He takes my hand over the table and brushes his thumb across my knuckles. “It doesn’t make you less of anything. What’s important is that you’re doing the best for Skye, and if formula is what’s best, then that’s all that matters.”
I suck in a breath. “I went to a baby and mother group once and felt very humiliated when a few of the mothers found out. It just made me feel inadequate. Like I’m not doing my best.”
“You are doing your best.” He takes my other hand and clutches it tight. “Some people just love to put others down, andthey’re the type of people you want to distance yourself from. You’re doing perfect. And hopefully helping out might take away some of that stress.”
My teeth sink into my bottom lip. “Perfect is a stretch.”
“Na, it’s true. Our little girl is perfect, she’s fed, she’s happy, she has the best mother on this planet,” he says with confidence
The heat from my cheeks starts to make my skin hurt.
“Do you know how much I admire you? Your strength, your determination, your passion.”
“I’m just doing what every other mother does.”
“Yeah, and mothers are in a league of their own. Do you think us men could do what you do and keep sane?” He curls a brow.
A small laugh bursts from me. “Not many.”
“Exactly,” he says as I meet his eyes. “You’re doing great, Maya. You’ve taught me everything I need to know.”
When I stare back at him, I get glimpses of our relationship. All those times I had wobbles with university, or whatever was going on in my life, Finn was always there to uplift me and remind me that I am capable of anything. The only person holding me back is myself and my thoughts.
“I went from thinking I was going to do this alone forever, to having you by my side,” I murmur. “And it’s still hard to wrap my head around.”
Finn raises our hands and kisses my knuckles. My eyes sting at the gentle connection. “Like I said before. I’m not going anywhere.”
Skye wriggles and makes a sound. We both look over at her.
“Think she’s getting restless,” Finn says as he starts to push the pram back and forth. “Should we head out?”
“Sure.” I nod. “Where shall we go?”
“How about we head to campus?”
I tilt my head. “Campus?”
“Yeah.” He grins. “Show Skye where we go to university.”
“She won’t remember.” I snort.
“No, but we will.”
“Okay.”
When we head back to the house, Finn manages to fit Skye’s car seat into the back of his car. I offer to help, but he tells me to leave him to it. I do, and once it’s fitted, he places her inside, along with the pram, and we drive towards campus.
Despite the colder weather, it’s another sunny day, boosting my mood. We stop by one of the benches near the SU bar, but far enough away we’re not close to the people who are already day drinking and probably getting prepared for a night on the town. Oh, how times have changed.
Finn takes Skye from her pram and holds her close to her chest. She rests her face against his chin. “Hey, baby,” he murmurs before kissing her temple. “This is where we go to university. This is where your mummy is going to graduate and get a degree and be the best journalist there is. Because she is one smart woman, and I hope you get her brains, not mine.”
I frown and stand up to meet them. “That’s not true,” I say dismissively. “You’re smart.”
Finn snorts. “Oh, please.” He rolls his eyes. “I’ve got nothing on you. If anyone is going to be successful, it’s always going to be you.”
“Are you playing football this year?” I ask, changing the subject.
He shakes his head. “No.”
