Only A Moment

Healing

SOPHIE POV

Time seemed to fly by as Milo grew and we kept busy with work and school.  I easily finished my two final courses before Thanksgiving while Addison began working at a bookstore downtown on the weekends and a couple nights as needed based on their later holiday hours.  She was working about 20 hours a week and absolutely loved helping people find a book they need or recommending their next binge read.

Milo just turned 2 months old and continues to grow like a weed.  We would walk to the school and meet Will if weather was mild as well as long walks downtown on Sundays when we were able.  Now that Addy was working it was easy enough to grab a coffee then wander her bookshop while she cuddled Milo for awhile.

We also made things official by essentially giving Addison a sub lease for Will's apartment while he moved in with me.  Both were paid in full through March so expenses were not an issue but the landlord was thankful for clarification. Will and I had basically been living together anyway but now everything felt more real.

My parents were by at least once or twice a week, allowing me to focus on work or get some errands run.  The first time we left Milo with my Mom was so we could go to my 6 week checkup a week and a half ago.  Will went along with me then we grabbed lunch at an Italian place downtown before heading home.

I hated being away from Milo but he slept the whole time we were gone.  We agreed we could manage most of the time without a babysitter since the 3 of us were able to juggle errands and everything outside the apartment while someone stayed back with him.  Addison loved the chance to cuddle her nephew after classes so Will and I took the opportunity this past week to get groceries then pick up takeout for the three of us while she stayed home.

We found a balance.  It was a relief, especially now that Christmas Break was approaching.  We spent Thanksgiving Day with my family and decided to start our own traditions including a Friendsgiving the day after Thanksgiving.  Addy invited Raj as well as her friend Dustin, insisting we host so she could learn how to make the essentials like roast turkey and mashed potatoes.  We had a mix of foods including samosas from Raj and pies brought by Dustin.

The apartment was full of laughter as we sat around the coffee table and enjoyed our meal. The 5 of us made for a crowded party but it went better than I could have hoped. Dustin was hilarious and Raj made a great addition with his quick wit and kindness.

It was clear he was fond of Addison but his family were extremely conservative Muslims.  Raj did not practice but out of respect for them was trying to find a way to grow a relationship with Addy without their criticism.

They had a lot of long talks, sharing about their personal choices and faiths, but ultimately it was clear he was smitten while Addison still became tongue tied when he was around. Raj was loyal to his family but struggling to find a path forward where they open up to his affection for a white girl in spite of their prejudices. We gave them our full support and offered to be sounding boards whenever needed, which easily brought the 4 of us closer together.

Will and I curled up in bed Thanksgiving night so full we could barely move.  Milo ate a big dinner as well and we handled clean up when everyone left so I was excited to get some rest.

"Sophie?" His voice was deep and calm as I stretched then flipped over to face him. My baby bump was basically gone so this was a much easier task now, though my body was still changing. Will cupped my face with both hands then leaned in and kissed me fiercely.  When he pulled back and met my eyes I saw a flicker of fear but was patient.  After a moment Will smiled before saying something I had been waiting to hear.

"I love you."

I grinned, "I love you, too."

Will chuckled, "I know we have a whole child together and have been committed for a couple months now but I just... I needed to say it.  I needed you to know how I feel without any doubt."