But we’re all together today, celebrating us. Me and Ava.
And our impending arrival.
Ava’s belly matches Jocelyn’s. They’re both waddling little mamas ready to pop. My wife has been fucking radiant throughout this pregnancy. Her hair is thicker, like it gets when she’s expecting, and it flows down her back in golden waves. Her cheeks are rounder and her eyes are bright. Her laugh is joyous and her spirit is addictive. Everyone wants to talk to her, be with her, love on her.
Today is her day, so she deserves it.
“Ava’s going to open her gifts,” her father calls. “So everyone gather around the mama-to-be.”
Ava sits in a chair that looks more like a throne, and I send a questioning look in Jackson’s direction, who’s making his approach toward me. “Don’t tell me that’s yours.”
He shrugs, a lopsided grin on his face. “Ellie found it stashed in one of the spare bedrooms and we thought it would be fun to bring the chair out of retirement.”
I can’t help but laugh. He used to sit in that chair when he’d perform at Strummers back in the day, all mysterious and shit. Making the teen girls scream in orgasmic glee.
That feels like a lifetime ago. Maybe because it is.
My mother approaches Ava, delivering a beautifully wrapped box on her lap and bending over to kiss my wife’s cheek. Ava smiles up at her, grabbing her hand and murmuring thank you.
Mom’s been clean and sober now for four years. Since her accident and that DUI charge that she took care of. Guess you really do have to hit rock bottom before you climb your way back up.
I’m proud of her.
My brother actually stuck around to help out Mom when he can, and he’s doing well, too. We’ve gotten closer, and it helps, knowing that he’s here for her. That I don’t have to worry so much about her anymore.
Glancing to my left, I spot Ryan chatting up Ash, as he tries to juggle both of his babies in his arms. One of them starts to cry and Autumn rushes back over, taking the crying one from her husband before she returns to the circle of chairs surrounding my wife, every one of them filled with her friends and relatives. Autumn settles into the chair right next to her sister, the baby still crying and Ava watches them both with a serene smile on her face.
My heart expands and grows, which you would think is impossible considering how long I’ve loved this girl.
But it’s true. My heart just keeps growing fuller and fuller the more this woman gives me.
“Hey.”
I turn to see Fable approach, a sleepy toddler wrapped around her. I don’t know when she went back into the house to get her, but she hands my daughter over to me and I take her, loving how my baby girl snuggles close to me, her warm face lodged in my neck.
“Thanks, Grandma,” I say, which earns me a scowl from Fable. I’d laugh, but I don’t want to disturb my sleepy little princess.
“Daddy.” She grabs hold of the hair at my nape, giving it a tug. Making me wince.
My daughter is strong. Bold. Confrontational. Demanding. Arrogant.
Kenzie Elizabeth Bennett is the perfect combination of both her mother and her father. Blonde hair. Hazel eyes that lean more toward green. A sturdy little body and a huge personality.
“What’s up, lovebug?”
She lifts her head and looks around, spotting Gigi sitting nearby munching on a cupcake. “I want one.”
Kenzie points at the half-eaten cupcake, then wipes wispy blonde strands of hair out of her eyes.
“In a minute.” I kiss her soft cheek, staring at her in awe. I still can’t get over my daughter. She’s so damn cute. And smart. And full of it. When she first wakes up from a nap is when she’s at her calmest. I need to savor the moment while I can.
Leaning in, I breathe in her toddler sweet smell. She’s two. Naps are becoming rarer and rarer, unfortunately. I’m surprised she fell asleep right at the beginning of the party. Kenzie usually stays up to all hours of the night, never wanting to miss a thing.
I walk over to where Ava’s opening presents for our baby, all of the clothes neutral colors since we opted not to find out what we’re having. Everyone thinks we’re nuts. Why not find out?
Why not keep it a surprise? We found out with Kenzie, but this time, we’re changing it up.
Ava receives so many presents and all the women ooh and ahh over every single thing. The guys are clustered together chatting and I plan on joining them eventually. Just need to make sure my wife opens all of her gifts first.