Feels Like Summertime

“Oh my God,” Katie says. “I just went into labor at Reeds’ Tattoo Parlor. I’ll tell this story forever.”

I call Pop, who brings the kids to meet us at the hospital, and five hours later, we have a seven pound, six ounce baby boy. His name is Erik Jacobson, III and he is perfect. Katie’s tired, but fine, and we spend the night at the hospital while Pop takes the kids back to the hotel. Gabby can help Pop with Hank.

“I think we might miss the wedding,” Katie says. She smiles at me as I sit next to her holding Erik.

“We’ll send them a nice present,” I say.

Katie laughs and opens her arms. But I don’t just give her Erik. I give her me too.

“Did you set up the appointment for your vasectomy?”

“Not yet.” I tuck Erik’s little hand under his blanket. “You sure you don’t want to try for a girl named Summer?”

“No.” She glares at me.

“Sure?” I bat my lashes at her.

“I’m fairly positive.” Then she rolls her eyes. “You know we can play Scrabble as much as we want, even if we don’t have more children, right?”

“I know.” And to tell the truth, I’d be happy forever with the family we have now, but I also wouldn’t be opposed to having a little girl with Katie’s dark hair and my green eyes.

“I’ll think about it,” Katie mutters. She pretends to be annoyed.

“You still feel like summertime,” I tell her, and I kiss her.

I hope summer never ends.