I head to Aura’s room, where she’s peacefully sleeping in her crib. I smile at the sight of her, her tiny chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. It’s one of those rare moments when she isn’t crying or needing something, and I take full advantage of it.
My Ma went a little overboard when Haley was pregnant, buying an endless amount of clothes for Aura. Haley wasn’t exactly thrilled, but now that I’m raising Aura on my own, I’m thankful for every little thing my Ma bought.
I pick out a cute romper for her—pink with little orange flowers on it, and a matching headband with a bow.
Ma used to say, “Even if the world’s falling apart, a girl in a pretty dress feels strong.” I didn’t get it until now. Now I get it, and it breaks me a little to think I’m the one who has to keep her safe from the world’s chaos.
Aura’s hair is dark brown—somewhere between mine and Haley’s. She’s got the biggest, brightest blue eyes that remind meso much of Haley. As I change her diaper, I look into her eyes, and she stares back at me, a soft smile pulling at the corners of her lips.
I cherish these small moments with her—when she smiles or yawns and stretches her tiny body. There’s something so pure and innocent about it. It makes the sleepless nights and the stress of being a single parent worth it.
After dressing Aura, I grab the diaper bag, put a few diapers inside, and head to my bedroom to get ready.
I rarely dress up much. The whole town probably knows me as the guy who only wears jeans and a T-shirt. But since I don’t know what kind of place we’re going to. I decide to put effort into my outfit. I put on a dark gray button-down shirt and black jeans.
I spritz some of my Chanel Bleu de Chanel cologne.
Because apparently, I care what I smell like now. Thanks, Millie.
I walk downstairs, carrying Aura and her car seat, ready to head out. Just as I’m about to buckle her in, the doorbell rings, and my phone pings.
Pulling out my phone, I see it’s a text from Millie.
Bumper
It’s okay if you say no, but two of my friends were wondering if they could come over when I am at your place. I wouldn’t be distracted or anything, and Aura would be a hundred percent safe.
Me
Sure.
Bumper
Do you want to meet them?
Me
Nope. I trust your judgment of people.
It’s true. I trust Millie. I don’t need to meet her friends, and Idon’t want to make things complicated. If she thinks they’re good people, then that’s enough for me.
Besides, if they’re her people, they’re probably kind. She radiates a feeling as if everyone she cares about is enveloped in the same gentle, warm magic. I wonder what it’s like to be around people who light her up like that. If I ever got close to her, maybe they’d know the real her—the part she doesn’t show me.
I pocket my phone and open the door, where Josh is waiting. He’s grinning from ear to ear.
“I didn’t think you’d actually go. You clean up nicely, man. Now, where’s my favorite little princess?” he says, stepping into the house.
I chuckle and follow him into the living room. Josh has already picked up Aura’s car seat and is gently rocking it back and forth while talking to her in that high-pitched baby voice people use.
And she loves it. That little flirt. She’s already figuring out how to win people over.
I shake my head, amused by how quickly they’ve taken to each other.
The drive to the restaurant is about forty-five minutes. Josh tells me it’s on the shore of Rehoboth Beach, which I’ve heard of, but never realized it was close to Cherry Falls.
The restaurant we eat at is called Blackwall Hitch and has an amazing view of the ocean. I’m not used to places like this. It’s classy and has a certain upscale vibe that makes me feel slightly out of place.
Josh orders a grilled chicken and baked brie sandwich and winks at the waitress, who blushes a little. I roll my eyes, but I can’t help but laugh.
