“What if I hate it?”
“What if you don’t?”
“But…what if I hate it?”
“Then you’ll know and there won’t be a ‘what if’ anymore.”
I hate when he brings the logic. “Your turn.”
“I started the paperwork to create a charitable organization to help people like me. Athletes with concussion problems.” His face starts to get red.
“You didn’t!”
“I did. It takes a while. I wanted to start the admin stuff now before we ramp up into finals.”
“What’s it going to be called?”
“Hard Knocks.”
A laugh bursts out of me. “I love it. I’m so proud of you, too. Guess we’re both doing scary, new things.”
He nods, brushing my hair out of my face and guiding medown onto my back, lying on top of me. “No one else I’d rather ride into the fire with.” He kisses me, teasing my lips apart with his tongue. “It’s us against the world, Firecracker.”
Epilogue
RAFFI
Why am I so nervous?
It’s a kid’s birthday party, for fuck’s sake.Mykid’s birthday party. It should be easy. It’s low key, all I have to do is show up and eat snacks. Literally my favorite thing in all the world to do.
Maybe because while this is Wyatt’s third birthday party, it’s only my first. There’s a big part of me that feels like I failed him by missing out on his early years. Guilt weighs heavily on me for not being there for his mom, or him.
Have I earned the right to show up to parties and eat snacks?
I’m having second thoughts.
Not about the party, but about the costume.
There are giant chalk paw prints from the sidewalk, up the drive, and along the path leading to the door. Eloise and Victoria did those at the butt crack of dawn this morning. When I tried to help, I was ushered away.
Instead, I helped Mrs. B figure out the inside. Well, once we got the balloon arch assembled outside the front door. Justinside, there’s a table with firemen hats and party favors—Firemen Dalmatian stuffies.
In the dining area, the tables are lined with hilariously titled snacks around a fire hydrant centerpiece. “Pupcorn” popcorn, “puppy chow” Chex mix, paw print cupcakes, dog bone Rice Krispies treats, paw-tato chips, cheese “ruffs,” Zuma’s water bowls—blue jello cups— cookies, all manner of candy.
It’s gonna be a great party.
The grill’s been lit out back for burgers and dogs, and the coolers are stocked.
Sure, beer isn’t the most common beverage for a kid’s birthday party, but as long as Wyatt doesn’t get drunk, we’re good.
“Ready?”
When Victoria nods, her Skye costume bobs. We both went big for this one and Wyatt freakin’ loves it. I don’t care what all my friends think about the fact I’m dressed as an oversized dog, my kid—dressed as Ryder—is over the moon.
Eloise appears offering us bottles of water. She’s dressed as Everest which tracks. Eloise is the kindest soul I’ve ever met. She would walk through fire if Wyatt asked her to, and he asked her to dress up as Everest.
Penelope is dressed as Mayor Goodway, complete with a Chickaletta chicken toy tucked under her arm. She came to drop the cake off fully kitted out in costume. Victoria’s friends are amazing.
