I watch Maggy’s expression carefully. Her reaction right now is key to my happiness. And to this day going off without a hitch.
“Nate.” She says my name sort of breathily. I like it. “This is beautiful.”
“Yeah?”
I did something I wasn’t sure she’d like. I created a room for Brynn. “I just want you to know—”
Maggy holds up her hand. “You don’t have to explain. You wanted her to have a room here just in case.” She steps into the space looking around. “Did you do all this yourself?”
“No. I’ve got an interior designer on staff. I told her exactly what I wanted, even showed her pictures of Brynn’s space at your place.”
“She did a great job. It’s the same color as her room at home.”
“The crib isn’t the same, but it’s similar.” Everything is similar to her room at home, only it’s about four times larger. “Unfortunately, your rocker is one of a kind, so I just found an ordinary one.” I point at one of those glider rockers they sell at every baby store in the city. This one has pale green cushions to match the walls.
“It’s perfect.”
Without warning, Maggy steps into me and wraps her arms around me. “Thank you. This is perfect. Her home away from home.”
Stepping away from me, she reaches for the carrier. “Let me feed her so we can get started on brunch.”
“You do that. I’ll bring in her luggage. Our girl seems to overpack.” Especially since her bedroom here is completely stocked with the same gear as at Maggy’s place. No matter.
Maggy laughs. “Baby Brynn travels in style. Next thing you know, she’s going to have an entourage.”
Thinking of my family, she’s right. “You have no idea. Just wait. My mom isn’t going to sit up in Elgin and wait for an invitation to visit. She’s just going to show up.” I arch my brow. “You do realize that, right?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She kisses our daughter. “Brynn needs family around her.”
Apparently, so do I.
* * *
My parents are early.
Shocker.
I doubt they ever intended to wait until eleven thirty to get here. Nope. Instead, they show up at nine thirty. On the dot.
I’m sure that was by design, because I’d told my mom that I was picking the girls up at nine and that Maggy and I were going to work on brunch together. She’s damn wily, that one.
The minute the door opens, I say, “You’re early.”
And she, being the queen of the bluff, looks at her watch. “Oh, are we? You didn’t say nine thirty?”
“No, Mom. You know I didn’t,” I deadpan, because why bother getting upset? She wants to meet Brynn and Maggy, and I don’t blame her.
“Come on in. Brynn’s nursing right now.” I wait for them to pass, adding, “Can you wait a few minutes before you barge into the baby’s room?”
“The baby’s room?” She smiles at me knowingly. “She has a room here?”
Mom knows all about Maggy’s and my situation; I figured it’s best she knew the score to prevent any uncomfortable conversations today. “Yes. She’s got a room here.”
“That’s wonderful.” Dad’s the one who adds that little comment. “I can’t wait to meet the girls.”
I smile at his use of the words “the girls.” It’s how I think of them, too. “I’ll let them know you’re here.” I point to my couch. “Now, sit. And be good.” I chuckle as I head back to Brynn’s bedroom.
Brynn’s bedroom.
