Lincoln changed favorite activities by the week. While this week’s obsession was swinging, last week’s had been his bathtub toys. Who knew what next week would bring? He was growing so fast, doing so many new things.

A chill dampened her spark of excitement. Would she be able to keep up with everything once the new baby arrived? Would she be able to give Lincoln the love and attention he deserved? What if instead of racing Matchbox cars and building block towers together, Lincoln ended up plopped in front of the television as Sadie devoted all of her focus to the baby and design?

She wanted happiness and personal fulfillment, but not at the expense of her child.

Having it all was easier in theory than in practice.

“Let’s hit the swings.” Sadie squeezed Lincoln’s hand tight. “Can you tell Miss Essie thank you for showing us the mill? Wasn’t that cool?”

“Tank you,” he said solemnly, just like a little man.

“You are quite welcome, doll baby.” Essie winked. “How old is he now?”

“Two.” Sadie dug around her oversized, seemingly bottomless tote. She retrieved a packet of wet wipes and began to rub the sticky ice cream off Lincoln’s cheeks and hands.

“Have you started to look into preschools?”

“Preschool?” She shook her head. “No, I guess we’ll start researching them next year when Lincoln turns three. Isn’t that the standard age?”

“My cousin runs Little Acorns—the spot near Dr. Hanlon’s office? They have an award-winning two-year-old program.” Essie said. “I figure if you and Renee are serious about the shop, you’ll be in need of child care, yes? Might as well go with the best.”

Oh god, this could really work. It didn’t have to be a pipe dream. It could be real…real and wonderful.

Her heart sped up at the idea of working again, of returning to her beloved career. Imagine waking up, showering, putting on makeup and styling her hair. She imagined eating overnight oats with Ethan, Lincoln, and the baby before they all started off on their separate days. Maybe they could hire a part-time nanny, Sadie carrying the new babe around in Lincoln’s old BabyBjörn on the babysitter’s off days.

Did it make her a horrible mom, how much she craved that picture?

But a happy mom and wife would make for happier children and a happier husband.

“Yes, I guess that’s true,” she replied, trying to keep her voice even despite her excitement. “Thanks for the recommendation.”

“Of course. I bet Lincoln would love it, too. He seems like such a smart, social little fella.” Essie swung her purse over her shoulder and hit a button on her key fob. Her white BMW convertible beeped twice. “I must run. Be sure to tell Renee every amazing detail, and have her call me, gosh darn it! I want her to see the space for herself.”