Hush Baby Hush

“I’m going to head out guys,” I say.

Hollywood hugs me tightly.

“Thank you so much for coming.”

“Of course.” I’m still holding her when I feel a tap against my belly. “Was that the baby?”

“It was,” Hollywood says, beaming. “She’s saying don’t be gone so long this time, Auntie Kenzie.”

I rest both my hands on my best friend’s bump. “I’ll be back soon, sweet baby.”

“Oh, you have to come out with us for my birthday,” Teagan says to me. “Please say you’ll try.”

“I’ll try,” I say, and mean it. When she moves to hug me, I more than tolerate the embrace. I welcome the warmth and acceptance, the way I should have from the beginning. Because Teagan was never trying to oust me as Hollywood’s best friend. She wants us all to be friends, something I could certainly use more of.

I say goodbye to Cherise, Mary, April, and the kiddos, and then make my way over to Austin.

He grasps my hand. “Ready to go home, baby girl?”

I wait until we’re alone to whisper, “Yes, Daddy.”