The Dance by Alison G. Bailey Read Free Book Online Page B

you’re spot on with that.”
    Hipster guy breathed a sigh of relief as he escorted Will’s mom away, rattling on about his vision.
    Hoping to get a glimpse of the swagger, I turned back toward Hart’s table but he was gone. My gaze quickly searched the crowd with no sign of him. I’d looked away only for a brief moment. Where could he have disappeared to so fast? I was about to fan out and go looking for him. I thought it would be fun to catch up on our lives. I stopped myself. There was no point in chasing after Hart. He never made an effort for me during our senior year, even after the moment we shared.

 
    Building the house took four months longer than expected. Will was meticulous with every single detail, from the earth-tone stones used for the exterior to the nails. Extra special attention was paid to the entrance. My mother-in-law schooled me on the importance of having a proper southern porch. Not everyone will make it past your front door but everyone will see your front porch. It was crucial in her eyes that our porch properly showcased her son’s status in the community.
    Three deep stone steps led guests up to the large wraparound porch with the intricately carved dark wood door. An Original Charleston bed swing hung at one end while two black lacquered high back rockers were positioned at the other. The furniture popped well against the natural browns, creams, and rusts of the stone exterior. The big front yard was filled with rows of azalea bushes and several moss-covered old oaks. It was a picture right out of a southern fairy tale.
    Will had definite ideas and input for the inside but for the most part he left the interior decorating to me. I chose to go with a neutral gray palate for the walls with pops of color coming from the furniture and accent pieces. Dark cherry wood floors covered the downstairs while the upstairs was covered in soft plush heather-gray carpet. Will made good on his promise of giving me the ultimate kitchen. The mixture of browns, blacks, and beiges in the granite countertops and back-splash offset the stainless steel appliances, giving the room a warm cozy feel.
    Turned out Will was right about me not having a lot of time once the build on the house got started. The idea of culinary school lingered in the background for the time being as I zeroed in on making us a home and a family.
    “How much longer?” Will shifted from one foot to the other with excitement.
    “One minute.” I flashed a quick smile up at him.
    I was sitting at the vanity in our bathroom while Will hovered close by. The past few weeks I hadn’t been feeling well. At first I thought it was due to the stress of finishing up the house. But we’d been settled in for more than a month and I still wasn’t feeling like myself. The plan had always been to move into our house and then start a family. In my mind that meant live in the house for six months to a year and then start trying . Apparently, the powers that be had other plans.
    Two months after Will and I started dating, I knew in my heart and mind that he was the one, so I got on the pill. Will continued to wear condoms until three years ago. He hated them. Since I was on the pill and we were going to be married anyway, I was fine with him not wearing them anymore. Besides, I liked the way he felt not all covered up. I was religious when it came to taking my pill and my period was like clockwork. With all the stress and activity of moving, I may have lost track of a few things.
    The alarm on Will’s phone beeped indicating the minute was up.
    Taking in a deep breath, I reached for the pregnancy test.
    I stood in front of Will, trying to keep my expression neutral. “Daddy . . .”
    “Are you telling me we’re having a baby or are you trying to turn me on?”
    “We’re gonna have a baby!”
    Leaping into Will’s outstretched arms, I squealed as he spun me around.
    I slid down his body until my feet hit the floor. Cupping my face, Will brought our