“Alright, Okay, easy does it, Ma.” Carmy murmured, hands glued to your waist and lower back as he helped (or tried to help) you settle down onto the couch. He was determined to do some exercises with you, but curb walking just about did him in.

He could tell that you felt the same.

“Was a bit much, huh?” He mumbled, kissing your forehead. “What’dya want t’eat? I’ll make you whatever.” Carmen gnawed on his bottom lip, lowering himself down on his knees. He placed his palms against your belly, pressing a soft kiss to it.

“Any day now.” He mumbled, mostly to himself, as it all set in. The baby-proofing they had done. The setting up of gates, hiding away cords, making sure every area had a soft padding, cushioned corners. It was all so surreal.

There was a changing station in too many rooms, there was a silly lil’ rocker-swing next to the couch. A nursery set up fully, but a bedside crib just in case. Not to mention the overflow of registry gifts.

A fancy stroller-and-carseat from your well-off family, a sink-bath thing that Carmen wasn’t sure how to set up. A strange boob thing that he didn’t want to get into, and so many goodie boxes. You both had great friends.. mostly you, but still.

“Grilled cheese? Chicken? Maybe a burger and fries?” He pried, knowing you must want something. Come on, after all the exercise? He was hungry. You must be, too.

“Lil baby needs some food, Ma.”