a year ago and I could not be happier.

I had finally opened up my own business with Julio's help and I was finally earning my own money the way I wanted to.

Besides that, there were other blessings along the way.

I suddenly hear a soft whimper and see my little girl, Cecilia in her crib, flailing about.

She had her father's curls and my looks. She was a very pretty baby.

I carefully pick her up and cradle her from side to side.

"There there. Mama has you." I whisper and she slowly calms down as I press a few kisses on her head.

She stares up at me with her hazel eyes and her arms reach out to me.

I smile down at her and giggle as she grabs at my hair in her little chubby hands.

Suddenly there is a knock on the door and I walk over to answer.

I see Luna, our maid as she bows down.

"Señor Madrigal has arrived, Ma'am. Just to inform you." She says and I thank her before she walks away from the door.

With Cecilia in my arms, I make my way to the staircase and instantly see my husband taking off his coat and loosening his tie.

He still never failed to make me drool.

He spots me with our daughter in his arms and I smile down at him.

He stares at me with the same look he always has.

"Mi Vida, what have I told you about being on your feet for too long?" He says and I roll my eyes at him, as my hand goes to my growing belly.

Yup, baby number two was on the way.

"Hello as well, Señor Madrigal." I say sarchastically and I see his look shift to that of hunger.

It always turned him on when I called him that.

"Celine." He warns and I giggle, walking back to our room.

He would be here in a few seconds.

I place Cecilia down in her crib as she sleeps and as if on cue, the door opens.

I feel arms wrap around me from behind and two hands instantly cup around my belly.

I feel the baby kick and I giggle at that.

Always responsive with their daddy's touch.

Just like I was.

I turn in his arms and look up at him with a smile.

"How's the little one doing?" He asks me and I smile down at my bump.

"Still cooking." I say and he gives me small smile before planting a kiss on my lips.

Ahh, this was definitely the life.

He pulls away and stares down at Cecilia in her crib, as she stares up at him. She giggles and instantly reaches out to her father as he picks her up and raises her in the air.

He smiles up at her as she flails about, enjoying his presence.

Julio was a natural at caring for her. He was definitely the best father.

"She's got you wrapped around her little finger." I tell him and he nods, pulling her closer to him, pressing a kiss to her head.

"Just like her mother has." Julio says as he tugs me next to him by the waist.

I smile up at him as I press a kiss to his cheek.

This wasn't the future I expected, but I felt like I was on cloud nine.