“The family is all so happy for you, and everyone can’t wait to meet her. You’re coming home in a few weeks?”
“Yeah, whatever. Thanks for coming.”
“I love you, honey.” She smiles, giving me a little wave as she abandons me in my time of greatest need.
I don’t say all the pissed-off things I’m thinking.
The door closes, and a lead weight presses against my chest. I walk back into the apartment, doing my best to breathe.Inhale… exhale…
I put the little girl in the bouncy chair Dove said babies like. She was right. Dove is going to be a great mom. Maverick would not let her stay with me, not even after I told him I only flirted with her to make him mad.
The peach orchard is all closed up for the winter, and that asshole just shook his head and patted me on the shoulder. He’s fucking loving this. Dove at least had the decency to seem worried about me. She held my hand and told me to text her if I got in a jam. I just said thanks.
Mom’s gone, they’re gone, then my phone lights up.
Kimmie
Mav sent me a picture of our new baby. Knoxey! She’s beautiful. Aunt DeeDee and I are dying to hold her.
Knox
You can hold her now! Y’all come stay with me.
Kimmie
You know we would, but we’ve got school. Testing starts in a few weeks, and the holidays are getting closer. It’s a crazy time.
Knox
You teach second grade. How crazy can it be?
Kimmie
I’ll let that slide, considering you’re just learning how much work one child can be. Try seventeen.
Knox
At least they can feed themselves. And they’re toilet trained. And they can tell you what they want.
Kimmie
You’ll get the hang of it. Don’t worry. Dove said she showed you the basics.
Knox
I can’t believe y’all don’t care more about the wellbeing of this child.
Kimmie
You sound like every parent who just brought a newborn home from the hospital, and you’re through the hardest part! We’ll see you soon.
With a soft growl, I shove my phone into my pocket. I’m pissed at everyone right now.
Standing in front of the baby, I cross my arms and look down at her. She stares right back at me, blinking those big blue eyes. At least she’s not crying anymore. Mom helped me feed her, and we changed her last diaper, but guess what? No poop.
So I’m sure she’ll be taking a dump before the night’s over, and Dove said I have to bathe her. For now, she’s sitting in that chair looking all innocent and cute.
She kicks her chubby legs and makes little high-pitched sounds. My lips twist, and I can’t help a smile watching her.She lifts her fists and slaps them down again, making the chair bounce. Then she does it again, squealing with delight.
