Once Lily deems us acceptably beautiful enough to leave, I text Aggie.
Me: We're ready to go.
Aggie: So are we. Meet you by the path?
Me: sounds good. See you there, oh, tell Lily how much you love her makeup. >
Aggie: That girl and her makeup. >
She tried to convince Aggie that I let her have a full face of makeup one time at the store. When they came home with a few chapsticks and a light pink eyeshadow I was thrilled that she drew a line in the sand at mascara and blush for Lily.
“Come on, Lily girl. Let’s go to dinner.” She slips on her clear, sparkly jelly shoes and follows me out the door with her pudgy little hand in mine.
She happily skips next to me, holding my hand all the way to the inn. I dread the days when she doesn’t want to hang out with me anymore, when she thinks that matching dresses and lip gloss aren’t cool anymore.
“Welcome, welcome!” Mrs. Keaton, Anna, calls from the front porch. She looks every bit the small town wife with her apron on and kitchen dish towel slung over her shoulder. “We are just so tickled pink that you could join us tonight!”
“Thanks for havin’ us, Anna, and loaning us the boys today. We appreciate you.” Tommy hugs her as he passes through the door.
“Thank you so much for inviting us, Mrs. Keaton.” I say, stepping up the front porch.
“Stop with the Mrs. Keaton, darling. I’m just Anna. And pleased to have you.” She hugs me, then Lily before we’re allowed to enter.
Stepping into the front room I’m a little overwhelmed by the amount of people here. I know they were over for dinner, but it appears they multiplied. Or at least feels that way.
A chorus of hellos and greetings are ended with Cooper coming to us along the edge of the room. Holding an Easter basket. My heart feels like it stutters in my chest when I see that it’s full of all Lily’s favorite things; a little piglet stuffie, bubbles, her favorite chocolate, and some chalk for the concrete. This man, who’s known us for less than half a year, took time out of his day to build my daughter an Easter basket and not only that, but filled it with things he’s noticed she loves.
Because you’re an idiot for not giving him the chance he deserves. Get over yourself.
“Hey,” he quietly says as he approaches us.
“Coopa!” Lily runs over to him.
“Hey, Lily May!” He matches her enthusiasm, and there’s that damn heart stutter again.
“What’s dat? Fo me?” She unabashedly reaches for the basket.
“It is for you. The Easter bunny left it here for you this afternoon!” He hands her the basket and watches as she rips open each and every item in there.
“Dank you, Easta bunny!” she shouts.
“How about we say thank you to Cooper too, he found the basket and kept it safe for you,” I tell my daughter, in hopes she will find some extra manners in front of this picture perfect family.
She throws herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Dank you, Coopa!”
“You’re welcome, princess.” He hugs her back, keeping eye contact with me.
When she finally releases him, she runs off with the rest of the women to the kitchen for a promised cookie before dinner. I’m already preparing myself for the sugar crash and temper tantrums later tonight along with a too late bedtime.
“Aubrey, come join us!” Aggie calls from the kitchen.
I give Cooper a small smile and follow them through the swinging door.
It’s a bustle in there, women moving all over the space, pulling dishes from every surface and appliance but they move like a choreographed dance with each other.
“You guys are like a well oiled machine.” I point out.
“Many holiday parties have been had in this kitchen.” Emma laughs.
