Chapter 60: Boxed In

Zenobia's POV

"I can't believe this. It has been months and this box hasn't opened. That kinda of juju is this?" Kyle asked.

We laid in bed, toying with the small mystery box.

"It is indeed a challenge," I responded.

"Should I just smash it open or...."

"No. Don't you dare do that. My grandma said it would open when the time is right."

"What does that mean though, and why it wouldn't stop flashing that red light, is this a bomb?"

"It would have detonated months ago, Kyle. It's been here for weeks."

We sighed with defeat once again. Kyle placed the box on the nightstand next to our bed.

"Let's change the subject," he said as he moved in closer to me.

"What do you want to talk about?" I asked him.

"Our future. Our lives together. Vacation. Spending time with family and friends. Working towards more goals. Marriage. Kids."

My eyes popped at the word 'kids'.

"Of course, we're not going to rush into things. Gradually and slowly is the best approach because marriage and children are life changing factors," he inputted.

"I want all of those with you and only you, baby. I love you."

"I love you too."

Our lips met.

*Beep. Beep. Opened*

"What the hell was that, did the box just said 'opened'?" I asked.

Kyle went over to the box. I watched as he attempted to open it and surely, the box opened, revealing another smaller box on the inside.

Kyle attempted to open the smaller box, but he couldn't.

"You've got to be kidding me!" I broke into a laugh. I looked heavenward. "Grandpa, you're having a laugh as well, aren't you?"

"Hold on. This is a voice activated box. At the words 'I love you' and 'I love you too', it started beeping and it opened," Kyle said with curiosity written all over his face.

"Okay. But there's another box and that one didn't open."

"Maybe we should say it again?"

"I love you."

"I love you too."

Nothing.

"Okay.. This box isn't going to send my blood pressure up," I expressed.

"When the time is right'. I think this has to do with something pertaining to love."

"I believe you. Down side to this is, grandma wouldn't reveal the answer to us."

"Uh-huh. Let's go on with what we were talking about. You light up when we talk about our dreams. Question, do you want kids before or after marriage?"

"I want a baby before I get married, only because I want my first born to be present at the wedding. It would be the cutest moment to have my little toddler in the wedding photos."

"That would be nice. Have him or her running around at the reception, eating cake."

We laughed. My eyes landed on the box again.

"I believe we would crack it. I like the golden box. Let's get some rest," Kyle said and we fell asleep in each other's arms.

*40 Weeks Later*

"KYLEEEE! I hate youuuuu! This is your fault!" I screamed.

"But I love you, baby. Please calm down and breathe," he said.

"Miss. Hollen, I need you to breathe and push on three. Ready? One. Two. Three. Push!"

"UUGGHHHHHHH!" I screamed in agony.

"Almost there. The baby is crowning. Another push on three."

When the doctor reached three, I gathered all my strength, breath and prayers and pushed my baby out.

Kyle and I didn't do a gender reveal during my pregnancy. We wanted it to be surprise when he or she gets into the world.

Relief washed over me when I heard the crying. Kyle lightly wiped the sweat off my forehead and watched carefully as the doctor held the baby.

"Congratulations, it's a healthy and beautiful baby boy."

Tears of happiness spilled from my eyes. Kyle went over doctor and cut the umbilical cord.

After the baby was cleaned up, he received his first taste of breastmilk. He latched on quickly.

"Greedy like his dad," I joked.

"Sweetie, we didn't decide on a name. There were so many options for us."

I studied the little human being in my arms. Slowly, after he was done nursing, he opened his beautiful grey eyes at me. My heart raced in my chest.

"I love you so much," I whispered to him. He was looking right at me.

"The way he's looking at you without breaking eye contact, he's already so alert and commanding," Kyle said.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"I believe I am."

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Arriving at home from the release at the hospital, everyone was gathered at the entrance.

"Congratulations!" they cheered as we walked towards them.

Balloons, Teddybears, roses and boxes of presents stacked over ten feet.

"You guys, thank you all so much," I said, crying again.

Damn hormones wouldn't leave me be.

"I'm so happy for you both. I can't believe I'm now a grandmother," mom said.

"Come on in, let's gather indoors," dad said. He and the others followed behind Kyle and I and the baby.

"First question to you two. A boy or a girl?" Uncle Evan asked.

"A boy," I answered.

"Such a darling."

"So cute."

"Aww. He's adorable."

"Look at his beautiful eyes. Indeed a Hollen."

"Usually, a baby would be asleep but he's up and alert. And he's looking right at everyone. I love him already," Tiffany said.

"I told Zen the same thing at the hospital. He's alert," Kyle told her.

"What's his name?" Dad asked.

I turned to my grandmother and then to everyone else. Kyle nodded at me.

"Ethan. He's named after grandpa. Alert of his environment and those around him. His presence is already commanding. I hope you all don't mind.."

I watched as my grandma's eyes welled up with tears.

"Grandma I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry.. I can change the name if..."

"Are you kidding me. This is the sweetest gesture I've heard since the passing and I'm sure Ethan is looking down at us now with the brightest smile. Don't you dare change the name," grandma answered, "This is happy tears."

"Hi Ethan," she said and went over to him where I've set him down in his bassinet.

"He does look like dad. The chin and the eyes," aunt Emily said.

"Hey Little Ethan," dad said in his baby voice.

Little Ethan smiled at him, yarn then shut his eyes for a sleep without a cry.

"Aww, the tiny thing is exhausted, and you must be too. We'll get out of your hair but we're only a phone call away. If you need anything, any assistance, anything you're not sure about, please call one of us," mom said.

"More so the ones who have kids," dad added without taking his eyes off the baby.

Everyone said their goodbyes. I thank them again for all the presents the security guards were still bringing into the house.

"EJ. Time to leave," mom said, practically dragging dad away from the bassinet.

"Bye dad."

"Bye sweetie. Bye Little Ethan," he said in a whisper and went out the door.

~

Being a mom was a challenge, but little Ethan was a dear. I wouldn't change a thing and as he grew up, he looked more and more of his father and grandfather.

"We have a toddler. Took me half an hour to put him to sleep," Kyle said as he climbed into the bed next to me.

"Energetic, isn't he?"

"Understatement."

"So.. I've been thinking about our goals and dreams. Little Ethan is now a toddler," I said, sparking the wedding conversation.

"Definitely. I can't wait to marry you, Mrs. Zenobia Hollen Livingston."

Beep Beep Beeeeppp.

Our eyes popped out of the sockets as we watched the small box.... the small golden box that's been sitting on our nightstand for over three years, opened.

Kyle picked it up and his eyes expanded even wider.

"What's inside?" I eagerly asked, sitting up in the bed.

Kyle got down on one knee. My breath stopped for a moment as my heart picked up the fastest pace. Butterflies swarmed my stomach.

"Kyle?"

"Your grandfather created the best moment ever for us by giving me this. Zenobia Miracle Hollen, would you marry me?" he asked and held up the most beautiful engagement ring I've ever seen.

"Oh my God. Yessssss! I'll marry you!" I screamed with excitement. "I love you so much."

"I love you too."

When the timing is right.

' I love you. I can't wait to marry you Zenobia' were the words to open and reveal the engagement ring.

Thank you Grandpa. I love you too.


THE END
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