As I pull up in front of Maggie’s, I can see her filling up the bakery counter with fresh pastries through the glass. That woman is pure joy. She is always smiling and has a kind word for everyone.
Even for Brian Marshal who’s sitting with his laptop, at his usual table beside the large front window, just like he does most days of the week. It’s a prime location for people watching and collecting gossip. He currently has several newspapers spread out before him, presumably catching up on national news. We know he knows his way around the internet, so this seems a little extra.
When I open the door, Maggie looks up from her display and smiles warmly.
As long as I can remember Maggie has had a short blonde bob. She coordinates her large, framed glasses with her smock dresses and tights. Today they are orange, and I’m here for it. All women need this level of confidence.
“Good morning, Hannah. I didn’t expect to see you out so early this morning. Did you come alone?” She peers around me.
The clock on the wall above her head reads 7:30 a.m. Yes, it is definitely very early for me, especially on a Sunday. I can’t even get to work on time most days. The place is empty except for a young couple that don’t look like they have been home yet. And of course, Brian who is pretending not to listen, but I know better.
I look over my shoulder to check too.
Turning back, I give her a cheeky smile, and confirm, “Yep, I’m all alone. I need something hot and something sweet. I knew you wouldn’t let me down.”
Maggie just shakes her head. She clearly knows Danny and I went out last night and is wondering where he is. I’m sure Beck will fill her in.
“Well of course. What can I get you?” she asks.
“I would love an extra-large coffee with two cream and one sugar.” I am just about to select a donut when I hear the bell ring over the door and a delighted squeal.
“Auntie Hannah!”
I turn just in time to catch Ben as he comes barreling towards me. I pick him up, put him on my hip, and give him a squeeze.
“Hey, little man. How are you today?”
“I am full of awesome,” he replies with a giant smile.
He is alwaysfull of awesome. He’s honestly the best kid I have ever met. Currently dressed in black sweatpants and a hoodie with a popular athletic brand name across the front, red converse and a red cap on backwards he looks adorable. Like seriously, I wish I was this cool.
Claire became unexpectedly pregnant while working out of the country. It was shocking but she was excited to have a baby. Ransom quickly decided, for them both, that living a nomad lifestyle as travel bloggers, with a child was not a part of his life plan and sent Claire back to Emerley. He wasn’t willing to even discuss ways to make it work for all of them.
Since then, Claire has been on a one-woman mission to do as much with Ben by her side as humanly possible. To prove to everyone, especially Ransom, that parents don’t have to stop doing the things they love, they can just adapt to include a child. This kid could ride a skateboard and a snowboard by the time he was three.
“And how is your mommy this morning?” I pretend to whisper in his ear as I look over at Claire.
You would never know she danced the night away last night.
“Are you pretty good, mommy?” He looks towards my friend for confirmation with his arms looped around my neck.
“I’ll be better after I have a coffee and something to eat,” she answers her son.
“What do you think, Auntie Hannah? Would you like to join us?”
“Please, please, please say yes,” Ben pleads as he takes my face in his tiny hands and squishes my cheeks.
“I would absolutely love to have breakfast with you.”
I give him a fishy kiss while he giggles and buries his face in my neck. His sweet baby smell fills my lungs. I always thought I would have a family of my own by the time I hit my thirties, but those dreams died a long time ago. Being Ben’s honorary auntie fills that void in my heart.
Maggie takes our order. I include a breakfast sandwich, that I didn’t plan on, with my donut so I can be a good role model obviously. Claire orders them each a fresh fruit cup and bagel with cream cheese. Orange juice for Ben. A mochaccino for herself. I wonder if I should save my donut for later or if I should offer to share it with my little friend.
We pick a table as far away from listening ears as possible. Claire pulls a colouring book and crayons out of her backpack for Ben to colour in between bites. That backpack is like Mary Poppins magic, bottomless carpet bag I swear.
Once he’s settled, she looks at me.
“Soooo, last night was fun.” She winks at me as she takes a drink of her coffee.
