time

ten

five months old.
11lbs 12oz. Loves playing peek-a-boo with mommy and daddy but doesn't like being separated from mommy.

'Good morning, bubba.' Wilmer says smiling as he looks in the bassinet at where Pearl is stretching her arms above her head.

'Oh my goodness that's a big stretch... Do you know what time it is? 10am. You've slept half the morning away because you wouldn't sleep last night.' Wilmer adds reaching down and tapping his finger against the little girl's nose before lifting her into his arms. She instantly snuggles into him causing him to smile.

'There's my two favourite people in the whole world.' Demi says smiling as she makes her way into the bedroom.

'There's momma. How was your workout?' He asks.

'Good, just what I needed I think. Is she just awake?' She asks and he nods his head.

'Yep, I had to wake her up.' He replies adjusting the little girl in his arms. She glances at the clock before looking back up at him.

'Shouldn't you be at work? Why isn't Kelsey here?' She asks.

'The time I was due in at changed although I do need to leave like now; I was going to drop her off at Kelsey's on my way out.' He replies.

'I'll keep her. Can you call Kelsey and let her know I'll pop over later?' She asks as Pearl leans towards her.

'Momma's all sweaty.' Demi says taking the little girl into her arms.

'I gotta go, nena. I'll see you later, kay?' Wilmer says and she nods her head.

'Okay. Are you going to be home for dinner?' She asks.

'I should be... I'll let you know if I'm not.' He replies kissing the top of her head.

'I love you.' She says softly.

'I love you too.' He replies.

****

'You kept mommy up all night, little lady.' Demi says cradling Pearl against her chest as she makes her way out of the bathroom. She uses her free hand to push her wet hair out of her face before placing Pearl down on the bed.

'Mommy needs to decide what she's going to do about work, Pearl. I really don't want to leave you angel but mommy loves what she does. Daddy gets to go back to work and that decision was so easy for him; everyone just assumed that he'd go back to work but people are going to judge me either way. If I go back to work people will say I'm a shit mom and if I stay at home with you people will be pissed that I'm not doing anything.' Demi says sighing as Pearl stares up at her with her big brown eyes. Leaning down Demi kisses the top of Pearl's head before moving back and running her fingers through her hair. Lifting Pearl back up she carries her through to the dressing room and places her in the little bouncer.

'Momma's going to do her hair and then we'll go visit Auntie Kelsey, okay?' Demi says smiling as she stares down at the little girl.

_________

'So have you started planning the wedding?' Kelsey asks smiling as she lifts Pearl out of her carseat and Demi sits down on the sofa.

'Nope. I don't know where to start, Kels. I don't want a big wedding but I don't want to not invite people.' Demi replies shrugging her shoulders.

'You've got to do what's best for you and Wilmer, Demi. If you don't want a big wedding then you're going to have to not invite some people and if they're decent people then they'll understand.' Kelsey says sitting Pearl on her knee and watching the little girl grin at her.

'I guess... I don't know. I don't imagine it'll be until she's after a year anyway.' Demi replies gesturing to Pearl.

'Did you really have no idea he was planning to propose?' Kelsey asks and Demi shakes her head.

'I genuinely didn't think he was going to do it. I was so surprised. Throughout dinner he was acting so nervous though and I thought he was going to split up with me if I'm being honest.' Demi replies.

'Seriously?' Kelsey asks and Demi nods her head.

'Yeah, you know what I'm like. I just- He was being so weird and I never in a million years expected that so splitting up was the first thing I thought of.' Demi replies.

'You're going to make the most beautiful bride.' Kelsey says smiling slightly as Demi glances as Pearl who's leaning back against Kelsey, her eyelids fluttering as she attempts to stay awake.

'Mmm... You'll need to come dress shopping with me.' Demi replies and Kelsey nods her head.

'Of course.' Kelsey says smiling.