June 22 2019
It had been a week since Mateo came home, and AJ was finally starting to feel a bit like herself again. Still healing, still adjusting—but glowing more each day. Dave had been doting on her like she was royalty, and today, he was acting... suspiciously calm.
Too calm.
AJ (eyeing him)-Why you walking around here all quiet like a ninja?
Dave (grinning)-I can't just be peaceful in my own house?
AJ-Not when you look like you hiding something. Spill.
Dave (chuckling)-Come outside with me for a sec.
AJ-Dave... I'm in sweats and my hair's doing its own thing.
Dave-You look perfect. Just come on, mama.
He grabbed Mateo's baby blanket and gently wrapped the little one in it. AJ followed, a bit suspicious but curious. Luke was already outside by the porch, holding a small black box in his hands.
AJ (eyes narrowing)-Why is my security holding gifts?
Luke (grinning)-This ain't from me. But I'll take credit if it's fire.
Dave walked her out to the driveway. Parked at the curb was a sleek, matte black **2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon**, gleaming under the sunlight like it was pulled from a music video.
AJ (blinking)- ...whose car is that?
Dave (smiling)-Yours. Push gift.
AJ (in total shock)-You got me a G-Wagon?!
Dave (nodding)-You pushed out a whole human, AJ. My son. You went through pain, fear, joy, everything—for him. For us. This is just one way of saying thank you.
She turned to look at him, stunned, hands over her mouth.
AJ (softly)-Dave...
He took the small black box from Luke and handed it to her. Inside was a **key fob** with a tiny diamond charm shaped like an "M" for Mateo.
Dave-Every time you start this car, I want you to remember that you're the engine behind this whole family. You drive it all.
AJ actually had to sit on the hood for a second, emotional.
AJ-You're gonna make me cry in the driveway.
Dave (laughing)-Then cry in the G-Wagon, it got tinted windows.
She stood up, grabbed his face with both hands, and kissed him—long, slow, and full of emotion.
AJ-This is insane. Thank you.
Dave- You deserve the world. This is just a ride.
Luke stood off to the side, pretending not to be impressed.
Luke-This gonna mess with my security routes. But... damn, it's clean.
Tony (stepping out of the house, holding Mateo)- So wait, she gets a G-Wagon and I get diaper duty?
AJ (grinning)-Push something out your body the size of a watermelon, and we'll talk.
They all laughed, and Dave opened the driver's door.
Dave- Go on, Mama. Take your throne.
AJ slid into the seat, hands gripping the leather steering wheel.
AJ (softly, to herself)-Okay, let's go.
