“Aw,” Julia says, giving Bryce a squeeze despite her pregnant belly. “We figure we should get our quality one-on-one time in now before you-know-who arrives.”
Bryce has gotten very comfortable in her role as only child, only grandchild, and only niece. When we told her a new baby was on the way, she burst into tears. She does not want to share us—my family and I—with anyone, least of all a baby.
It’s still a touchy subject. At the mention of the word “baby”, she’ll usually dissolve into tears and/or hysterics. So we’ve taken to referring to Grey and Julia’s baby the way Harry Potter and company refer to Voldemort.
It’s a ridiculous accommodation, one I try not to make when it’s just Bryce and I. This baby is coming, whether she likes it or not. Also, who’s not to say Bryce won’t be getting brothers and sisters of her own in the future? I don’t know if I want more kids—one is exhausting enough at the moment—but I am open to the idea.
That all being said, I’d rather not start Bryce’s day at Uncle Grey and Auntie Julia’s house with a fit. I don’t want to scare them off parenthood, for one thing. Not like they have a choice at this point, but still.
For another, I’m really looking forward to spending an afternoon off—no work, no laundry, no dad duties—with Eva. Who knows when I’ll get time like this to myself again?
Who knows when Eva will decide she’s done giving me second chances?
I shove the thought aside. I’m getting ahead of myself again. Difficult not to do after the time I spent with her on Friday. That kiss, fuck me—
“What’s that smile about?”
I blink at the sound of my brother’s voice. He’s appeared at the door, lips twitching in a knowing smirk.
“What smile?” I say, lips twitching. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Julia wags her eyebrows. “It’s a woman, isn’t it? Y’all talk amongst yourselves—I’m taking this sweet pea inside. Too hot out here for me! Plus I just bought some Play-Dough—”
“I love play dough! Is it purple?” Bryce says.
“Of course it’s purple!” Julia replies. “I got pink, too.”
I laugh. I’ve tried to introduce more colors into Bryce’s universe. I’ve tried in general to break gender norms with her. But if it’s not purple, pink, and/or sparkly princess themed, she is not having it.
I’ve learned to pick my battles.
Bryce smiles, clasping her hands in delight. “Bless your heart, Auntie Julia.”
It’s Julia’s turn to laugh. She leans in to kiss Bryce’s cheek. “You are scrumptious. Ford, enjoy your afternoon.”
“Thank y’all again for taking her.”
Wiping his hands on a kitchen towel, my brother moves out onto the porch. Smiles when he takes in my bathing suit and flops. I almost startle. It’s still a pleasant shock to see my brother happy like this. In the not-too-distant past, he lived under a perpetual cloud. Growling at everyone and everything that crossed his path.
Now? He’s smiling while making brunch for the (very pregnant) love of his life at the new home they just purchased together.
Love. It’s kind of the best.
I miss having it in my own life.
“Heading out to the water?” he asks. “Good for you. And the girl you’re clearly taking with you?”
“As a matter of fact, I’m taking Eva Lacy.”
Grey lifts a brow, his smile deepening. “I saw y’all talking at the shower. Was wondering what that was about. I always liked her. If memory serves, she kept you on your toes. And totally devastated you after y’all broke up.”
I run a hand up the back of my head. I don’t know why I’m being bashful all of a sudden. I feel like I’m nineteen again. Self-conscious at the mere mention of my crush’s name.
“Yeah, that was kind of my fault. I had my head up my ass back then.”
“Still do sometimes.”
“Coming from the guy who just took his head out of his own ass for the first time in years.”
Grey purses his lips. “Fair point.”
“Anyway. I’m not sure what it’s about, to be honest. Eva and I. But I ran into her again on Friday night, and we ended up having a really great time together. I’ve been riding this high all weekend, Grey. Can’t remember the last time I felt like this.”
“You were always the romantic. Hell, you turned me into one, too. Glad to hear you’re finally getting in a little romance yourself.”
I nod. “I forgot how nice it feels. Granted, the timing’s not great—”
“How so?”
Letting out a breath, I say, “Well, for starters, life has been busy lately. Really busy. I’m still learning how to balance it all—you know, work and life. In all honesty, it can be brutal. I have no idea how I’m going to squeeze in this dating thing. If it goes that direction with Eva.”
I really, really hope it goes that direction.