Eleven Eleven

by Micalea Smeltzer

“I love you.”

Reid stares at me, lips parted and eyes wide. “Say it again,” he begs, wrapping his hands around my hips and tugging me closer. “I want to hear it again.” I slide my hands up his chest and coil my arms around his neck. “I love you,” I whisper. “I love you.” Louder this time. “I love you, Reid Crawford. I⁠—”

full of wonder. “It took you long enough.” I burst out laughing. It’s the most Reid response ever. Sobering, he says, “I love you too.” And then he shows me how much he loves me. Over and over again.

“Via, huh?” He finally breaks the silence. I nod, still at a loss for words. He mimics the gesture, lips sealed. “She’s a little old for you, don’t you think?” That statement brings my words rushing back. “She’s a little young for you, don’t you think?” He winces. “Touché.”

Lmaoooo 🤣

Derrick holds a finger up for each of his directives. “Number one, this isn’t the time or place for your blog or photo ops. You got me? No posing. No photos. Just work.” Izzy, ever defiant, sticks a hand on her hip and pouts. “Does this count as posing? Are you going to throw me over your knee and spank me for being a bad girl?”

O myyyyy 😌🤭😳

Reid angles in close. “Is it just me, or is your sister flirting with my dad?”

“Reid,” my mom says, looking him up and down. “A pleasure.” Reid presses his lips together, not because he’s perturbed, but because he’s trying not to laugh. I elbow him lightly. “The pleasure is all mine.” With a wink, he takes her hand and presses a kiss to her knuckles. “Oh … well.” Flustered, she takes a step away. “I’m going to see your sister.”

“Hey,” Reid says, winding his arms around my waist. “It’s 11:11.” He nods at the clock hanging above the doorway that leads to my office. “Make a wish.” I can’t fight my smile. “I don’t need to.” “Why?” “Because,” I look around at my store, at my new friends and neighbors, my sister, and, most importantly, him, “I already have everything I’ve ever wanted and more.”

The ring on my left hand glimmers in the light. I love it as much as I did the day Reid and I said “I do” two years ago. Reid would have married me during those first few months I was in Parkerville, but as always, he respected my wishes, so we waited.

The adoption finally went through.

A part of me thought my life was over when I got divorced. Little did I know it was only the beginning.

All those wishes on elevens? They made me the luckiest woman alive.