Stargirl

36

Ryder and I spent the week following Thanksgiving between North Carolina and Charlotte. It was nice to catch up with our family and not worry about work.

Colton was on his way to becoming a sports medicine physician, he had a girlfriend, and he even had a job as an assistant football coach at his old high school. Elias was a freshman at Ohio State University in the aviation program. Levi and Ariana were, of course, living their best married life.

The James boys were all so smart.

I just knew that Cathleen would be so proud.

My Mom, Grier, and I were sitting at a table at one of our favorite restaurants - Avery's. My Dad, Ryder, Everett, and my brothers all went golfing together while we grabbed lunch. Ryder and I were leaving tomorrow and I wouldn't see our families until Christmas time.

"So we're gonna do your gender reveal a little after midnight or at midnight if you want." My Mom spoke

I shrugged, "Surprise me."

"Ry and I are going to be in our new house by then so we could do it there." I suggested

My Mom nodded, "Getting rid of your convertible too I hope. My grandbaby cannot ride in that."

"We're trading in my car for an SUV the day after we get back. Ryder is debating if he wants a G-wagon because we don't wanna be stuck in a situation that he can't take the baby in his car but he still wants a nice ride." I explained to my Mom

"He's too tall for that coupe anyway." Grier said as she poked at her chicken

"He is." I laughed, "When we go to hotels, his head is only inches from touching the ceiling."

My Mom grinned, "Gonna have a tall baby."

"But anyway, your brothers are officially declaring for the draft next week. So clear your schedules for the second to last week in April. I think we should do it at the house or something." My Mom informed us

I started to do the math in my head as Grier asked my Mom questions.

I was going to be eight months pregnant.

"Mom, I'm gonna be eight months, I'm not sure how realistic that is." I told to her

A look of realization came over her face, "You're right, let's just play it by ear."

Might as well set up the video chat.

"So what do you and Ryder have planned for the upcoming weeks?" Grier wondered. I loved that she could tell that I didn't wanna be on that topic anymore.

"We're going to Hawaii for a week next week for his first cousin's wedding, putting the house for sale, and hopefully buying our dream house. It should be a fun three weeks." I explained

And boy, it was interesting.

When we got back to California, Ryder and I got our whole house completely cleaned and staged for showings. The realtor came to take pictures and our house went up for sale within three days.

In the midst of having a house for sale, packing for a trip, and being pregnant Ryder and I were adulting pretty hard. We got brand new cars and we put a bid on the house of our dreams.

I went from a coupe-convertible to a cute SUV styled car and so did Ryder. It really gave me a better peace of mind knowing our baby would be safer.

On top of that, Ryder and I found our dream home in the hills of Calabasas. It was a six bedroom, seven bathroom house. The house was luxurious all while being down to earth. It was too extra but also not basic. There was a pool, a beautiful kitchen, it was just perfect. I loved the location, the land, and I could just dream of building our life here.