Trip noticed my mouth snap shut and nodded slightly before climbing into his new Explorer. I jumped in mine and drove off without looking back, hoping the other girls on the team noticed our non-exchange.
“Squishy, I’m home,” I yelled, dropping my stuff off at the front door.
“Aunt Kenna, I’m so proud of you. You kicked butt.” Norah threw her little body at me.
“Look at my little softball pitcher,” Renee said. “I didn’t know you had it in you.”
“Neither did I,” I muttered, kissing Norah on the top of the head before walking into the kitchen. “What are we doing for dinner tonight? I’m thinking pizza.” I sat Norah down on the counter and grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge.
“Well, uhm.” Renee fidgeted in the kitchen, not quite meeting my eyes.
“What?” I asked, fear skittering up my spine.
Renee was never one to act nervous and seeing my best friend wring her fingers made me uneasy.
“Momma’s going out with Brian tonight and we’re having a movie night,” Norah supplied for her mute mother.
Renee’s eyes grew wide and she put her hand out as if to start explaining.
I cut her off before she could backpedal. “That sounds like a fantastic idea. Pizza, a movie, my favorite girl, and ice is exactly how I wanted to spend my night.
“Yay!” Norah cheered.
“Why don’t you go to your room and pick out which jammies you want to wear after your bath.”
“Aunt Kenna, if you want to talk to Mommy alone all you have to do is say so.”
“Go on, smarty pants.” Renee patted her on the butt when she set her on the ground.
Norah giggled and ran to her room, bringing an instant smile to my face.
“Kenna, I know you’re tired. We were glued to the computer screen watching your game today. You don’t have to babysit if you don’t want to. I can call Brian and cancel.” Renee looked at her phone on the counter and I snatched it up.
“It’s fine. You know I don’t mind hanging out with Norah. She’s mine too, remember?”
Renee smiled with me, both of us lost in the memory of Norah’s birth. I was the only person Renee allowed in the room and somehow we got through it together. When Renee put Norah into my arms I knew I’d do anything in the world for the screaming bundle of baby.
“Meet your niece, Aunt Kenna,” Renee said, happiness shining on her sweaty face. “Thank you for being with me. You’re officially my sister and Norah’s yours just as much as she’s mine.”
Those words swirled around my head as I stared at Norah while she finally settled down into her first sleep. Renee was right. I found my soul-sister and got a precious bundle of joy along with it.
“So another date, huh? Look at you growing up on me.”
“Is it too soon? I mean, we just went out. Maybe I should stay home. You played today. You’re probably exhausted.”
“Shut the hell up, woman. I didn’t expect to play today and I am exhausted, so hanging out tonight with my little one is perfect. Now go change.”
Renee’s neck snapped down and she took in her clothes. “Shit, I forgot what I was wearing. I got caught up finishing my orders so I could go out tonight. He’s going to be here soon.”
“Go change. I’m sure Norah can help me keep lover boy busy until you’re ready.”
“Love you,” Renee shouted, running down the hall, her shirt already above her head.
Norah came running out of her room when the doorbell rang. “I’ve got it,” she screamed, rushing past me as I made my way out of the kitchen.
“Hold on, Norah. Let me check to make sure it’s who you think it is.”
After confirming Brian was waiting patiently outside, while Norah bounced next to me, I nodded and moved to the side so she could answer the door.
