Wide Open Spaces

You're No Good

Stevie was rushing around their San Francisco home, making sure Lindsey had everything he needed in order to take care of Iris. The older ones were dropped off at school already and though it would only be a few hours, she could tell Lindsey was nervous about being alone with their 9 month old daughter. She went upstairs briefly to finish getting ready, weaving her long hair into a braid and putting on a beret.

"Hey, pretty lady! Leaving already?" Lindsey asks, watching Stevie practically jump the stairs. She grabs her purse and jacket from the hall closet, looking over her shoulder at him.

"I'm going to be late" Stevie tells him.

"How about we put the baby to bed and you cancel your appointment for me? It's just hair. I think it looks fine."

"Linds..."

"Come on, Stevie. We never get alone time. We deserve a little fun"

"A little fun always results in another little one of these" she says as she lifts Iris from the high chair, placing her on her hip. She holds her close, kissing her baby's soft blonde curls and inhaling her delicious baby scent.

"So what? You look great with a baby. I wouldn't mind at least practicing...."

"She's not even one! I want to get married first."

"Set a date. I will marry you tomorrow."

"As tempting as that is so I can avoid trying to get everyone here for the ceremony, I don't think anyone would forgive us."

"Fine. I was just thinking about the wedding night!"

"Mind out of the gutter, Mr. Buckingham."

"Join me in the gutter, Mrs. Buckingham." He kisses her on the lips, lingering.

"Future Mrs. Buckingham." she corrects. "For some reason, that sounds incredibly unappealing"

"You know what I mean" Lindsey sees her eyes drift to the clock on the wall. "I know, you need to go."

"Will you be okay here?"

"She's mine, too, y'know?"

"I know"

"She's a piece of cake. The easiest out of all of our babies."

"Alright then." Stevie hands Iris off, stroking her sweet chubby cheeks. She kicks her legs, leaning back toward her mother. "I can't wait to come back and play with you before your big brother and sister get home, sweet girl."

"Steves" Lindsey says.

"I told you I'm late" She turns to face him and he smirks, holding her keys in his thumb and index fingers. He jingles them, summoning her to jog over in platform boots and snatch them from his hand.

"You're welcome" he says, knowing full well she never thanked him.

"Shut up" She's smiling, thankfully. "Okay, I'm leaving. No more delays." She kisses Lindsey one more time then heads out the door. He hears her start her car and goes to the window with Iris to watch her back out of the driveway. The baby waves and Lindsey smiles.