Little Moments (Second Chances 2)

Gia agrees. “She would love that. Get her some cookies with sprinkles.”

I nod. “Sounds like a plan.”

Melanie

AS I TIDY UP THE apartment I hear the doorbell ring. Rushing to the intercom, I press the speaker button. “Who is it?”

I hear Raya on the other end. “It’s us. Let us up.”

I push the buzzer to let them in and unlock my front door. I wipe down the counter with a wet rag to clear any dust away. Moments later, Duke, Raya, and little baby Layla walk through the front door. I put down the rag, bend down, and open my arms for Layla.

“Hi baby girl! Come to Auntie Melanie!”

Raya lets go of her hand just as she squeals and wobbles into my arms. I wrap them around her, pick her up off the floor, and squeeze her with all my love. I plant a bazillion kisses on her chunky cheeks as she giggles and kicks her legs.

“Teetee Mewanie!”

I glance at Duke and Raya. “Hey, how was the drive here?”

Raya shrugs. “Getting out of Long Island is the worst, but it wasn’t too bad today. Not much traffic. We got here in just over an hour.”

Duke shuts the front door and places the baby gear in the living room. “Yeah, we made good time.”

Raya puts the baby bag on the coffee table and sits on the sofa as Duke heads into the kitchen to grab a soda. He shouts to us, “Anyone want something to drink?”

Raya and I respond in unison, “No thanks.”

I put Layla down and she walks over to her little play corner in the living room. I sit next to Raya, keeping an eye on Layla.

Raya grabs a hold of my hand and I turn to her. “Thanks for watching her Melanie.”

“Oh honey, no worries. This is your guys’ weekend. You need some time alone. I’m happy to watch her. We’ll have a ton of fun this weekend.”

I watch Layla sitting in the corner, playing with her ragdoll. She’s such a cutie. At two and a half years old, she looks just like Duke but has Raya’s mesmerizing blue eyes and her wavy brown hair.

Duke sits next to Layla and begins to play ‘dollies’ with her.

Raya smiles. “She loves her daddy.”

“How can she not? He’s a great dad. So, how long is the drive?”

Duke glances toward us. “I would say about three to four hours. The inn is in a quaint little town outside of Albany.”

I whisper toward Raya, “You excited?”

She nods. “Very, but I can’t help but be a little anxious about leaving Layla.”

I give her a quick hug. “Don’t be. I’ll take good care of her.”

She lets out a deep breath. “I know. It’s just the first time being away.”

Duke walks toward Raya and pulls her up to him. He kisses her cheek. “Don’t worry babe. She’ll be fine with Melanie. Come on, we have to start heading out.”

I walk over to play with Layla while listening to Raya’s instructions on proper sleeping habits. “Make sure she has her blanket or she won’t fall asleep.”

I nod. “Okay, got it. I’m going to head into the Bronx tomorrow and take her to get some cookies.”

Duke smiles. “Oh, do you mean Zeppieri?