Page 67 of Smitty

“And you’re doing great.”

Somewhere between the third and fourth tower, Anslee stopped looking at me like a stranger and started looking at me like I belonged. I wasn’t crazy enough to believe she thought I was her father. I knew she didn’t. But there was something there. Something that felt natural, and with every smile, I felt like I was building more than just some silly tower of blocks.

Time seemed to stand still around us.

Maybe it was the way Anslee’s giggle filled the room.

Or maybe it was watching Brooke move around the house doing everyday things like cleaning up after dinner and making their lunches for the following day, all while keeping an eye on Anslee and me playing on the floor.

Whatever it was, I was spellbound.

And for the first time in years, I wasn’t thinking of the past, the club, or anything in between. I was just there with them, and I was happy. Truly happy. That wasn’t something I’d felt in quite some time.

Anslee rubbed her eyes, then shuffled to her feet and waddled over to her mother with her arms in the air. “Mama.”

“I’m right here, sweet girl.” Brooke scooped her up and asked, “Are you ready for bed?”

She answered by resting her head on Brooke’s shoulder. Brooke glanced over at me as she said, “I should go put her down.”

“Okay.”

“You wanna come?”

I gave her a nod and followed her down the hall to the nursery. It was exactly how I’d imagined. It was filled with soft colors, various stuffed animals, and framed handprints on the wall. Brooke carried her over to the changing table and changed her diaper.

Before buttoning her PJs, Brooke leaned down and kissed her tummy, causing Anslee to erupt into giggles. It was clear that these two loved each other. There was no doubt about it and watching them together got to me in ways I couldn’t begin to explain.

“Okay, Miss Priss. It’s time to get you into bed.” She started to rebutton her PJs, and Anslee tried to wiggle out. “Oh no, you don’t. I’ve wrestled bears stronger than you.”

“Mama,” Anslee giggled.

“Off to bed with you, little girl.” Brooke lifted her back into her arms and kissed her on the crook of her neck before turning her to face me. “Can you tell Brayden nighty-night?”

“Nigh,” was all she could manage, and it was more than enough.

“Good night. Thank you for playing with me today.” I leaned in and kissed her softly on the forehead. “I hope we can do it again sometime soon.”

Anslee opened and closed her hand like she was telling me bye as Brooke took her over to the crib and laid her on her back. Anslee immediately rolled to her side and tucked the seal I’d given her under her arm. Brooke smiled as she said, “I think it’s her new favorite.”

“I’m glad she likes it.” We both watched her for a moment before I whispered, “You’re a good momma, Brooke.”

“I try.”

“You do more than try, and it shows. She’s an incredible kid.”

“I think so, too.”

It didn’t take Anslee long to drift off, but I wouldn’t have cared if it took all night. I liked being there, watching her. It made me feel like I had something to breathe for, and I hadn’t felt that in longer than I could remember. Brooke reached over and turned on the sound machine, filling the room with the sound of rain.

She motioned her head toward the hallway, signaling me to follow as she started out of the room. We stood in the hall for a moment, making sure she was really out. After a few moments, Brooke leaned in and whispered, “On bad days, I’d read through our old texts and the cards you’d given me… and for a little while, I would remember that there was once a boy who believed I could do anything."

“I still do.” I leaned in close, hovering inches from her as I added, “And not just because of who you were back then. But because of who you are now.” Her breath hitched when I said, “Watching you with Anslee tonight has left me in complete awe. You’ve done everything for her, and you did it without me. But you’re still sitting here looking at me like you are right now.”

“Because our story isn’t done.”

Her words settled over us both, grounding us both. We stood there for a moment longer before continuing down the hall. When we reached the living room, I walked over and grabbed my cut from the hook. Even though it was the last thing I wanted to do, I told her, “I should get going.”

“I’m really glad you came. Anslee really enjoyed it.” She gave me a warm smile. “And I did, too.”