“Are you sure you aren’t cold?” Niels asked yet again.
“Baby, as I’ve said each time: I’m sure.” Though, technically, it wasn’t warm enough to walk around outdoors in a short-sleeved shirt, the Tuscan sun was enough to warm Amanda up. Perhaps it was some strange hormonal thing, but she felt fine. “Stop worrying about me. It’s your birthday. Relax.” She smiled and pecked his lips softly. Niels smiled back at her. “Okay,” he resigned. The kids were inside with cousin Isa, helping her prepare a freshly baked pie. It gave Amanda and Niels the opportunity to take a before-noon walk and visit the horses before the kids claimed all of their attention. “So… 29, huh?” asked Amanda. “Weren’t you just that little 10-year-old boy who loved to climb and play tag?" Niels chuckled and ran his hand through his hair. “It sure feels like it.” Amanda nodded. She took his hand in hers, her thumb softly stroking the back of his hand. She could still remember the sleepover they’d had for Niels’ 11th birthday, along with Niels’ younger sister Marit. Things had been so different then, so less complicated, but she didn’t regret a moment since then. Everything had occurred for a reason, leading up to this point—where she could gaze into the dreamy blue eyes of her beloved husband. He wasn’t a cute little boy anymore, but he was sure handsome. “Do you want to get the horses saddled up and such before we grab the kids or do you think Emi would be disappointed that she didn’t get to help?” Niels asked, snapping Amanda out of her thoughts. “Emi would be disappointed,” they said at the same time. They both dissolved into laughter. “Hey…” Niels said after a while. “This is our baby girl’s first Tuscan vacation… although she can’t quite experience it.” Amanda giggled. “How about we take a picture so we can show her when she’s older?” She was obviously teasing but Niels thought it to be a good idea nonetheless. “Let’s!” he exclaimed. “Baby… I was joking!” Amanda laughed as Niels pulled her towards the fence. “Stand right there…” he said. Amanda rolled her eyes fondly but she stood there just as he asked. Even at 29, he looked as excited as his 10-year-old self. Some things never changed and never needed to.
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Amanda at a GlanceNames: Amanda Pontremoli, Amanda van Loon Archives
August 2017
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