The Blood Barn (Book #2 in trilogy)

Chapter 17: Future Talk

Having just purchased two ducklings from farmer Joe, I went back into town to quickly pick up some pellets. I knew I could probably feed the ducks bread, but I also wanted them to have proper food with nutrients.

I walked back to the car with what I thought would be all the supplies I needed to start my life with baby ducks: food pellets, chicken wire for a fence, and a vinyl liner for a handmade pond. Marta popped the trunk open for me as I walked toward the back of the car, making my job a little easier since my hands were full.

When I opened the driver door and got in, Marta was petting the ducks as they chirped. She flashed me a smile as she gave them all the attention in the world, so I knew it was time for us to head home and set up their outdoor play area.

Marta spent her time becoming acquainted with the ducklings while I used a shovel to dig a pond. I measured everything out next to the garden since I would be able to tend to it, while also keeping an eye on the ducks when I let them out of the house to play. And since they would be hidden behind the house, the cats were less likely to snoop around for a meal.

As I stood up and wiped the sweat from my brow, Marta exited the house with a glass of water in her hand. She stepped down from the deck and walked over to me, handing me the water.

"Thanks, baby." I accepted it and slowly drank half the liquid.

Sighing as I finished quenching my thirst, I looked down at what I had just put together in a matter of two hours.

"So what do you think?" I asked.

"It looks good, baby. Is it all done?"

"Yup," I nodded as I cleared my throat. "I just need to put some water in the pond and they can run around in there. And if I really wanted to, I could put some chicken wire on the top to keep the cats out, or I could potentially build a shed for them, much like a chicken coop."

"Don't go crazy with it, baby. This is really nice." She gave me a quick kiss since I was covered in sweat and then went back to the deck to sit down.

I leaned the shovel against the deck and joined her in my adjacent chair. For a while I just stared out into the yard, thinking about how lucky we were to have such nice weather.

"Is everything okay, baby?" Marta asked just as I went to close my eyes.

"Hmm?" I opened my eyes and looked over at her. "Yeah, why?"

"You have been really quiet. I was just wondering."

"Well, considering I just dug that and it's really hot out, I am pretty tired. I kind of want a nap."

"Are you sure, baby?" Marta wasn't stupid, she was giving me another chance to open up about what was on my mind.

I sighed, accepting the fact that I was going to ask her eventually. "Do you still want to have kids?"

She smiled. "Why are you asking, baby?"

"I'm just thinking about the future, that's all. I was wondering if you still want what we had originally planned for."

"I do, baby," she admitted. "But I want to wait until I am out of prison for good and those people who worked with Martin are gone as well. We cannot raise kids with a threat still around."

"No, you're right," I agreed, shaking my head. "It's definitely not ideal."

"Are you worried, baby?"

Furling my brow I asked, "About what?"

"A surprise?"

I smirked in response to her question. "I'm not worried right now," I confessed. "But... if we had a child, I would definitely become worried. There's still a threat out there and we have no idea when it will show up. I don't want someone showing up unannounced when we have children unless it's family, or friends."

"I don't think you have to worry for a long time, baby."

"I hope not, we have ducklings now." I laughed as I raised my glass to my lips for another sip.

Marta and I remained outside on the deck a little longer before she dragged me inside for a well-needed shower. While I cleaned up she prepared dinner, greeting me with a plate of bacon wrapped chicken fillets when I finished showering and walked into the kitchen.

Furling my brow as I looked at them, I commented, "Baby, those still look frozen."

"I know," she replied with a smile. "You are the master of the barbecue, not me."

"Ohh, so I still have to cook them." I chuckled. "All right, let the master put on his apron and I'll get right on that." Taking the plate from her, I winked and then headed toward the back door.

While I cooked the chicken fillets in the barbecue on the deck, Marta surprised me with my favorite cider beer.

"Thanks, baby." I gave her a kiss as I grabbed hold of the beer and then took a swig. "Today has been perfect, you know that?"

"This weekend has been perfect, baby," Marta insisted. "You are so amazing and I am happy you are being strong without me. I cannot wait until we can do this every day." She stepped closer to me as I was about to check the chicken again, grabbing onto my chin and kissing me. "I love you, baby."

"I love you, too." Closing my eyes I kissed her once more.