Breath Of Life

Not to Allie. “I agree. My boy has good taste.”

She rolls her eyes. “If I’m sassy, you’re cocky.”

I glance down. “You think so?”

“Stop.” She points at me with her index finger.

“What?”

“Don’t look at me with those sex eyes.”

I bark a laugh. “Sex eyes?”

She narrows her eyes, makes the sign of the cross, and backs up toward the cart she’s currently filling. I don’t mind. Seeing her so involved with Rolly reaffirms what I already know. This is the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.

“You’re adorable, you know that?”

She shakes her butt at me, and I return to looking at the craft kits. Rolly loves to make things, and I need a few more small presents for him. I know I might be spoiling him, but kids grow so fast. It won’t be long before he’s getting into electronics and girls. I want to see his hazel eyes sparkle with the joy of youth before the time passes. My father missed out on so much being gone

for business. I didn’t want that for Rolly. I promised myself I wouldn’t leave him with that feeling. It’s true what people say—we remember out childhood when we have kids and parent accordingly.

I don’t slack on the discipline, but I do spoil him a little. He’s a good kid dealing with a lot. Separations are tough, and Allie and I didn’t make things any easier with our on and off again bullshit. I cringe thinking of how long we might’ve drawn that out if I hadn’t woken up. My thoughts drift to my father. While I’ve made it clear he can’t pretend the past didn’t happen, we’ve made progress. Unlike before, he’s making an effort and taking responsibility for his part in the ruin of our relationship. Before he always played the victim and left the burden on me to fix things. I’m still getting adjusted to this new version of my father, but I’m optimistic enough to be hopeful.

The open invitation I extended to him and his family was a huge step for us both. But I think my mother was correct; it’s time to mend broken fences. When I leave this earth, I don’t want to have unfinished business weighing me down. I grab a volcano making kit, an age appropriate science experiment kit, and a dinosaurs in a bucket kit with stickers, mazes, and coloring pages. Pleased, I carry my things to the cart and add it to the pile beginning to form.

“You know he’s only got six friends coming not sixty, right?” I ask her.

“Yes, but I want it to be perfect.”

“He’s going to love it, sassy. Kids are easy to please.”

She sighs. “I know, but it’s our first time really doing something together like a ...”

“Family. It’s okay. You can say it,” I whisper.

“I just. I want to make a good impression on everyone.”

“You already have just by being yourself and putting up with me.” I kiss the back of her neck, and she laughs.

“Ha. I wish. I’m almost done here. We need to get home so I can finish making a few more personalized things.”

I shake my head thinking of the fully decorated home we’d stayed up late getting together. There were monsters dangling from the ceiling, hanging out on the couch, and strategically placed on the table and the kitchen counters. The red, orange, yellow, and green streamers were twisted and hung to her specifications. The menu continued along the lines with signs that matched the theme and gave cutesy names to everyday foods. I was impressed with the Sesame Street vegetable and fruit trays.

“Ollie?”

“Yeah?”

“Maybe we should hit up the Starbucks on the way out.”

I laugh. “Yeah, I think that’s a good idea. You ready?”

“Yes, get me out of here, or I’ll continue to shop. That kid of yours is too cute for his own good. I want to buy this entire place out for him.”

I can’t help but beam. I don’t know how something so amazing came from my DNA. She caresses my chin. “Look at you, proud Papa.”

“I really lucked out. Rolly is an amazing kid.”

“You and Allie are doing an excellent job with him.”