“Why?”
Without another word, he grabs the pram and slowly brings it down the steps until the wheels are resting on the pavement.
“I could have done that.” I quirk a brow at him.
Finn glances up at me. “I know, sunshine. But we’re a team now, right? You’ve been carrying everything on your back forthree months. I think it’s time I actually start to putmyback into something.”
“It’s just a pram,” I say as I walk down the steps. “I do it every time I leave the house.”
“And when I’m here, you’re not going to do it.Ever.”
I blink at his bold statement. I’m all for female empowerment because there is no one stronger than a mother. If you want something done, you’ve got to do it yourself. But remembering he’s here and I don’t have to do it alone anymore makes my heart weep.
We head down the road towards town before we stop in a coffee shop. Finn orders and pays without hesitation, and the second the taste of coffee hits my lips, I hum in delight.
“Here,” Finn says as he hands me a paper bag.
“What is it?”
He grins softly. “I know they’re your favourite.”
I peek my head inside to find an almond croissant. My cheeks heat. We used to head down to the bakery after our classes on a Thursday, and I’d always get an almond croissant while Finn told me I was a weirdo for not liking chocolate.
“Thank you,” I say gratefully.
We perch on one of the tables near the window as Skye wriggles in her pram; she’s awake but quiet. Probably enjoying the change of scenery as much as I am.
“Can I ask you a question?” Finn asks as I look up at him before taking a bite of my croissant.
I tilt my head. “Sure.”
“Do you breastfeed Skye?”
My eyes immediately narrow. “Sometimes. When I can.”
Finn nods once.
“If you’re going to get angry at me for it.” I lean back in my chair. “Then save it, I’ve had enough trouble with trying to breastfeed as it is.”
He presses his elbows into the table. “Why would I get angry at you about that?”
I shrug. “Everyone wants their kids to be breastfed, but sometimes mothers can’t or don’t want to.”
“I was just asking because I’m curious,” he says honestly. “I don’t care how she’s fed as long as she’s fed. I’d never dictate what you do with your body, Maya.”
I lower the croissant as Finn leans over and drags his thumb over my bottom lip. For a moment, I’m stunned as he gently sweeps away residue on my face, and my blood vibrates in my ears.
“You made a mess,” he says with a kind smile.
“I haven’t had one of these in ages.”
We fall into silence as I finish the sweet treat.
“I can’t always breastfeed because sometimes I don’t produce enough milk. I don’t know why, but I’ve tried everything from extra stimulation and trying to pump whenever I can,” I sigh. “So when I don’t produce enough, I have to use formula.”
Finn frowns. “I didn’t know.”
“Guess I’m embarrassed,” I whisper. “I don’t want anyone thinking I’m less of a mother because of it. People always have something to say about formula, let alone not being able to supply enough milk. My doctor said it could be down to stress and hormonal factors.”
