“Nate. You’ve said it fifty times since you found out I was pregnant.”
“Fifty? Really?” In my head, yes. Definitely fifty times. Or a hundred.
“A lot. You’ve said it a lot. I’ve loved having you around, when you’ve felt like being around, but the thing is, you change your mind at the drop of a hat. You get angry and you leave and you don’t come back unless…” She looks out the window. “Unless Gus calls you.”
“I realize how this must seem.” I sigh. “But I’ve changed my mind.”
“Again,” she deadpans. “Until I do something or say something that makes you mad. Then you’ll disappear.” Looking at me with sincerity I probably don’t deserve, she repeats, “You’re a good man, Nate. But I can’t worry about every single thing I say and do for fear you’re going to leave again.”
Pulling her hand from beneath the bedding, she touches the top of my hand. “I just can’t.”
Without another word, I stand, look around the room, then down at my baby girl. Bending, I kiss the top of her sweet head. “See you soon, Brynn.”
Because this isn’t over. I’m not giving up. If it means I have to start at the very beginning with Maggy, I’ll do it. Hell, I’ll do whatever it takes to prove to her I’m not going to take off again. Whatever it takes.
26
Maggy
When I hearthe familiar buzz on my intercom, I know we have a visitor. Except we aren’t expecting anyone. I cuddle Brynn close to me and scurry to my front door. “Yes?” I say as I press the button.
“Delivery for Maggy and Brynn Fitzgerald.”
Looking at my baby, I smile. “That’s us, peanut.” Turning back to the door, I ask, “Can you just leave it there, or do I need to sign?”
“I can leave it.”
I wait a beat, then open the door. Carefully, I start the descent to the main door. When I get to the bottom, I can see it already through the glass door. It’s the biggest bouquet of flowers I’ve ever seen. And I’m a florist. Flipping the lock, I pull the door open and hold it there with my hip. I should have given this more thought, because carrying Brynn and those is going to be a challenge. Luckily, they’re wrapped in familiar paper and plastic. Bending, I reach for the bundle and grunt at the weight of it.
The two of us manage to get the flowers back up to the apartment. Setting them on the counter, I search and discover the card between a large pink rose and a white Gerbera daisy.
Opening the envelope, I spot the Bloom’s Flowers logo on the bottom and smile. When I see who the flowers are from and the note, I smile wider.
Maggy and Brynn,
I miss you. Please do me the honor of letting me bring you dinner this evening. I will be there promptly at 6PM. If that time doesn’t work for you, please give me a call.
Yours,
Nate.
My smile won’t seem to go away.
Yours.
If only that were true.
Even when I walk over to the crib to read the card to Brynn, the smile is still firmly planted. “Guess what?” I say in my happiest mommy voice. “Daddy’s coming over.” Again. He’s been here every night since we came home from the hospital. At first, it was to check on Brynn. Then, to check on me. Each visit, he’s always got something with him, like it’s his excuse. Diapers, baby wipes, a cute toy he spotted that “Brynn had to have.” Sometimes he brings groceries or food from a local restaurant. And there’s today, and the flowers. No doubt Robin played a hand in this latest gift. I suspect she’s been instrumental in helping the cranky man with his quest to win me over. At least that’s what he seems to be doing. And yes, I suppose I should nip it in the bud. I should ask him not to come around anymore, ask him to honor my wishes about Brynn, but there’s something different about Nate. He’s no longer angry, and he no longer looks defeated. I guess I need to see how this plays out. For Brynn.
* * *
When he stepsover my threshold, he leans in and quickly kisses my cheek. “Did you get some rest today?”
I’m a bit flummoxed, because that’s the first kiss he’s given me since—since the night we made the baby. Sure, it was a quick one on the cheek, but still. “I, uh…” Gah! He’s totally thrown me for a loop. “I took a very short nap this afternoon.”
“Good.” He looks at me earnestly. “You need to sleep when she does.”
I know that. It’s just hard because I’ve got things to do around here. Laundry, mainly. Little Brynn produces a lot of laundry. Who knew?
