Avery nodded, remaining calm but pale.
My mother leaned over, stroking Avery’s shoulder sympathetically. She looked at me, brow furrowed. “What is it, Daniel?”
“Avery, isn’t, ah, big on clowns. You guys can go. We’ll hang here.”
My mother looked between Avery and me, and she shook her head. “I’ll stay with you,” she whispered conspiratorially. “Those little fuckers are creepy. They’re sort of like the devil in drag with all that makeup. God only knows what they’ll yank out of their pocket next!” She shuddered a little. “Your father loves them. He can go.” She kissed Avery’s forehead and took Chloe from my arms, walking over to Caitlin.
My father chuckled and raised an eyebrow at us as he shrugged.
Watching the adoration that crossed Avery’s face, I’d never loved my mother more than at that very moment.
I also wasn’t sure I’d ever get over hearing her say the words “little fuckers.”
We sent everyone over to the Wilsons’ while we cleaned up the kitchen. Listening to my mom and Avery chat and laugh as they did the dishes kept me smiling. My mom had a way of drawing things out of Avery without her even realizing it. I groaned as I wiped down the table while she advised Avery of her availability for babysitting services, and of course, daycare when he or she was older, once we had children.
“Give us a break, Mom,” I grumbled. “You’ll scare her away.” Tossing the cloth on the counter, I tucked Avery into my side, kissing her forehead. “I just found her.”
Avery looked up at me, her eyes filled with emotion. “She’s not scaring me away. It’s all good.”
“Yeah?” I tried not to grin like a madman. I had no idea why I wasn’t running away scared. I had only known her for a few days, and yet, somehow, the thought of Avery glowing, carrying my child—our child—made me almost giddy. With her, everything seemed to fall in place with such ease, and I could see it all. Living, loving, and growing old together in the house I built that would become a home once she was there with me. I could see children running around in the open fields, teaching them to ride a horse, telling bedtime stories, and kissing chubby cheeks.
I wanted it. All of it. With her.
And with the way she gazed at me, I thought she wanted it, as well.
With fresh cups of coffee in our hand, we sat talking to Mom at the table, waiting for the others to return from the mini-circus.
Avery’s phone rang, and she slipped it out of her pocket with a frown. Glancing at the screen, her eyes grew large with distress. “Oh, shit,” she whispered.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s Beth.” She shook her head. “I forgot. I totally forgot!”
“Forgot what?”
“I was supposed to have coffee with her today.” She stood up. “Please excuse me; I have to take this call.” She slipped out the door, closing it behind her with the phone to her ear and apologies already spilling from her mouth.
I ran my hand through my hair, knocking off my glasses. I grabbed at them, setting them on the table. “Oops,” I muttered.
Mom grinned at me. “I think you’ve clouded her mind.”
I watched Avery pace around, talking fast, her free hand gesturing wildly. I hoped her friend wasn’t too upset with her.
“Ugh, yeah, it’s my fault. She came over yesterday for a horse ride, and I couldn’t let her go.” I glanced sheepishly at Mom. “I had to drive her to her place this morning so she could change. She didn’t want to come over dressed in my stuff.” I waggled my eyebrows. “Not that I would’ve objected.”
“You’ve fallen hard, Daniel.”
I didn’t deny it, only nodding as I sipped my coffee.
“I’ve never seen you act like this with another woman.”
I pointed toward the door and the woman I couldn’t take my eyes off. “I’d never met her.”
“Do you think you’re moving too fast?”
I met her gaze—tender, loving eyes that had been there my whole life. They were filled with understanding and patience. The corners crinkled deeply when I shook my head.
“No. We’re moving exactly right for us.”