Of course not, but even more so, I don’t want to disappoint her.
I take the costume and when I find the zipper on the front, I’m certain it came from one of those fly-by-night web stores, but I keep my mouth shut because it’s making her happy.
Piper helps me step into the costume, and when my boot gets stuck in the narrow leg, she works the furry nightmare over my shoe, somehow avoiding getting the damn thing filthy.
I watch her as she squats before me. She’s adjusted well to life on the farm and though she hasn’t found a teaching position yet, it’s just a matter of time. She’s been working as a substitute and helping at Willow Bend in her spare time. We’ve settled into an easy routine and I couldn’t ask for more.
Life is good. I’ve got the love of an amazing woman, a loving family, and the simple life I’ve always wanted. That Piper’s bonded with my mom and Gran is just icing on the cake.
For me anyway. For her, I think it runs even deeper.
It’s the first real family she’s had and I’m so thankful I can share it with her.
I step into the second leg and she pulls the costume up, holding out the sleeves so I can shove my arms in. As predicted, it’s a tight squeeze. The damn thing barely reaches my shoulders and I’m pretty sure I’ve got the mother of all wedgies as she zips me up.
“How do I look?” I ask, extending my arms to the side.
She giggles and I’m pretty sure she’s laughing at me, not with me.
“You look good.” That she barely manages to keep a straight face tells me everything I need to know. “You just need the finishing touches.”
She adds the gloves and shoe cover and when she comes at me with the giant rabbit's head, it takes every bit of my will to let her put it on my head. It’s hot and dark and…
“How long do I have to wear this?”
“Until all the kids have gotten their pictures.” She pats my stomach. “And don’t forget, no talking. The Easter Bunny is silent.”
Right. “Because that isn’t creepy at all.”
“Shh!”
I let her take my hand and lead me out of the barn because there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for this woman, including making a complete jackass of myself.
* * *
Piper
Brady is such a good sport.He might have played Santa without reservation, but as I lead him to the bench I’ve set up for pictures, it’s clear he’s not a fan of the Easter Bunny.
Good thing he doesn’t have to talk…
I can only imagine what he’d say to the kids. No, that’s not true. He’s good with them and even if he’s not feeling the fur suit, he’d never say or do anything to ruin the illusion. He’s a great man and someday, he’ll make a great husband and father.
But that day is in the distant future.
For now, I’m happy with the way things are, and I think he is too. Living on the farm with his mom and Gran is…really freaking nice.
At first, I was worried I’d feel like an outsider or be in the way, but they welcomed me like family on day one. I’ve never been made to feel like an inconvenience or a burden and they’re teaching me all kinds of things I’ve never learned, like how to cook and bake and cultivate a flower garden. Gran even taught me how to change the oil in my car and rotate my tires.
I’m anxious to find a full-time teaching position, and I’ve been interviewing like crazy, but they’ve helped me fill my days when I’m not subbing and I’m starting to feel like a fully formed adult.
The kids are lined up as we approach the photo area and when they spot the Easter Bunny, a ripple of excitement goes through the line and several of the kids wave aggressively.
Brady waves back and once we get him settled on the bench, I invite the first child in line to go up and sit with him for a picture.
I’m behind the lens today, so I’ve got a great view of Brady’s interactions with the kids. Though he can’t talk, he uses his hands to communicate with them, his outsized gestures comical in contrast to their tiny statures.
He really is a natural.
