My phone buzzes.
**Joanna:** *We're ready when you are. No pressure though. Take your time.*
I take a deep breath. Look at Erin.
"Go," she says. "And text me after. I want to know everything."
"I will."
I hug her slowly. She's so pregnant now she can barely reach around me.
The drive to Joanna's apartment feels both too long and too short. I've been here dozens of times this past month, but always late at night. Always after Daisy's asleep. This is different. This is daylight. This is real.
I park in the same spot I always do and stare up at her building. Third floor. Unit 3C.
I can do this.
I have to do this.
I climb the stairs, each step feeling heavier than the last. By the time I reach her door, my heart's racing and my palms are sweating.
I knock.
Footsteps. The door opens.
Joanna's there, smiling, beautiful in jeans and a pink sweater. "Hi."
"Hi."
"Come in. She's excited to meet you."
I step inside. The apartment's small but warm. Cozy. There's a little kitchen to the left, a living area straight ahead with a couch and TV. Toys scattered everywhere. Pictures on the walls. Mostly of Daisy at various ages.
And there, standing next to the couch, is a tiny girl with dark blonde hair in pigtails and big blue eyes.
Daisy.
She's holding a stuffed rabbit and staring at me with the kind of open curiosity only children have.
"Daisy," Joanna says gently, "this is Danny."
"You're really big," Daisy says.
I can't help it. I smile. "Yeah, I am."
"Why?"
"Just grew that way, I guess."
She considers this. Then: "Do you like cookies?"
"I love cookies."
"Mama makes the best cookies." She looks up at Joanna. "Can we make cookies for Danny?"
Joanna laughs, and the sound fills the apartment with warmth. "Maybe later, sweetheart. Why don't you show Danny your rabbit first?"
Daisy walks over to me. No fear, no hesitation, and holds up the stuffed animal. "This is Mr. Flopsy. He's my best friend."
