Page 46 of Wildflowers and Wide Receivers

“No, she doesn’t,” Vivi declares like it’s a fact, not picking up that I said, “had,” as in past tense.

“Why do you say that?” I ask her, curious about what she knows and I don’t. Molly starts circling, letting us know she’s about to be finished, and I’m glad. I’m ready to get back inside.

“I heard her at the baby shower, she was talking to Ms. Lexi.”

Oh, to have been a fly on the wall at this shower. Ex-boyfriends, recitals, and bones, they seemed to have talked about it all.

“What did she say?” I ask, probing her for more details.

“Ms. Lexi asked her about some guy named Isaac and she said, ‘There is no more Isaac.’ That’s the guy, right?”

“Yeah, that was his name.”

No more Isaac. I know Sophie told me this, but it feels really good to hear it confirmed, without worry that there will be a relapse. She said it was over, and I feel pretty strongly that she’s telling me the truth.

“So you don’t want to ask her again?” She looks up at me like she’s confused.

“You like Ms. Sophie that much?” I ask, my heart thumping at her answer, even though I already know it.

“Yes. And she’s so pretty.”

“She is pretty.” So pretty I find it hard not to stare at her. “I’ll think about it.”

“Good,” she says. “Do you think she’ll make cupcakes with me?”

I bend down to take care of Molly’s business and tell her, “I’ll make cupcakes with you.”

“I know, but she said she likes to bake, and I don’t know who she bakes for. Maybe she would think it would be fun to bake with me.”

My sweet girl. She’s worried that Sophie doesn’t have any friends to bake with. If it wasn’t so sweet, I would laugh.

“I’m not sure. You should ask her, then.”

We haven’t even made it to the garage yet before Vivi takes off running through the door.

“Ms. Sophie! Where are you?” Vivi yells.

“I’m right here,” she calls out.

“Hold up there, Wildflower. You have to give Molly her treat first, then you can go play. We can’t forget our responsibilities.”

“Oh, yeah,” she says, running toward the direction of the kitchen where we have the snacks on the counter. Molly follows and sits nicely when Vivi tells her to. After that, we both find Sophie in the living room in her chair with her legs curled under her. She’s looking at her phone, and my heart trips in my chest as she smiles at us. I still can’t believe that she’s here.

I take a seat on the couch and Vivi moves to stand in front of Sophie. Sophie lays down her phone to give her full attention.

“Do you want to make cupcakes?” Vivi asks, practically jumping up and down with excitement.

Sophie looks surprised at the question, but then she looks at me to make sure it’s okay, and I nod.

“Sure!” she says, returning Vivi’s enthusiasm. “You know I love them.”

Sophie climbs out of the chair, and as the two of them make their way into the kitchen, Vivi says, “Uncle Jonah can watch.”

Sophie looks over her shoulder, and her eyes collide with mine. She gives me a small smile, and my heart thumps hard.

“First, we have to make sure Ms. Camille has everything we need,” Sophie says as they enter the kitchen.

“Don’t worry, Uncle Jonah got it all yesterday at the store.”