His Seventh Shot

Chapter 18

2 Years Later

It felt good to move in to a new place. I moved out of Maine about a year ago. Skylar and I moved in together. We were able to get a fresh start. I have a steady job now. And I was happy. Skylar was downstairs making dinner. I decided to see if she needed help.

"I'm good, thanks." Skylar responded with a smile.

"No problem." I said as I grabbed plates and silverware.

"How was work today?" Skylar asked.

I shrugged. "It's all the same old thing. Nothing shocking happened."

"Here, I want you to try something." Skylar turned to face me. I went over and tried what she wanted me to try.

"That's really good. You're getting better!" I said jokingly.

"Funny." She said with a chuckle. I kissed her cheek.

Skylar brought the food over to the table. I finished setting it up. We sat down and had some small talk here and there. I looked towards Skylar and a smile formed on my face. She blushed and looked away.

"You know I hate that, right?" Skylar asked while she looked away still.

"What? I can't admire what's mine?" I asked. She looked over at me.

A smile formed on her face. We finished dinner and I finished cleaning up. Skylar left the room. I felt around for the box in my pocket. A smile formed on my face. Skylar came back. I turned to face her. I held open my arms and pulled her into a hug. My lips met hers.

"I wanna take you out for a drive." I said.

"I'd like that." Skylar said with a smile.

I grabbed my keys and walked out to my car. I held open the door for her. Skylar got in and I closed the door. We drove around for a while. I found where I wanted to go and went to go park the car. Skylar looked towards me. "Come on, let's go for a walk."

Skylar got out and so did I. We walked to our spot. The string lights were wrapped around the top and sides of the gazebo. Skylar looked around in awe.

"We haven't been here for a while." Skylar mentioned.

I grabbed the little black box from my pocket. Without Skylar noticing, I got down on one knee. She turned and looked confused for a second. Then she saw me.

"Skylar Leigh Blake," I started when I noticed the tears in her eyes. "Will you marry me?"

Skylar put her hands up to her mouth. She nodded. "I will."

I stood up and put the ring on her finger. I pulled her into a hug. Skylar was crying. She wasn't crying out of sadness, but pure happiness. I kissed her forehead. We both knew for the longest time that we wouldn't be happy. But here we are. We're finally happy. Skylar pulled away. "I love you." She whispered.

"I love you too." She kissed me lightly.

We pulled away and she looked at her ring. "Let's head home." My hand wrapped around hers as we walked to the car. Tonight, was the best night ever so far.

I woke up to the phone ringing the next morning. I groggily reached for it. "Hello?" I asked while still half asleep.

"Hey Jason." I heard my mom's soothing voice on the other end. "I didn't mean to wake you."

I chuckled. "You're okay. What's up?"

"I was wondering if you didn't have work today, if we could get some lunch. I think it'd be nice to catch up."

"Sure thing. What time were you thinking?" I asked. I sat up.

"Does one work for you?" She asked.

"That works for me. I'll see you soon."

"See you soon. I love you."

"Love you too." I ended the call.

I looked over and noticed Skylar was still sound asleep. Throwing the blanket over me, I got up and began getting ready. Skylar shifted a little. I decided to take a quick shower. It's been a while since I heard from my mom. I moved away hoping to give her a break. Although we still lived in the same state, she would come out to visit. Or I would do the same. It was seldom. I still message her from time to time to check in.

I walked back to my room and got changed. Since I still had time, I went downstairs to make some coffee and start breakfast for Skylar. I looked at the time on the stove. It was nearing ten. It felt nice to sleep in. Work has been super busy lately, so I haven't had much sleep. Today Skylar and I both had the day off. Hopefully when I get back, we can spend some time together.

"Jason?" I heard Skylar call. Her voice was still rough with sleep.

"I'm downstairs babe!" I called upstairs to her.

There was no response. Worry consumed me. I turned the stove top off. I moved quickly upstairs. Skylar was sitting on the edge of the bed. "Skylar, what's wrong?" I asked.

"Nothing is wrong." She said with a smile. I watched her stand up and walk towards me. "I'm pregnant!"

It was at that moment my jaw dropped. I pulled her into a tight hug. "This can't be true." I whispered in awe.

She showed me the test. I pulled her into another hug and lifted her into the air. I felt her wrap her legs around my waist. Her forehead rested on mine. My lips met hers. She rested her hands on my cheeks. I felt her deepen the kiss. I pulled away.

"I love you, Sky." I whispered.

"I love you, too, Jason." She whispered back.

I set her back down. Skylar kissed me again, only this time it gentler. I ran my hands up and down her body. Skylar's chest rest on mine. When we pulled away, I pulled her into a hug. She buried her head in my chest as I rested my head on hers. I ran a hand up and down her back.

"I'm seeing my mother today." I broke the silence after a while.

"I'm glad. It would be good to catch up." Skylar pulled away.

"Come on," I said. "Let's get some breakfast made."

I walked to the diner my mom and I usually meet at. I sat down at one of the booths. A waitress came over.

"What can I get started for you today?" She asked with a big smile on her face.

"Just water for now. I got someone else coming." I shot her a smile.

"Alright, sure thing."

"Thanks." I said as she walked away.

I waited anxiously for my mom to show up. A few minutes later the waitress came back. She told me she'll check in a few minutes. Just as she left, I noticed someone walk into the restaurant. I noticed instantly who it was. She spotted me and walked over. I stood up and she gave me a quick hug.

"How are you, honey?" She asked as she sat down.

"Honestly? I couldn't be happier right now." I said with a big smile.

"Care to share? I want to know everything." Mom's eyebrow raised in curiosity.

I mentioned to her that I proposed to Skylar and that she told me this morning she was pregnant. Her eyes lit up. My mom was finally going to be a grandma. She was so happy. Then she went on to explain a few things going on in her life. Everything seemed to be going great. She was able to get a new job. And she is slowly getting her life on track.

Something told me that this will be anew beginning to a new life.