When Theresa bursts through my bedroom door, she says, “I can’t believe you’re leaving me.” She holds up her hands. “I’m happy for you, and I’ll miss having you down the hall.”
“I know you’re happy for me.” I sit up with the note still in my hand, folding it up and tucking it in my pocket. Then I stand up and take two steps to her and sling my arms around her. “Thank you for always being there for me. And taking me in with your friends.”
She hugs me and shakes us both. “Absolutely. We are going to have so much fun now that you’re here permanently. Oh, so what happened with Kai last night? You guys work things out. Did you tell him?”
I pull her away, holding her shoulders, and mutter, “Yeah, we’re better than good.” I chuckle. “It’s interesting how a conversation can change the trajectory of your life. I was prepared to walk away because fear trumped everything.”
“I know, Ava.” She looks around the room. “You’re all packed up.”
“Yeah, not much to pack.” I shake my head.
“Maybe it’s time to change that.”
No words have ever rung so true in this very moment. Embracing life changes like an Olympic gold medalist.
“When is Kai coming back?” she asks with an eyebrow raised as she glances to the doorway.
“He said about another hour, but he was acting sort of weird.” I glance at the window like I can see him there. The smirk on his face is like he’s up to something.
“Weird good or weird bad?” Her brows furrow, and her hands land on her hips, ready to say more.
But I say, “Weird good. I don’t know, maybe he has a move-in surprise for me.”
“Isn’t he a lawyer? Shouldn’t he have a better poker face?” She chuckles, and her shoulders relax a bit.
My eyes bounce around the room. “Yeah, except I can read him like a book. He’s transparent around me. It’s why I knew I couldn’t walk away from him, not really. You and the girls…man, I love you all.” Tears prickle the back of my eyes.
Nodding her head toward the door, she says, “Come on, Logan took Giana to the playground for daddy-daughter time.” She reaches out her hand and grabs me.
We rush down the stairs and into the kitchen. “Iced tea and deck time.”
“Of course. And this isn’t the last time I’ll be here,” I say to her with sympathy and a smidge of guilt. I came here to be close to her, Giana, the new baby…and now I’m leaving. “I’ll be back to visit. I pinky promise,” I say to reiterate I’m here for her.
She takes the ice out of the fridge, grabs glasses to fill with ice, and pours us tea. “I know that, and I’m sure we’ll all spend time over there at the pool too. But taking this little slice of time to sit with you. It will be good for both of us.”
We sit out on the deck. With the midday sun, it is perfect to sit and feel the heat on your skin.
She rubs her belly, now bigger than it was even a couple of weeks ago. Her glow and smile can’t be missed as she talks about having her baby boy in her arms. They haven’t given us any hints of names, but they did the same thing with Giana, so I don’t push the issue. It’s their secret until they announce the birth.
“I’m ready for him to be here,” she whispers in the afternoon breeze.
“So am I…It’s going to be fun.” I place my hand on hers while squeezing it tight. “You’ve got this, mama.”
“I sure do, especially now I have my best friend here.” Her eyes shine back at me with appreciation and love.
FORTY-SIX
Kai
The bench is currently at my house with my brother, who is working on a stand to turn it into a swing. He says he’ll be finished later today.Genius. Miracle worker. Best brother ever.I begged him to make it happen today so I can show her tonight. We can sit, swing, and watch the sunset. My body vibrates thinking about having her in my arms again—always and forever.
I make a quick stop to see my dad before heading to pick up Ava and all her stuff with Blake’s truck. Once I’m in the driveway, I open the door and walk up the stairs. I knock twice, then I walk in. “Hey, Dad.”
“Son, how are you?” He’s walking from the kitchen to the living room, setting his plate on a TV tray. “Have you had lunch yet?”
“Yeah, Blake and I stopped when we were out.” I follow him into the living room and sit down on the couch. “I can’t stay too long. Ava is waiting for me to help her move.”
“I understand. I have a feeling I’ll see less of you now that Ava is in the picture.” He keeps his eyes on the TV, and then a forkful of his lunch goes straight into his mouth.
