We start to laugh. I tug her into me and capture her lips. I kiss her hungrily.
“Is a year and nine months enough time between babies? I’m asking for a friend.”
“I have a bet for you. If you win the championship this season, I’ll allow you to get me pregnant again. Deal?”
“Oh, baby, you have a deal. I’ll even throw the game-winning touchdown for you and Aaron,” I say as I rub her back.
“Okay, Bentley. Okay.”
CHAPTER 36
Birthday Boy
Zahirah
“Aaron birthday.I big boy. Happy birthday, me. Yay,” Aaron squeals and claps as his eyes light up with joy.
He has frosting on his face from his first cupcake ever that his grandmothers fought for him to have. I only caved because Bentley joined in with puppy eyes to help the moms and his son to win me over.
Since it’s his birthday and Bentley promised to deal with the fallout of the sugar rush, I figured I’d let him have it. As I watch my son sitting in his high chair, happy as ever, surrounded by all the people who love him, I can’t imagine my life without him. He’s safe and happy and he brings more joy to my life with each day.
“Now this is the smile your father would want to see on your face every day,” my mother whispers in my ear.
I turn to look at her, my smile faltering just a little. I would have loved for my father to be here for this. Aaron’s party has turned out so cute and there’s so much love here.
The entire Coswell family is here, my mom, and a few of the moms from the playgroup I joined for Aaron to have some little friends. My home is filled with more laughter and happiness than I can take.
I glance back at my son, and my smile returns as I watch him and his father interact. Bentley is whispering something in Aaron’s ear as he tickles him, pulling that adorable squeal from our boy’s lips.
“I have a lot to smile about these days,” I reply.
“That you do. It’s good to see you both happy. That’s all I ever truly wanted.”
I turn to look at her again and pull her into a hug. I hold on a little longer than necessary. I’ve learned to cherish moments like this, not knowing when I won’t be able to have them any longer.
“You do know they are both here, don’t you? You might not be able to see them, but I can feel them. Your father and Bill will always be here to look over him,” she says as she gives me a tight squeeze.
“Yeah, I know,” I choke out.
“I’m so proud of you. You, my baby, are lemonade personified. All you have accomplished has left me in awe.”
“Thanks, Mom. Although I do need to figure out what’s going to be next.”
“You’ll figure it out. How much time do you still have using your savings?”
“If I live frugally, I can stretch out five or six more years, but I don’t want to wait until it’s all gone.”
It’s actually more than that, but I like to aim low and reach higher. I honestly could probably hold off until Aaron goes off to college. However, that’s not my style. Even with all my travels, Istill have some of my trust left, but I’m not going to rely solely on that or get complacent.
“If you need anything, you know you can ask me.”
“I’m a long way off from needing help, Mom. Aaron and I will be just fine.”
“I’m just saying. You don’t have to deny yourself or my grandson anything.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Should we get started on his gifts?” Bentley croons into my ear as he comes up behind me and wraps me in his arms.
