The Willow Tree

3.

CHAPTER THREE

I made another appointment. And continuously made them. I had my ups and downs with my healing process, much like everyone else does. I have been going to support groups for Angel Babies. Tanner and I are stronger than ever. He listens to me. I feel like he understands me. I understand myself more each day. I paint nearly everyday. It's been two years since my first visit, and it is Tanner's 30th birthday.
I wake him up with the warm smell of coffee, pancakes, eggs and bacon. Much like he surprised me years ago. I kiss his forehead and we are always infinite.
"Good Morning sleepyhead, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY lover." I smile as I hold the plates in my hand. The coffee is on the nightstand and everything is perfect. He opens his tired eyes, and my face is the first thing in his peripheral vision. He smiles, happy, and puts the plates on the nightstand.
"Come here Willow. I love you." He kisses me on the lips and it is passionate. Goosebumps arise all throughout my body and I love him too. He takes a sip from his coffee and I plop onto the soft bed.
"We can do whatever you want today. It's your day afterall." I say and we are one.
"Can we stay home all day and cuddle? I want to be with you Wils." He speaks his mind and I am not opposed.

We cuddle endlessly and you may be wondering if I bought him a gift. I did. It's in a medium sized box, wrapped in velvet red and the gold bow is the cherry on top.  I've been waiting for what seems to be a lifetime to show him this. I've been waiting three months to give this gift.
It is late evening and it is time to unwrap my gift. I am equally nervous as I am excited. I placed the box on the table, and anxiously waited for my love to unwrap the gift I presented him. Tanner smiles, that dragged smile. He pulls back his brown hair and puts his fingers on the bow and unravels the folds. Gently he removes the wrapping paper and it is a bare box, disclosed to the world around us. Everything was led up to this moment. The love of my life shoots me a look of confusion, puzzled as to what lies in this surprise.
"You're going to enjoy it, I love you Tanner." I say as I am anxiously waiting. He discarded the top of the box, revealing the inside. And inside, there is a positive pregnancy test. There is also an ultrasound of a baby girl, printed with the name Rose. Tanner grabs ahold of my right hand and kisses the top. He loves me and he loves my gift.
"This is a wonderful gift Willow. I must ask, is this true?" Tears well into his eyes like a steamy stream of happiness. I hold his hand, reassuring it is in fact true.
"Yes mi amore, I found out a couple months ago. She is strong and healthy. I hope you will greatly consider the name I picked for her." I had already known the answer and he would signify it with a kiss, a kiss I cherished. He is a great guy.
"I love you Tanner."
"I love you, Willow."