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“I know a guy who runs a center called Hope Facility for teens. They accept all teenagers, but he started it for LGBT plus kids who needed a safe place.”
Brynn’s eyes brightened. “Really?”
Charli nodded. “I’ll get you the info.”
“Thank you so much!” Brynn pressed her hand to her heart.
“My pleasure.” Charli took another bite of her burger while Brynn refilled coffees and helped a few new customers with their orders.
“Do you need more pickles?” Brynn asked.
“No, this was perfect.”
Brynn nodded. “Is it just what happened earlier, or is something else on your mind?”
“Can I tell you a secret?” Charli asked.
“Of course.” Brynn leaned in.
“I’m terrified of being a mother—of being like mine. The only reason I agreed to have a baby was because Finn promised to be by my side. He believed in me . . . and now . . . it’s like he’s here, but he’s not himself. He’s not the man who left on that guys’ trip. He’s not even the man I married. He’s short-tempered and moody. I am terrified I’m going to have to do this alone, and I’m worried I won’t be enough.” And he doesn’t love me anymore. Charli placed her hand over her belly.
Brynn walked around the counter and sat in the empty chair next to her, sliding her arm around Charli’s shoulders as she spoke into her ear. “Motherhood isn’t about perfection. God knows, if it was, we’d all be doomed. I made a lot of mistakes as a mother—things I can never take back and will always regret. But the important thing is we love them with our whole heart, and each time we make a mistake, we apologize to them and promise to do better. Then we do just that. Motherhood is about sacrifice, and growth, and love. You don’t just wake up the perfect parent. Motherhood is an evolution. The fact that you’re so worried about making the mistakes your mother did tells me you won’t.”
Charli’s throat tightened as she choked down the emotion welling in her chest.
“We only do the best we can do and hope it’s enough. Keep learning. Keep growing. And follow your gut. Woman’s intuition is a gift. The more you listen to it, the louder it becomes.” Brynn pulled away enough to look Charli in the eyes as her voice grew serious. “Don’t ever doubt yours. Even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it hurts to follow that little voice. You do what your gut tells you.”
Charli nodded. “Okay. I will. Thank you.”
Brynn patted her back. “Anytime.”
“Was David’s father a part of his life at all?”
Brynn flinched away, her blue eyes growing stormy. “Sometimes it’s better to do things on your own.”
Her eyes flicked to the sailboat clock on the wall. “I’d better get going. Finn is getting out of his appointment soon.”
“Don’t forget your pie.” Brynn pushed a paper bag towards her.
“Thank you for feeding me and for letting me pour my heart out. I hope I didn’t upset you.”
Brynn waved her off. “I’m glad I could be a listening ear.”
Charli paid before heading back out to her car. She got in and locked the door before starting the ignition—a habit she’d formed as a young teen girl. Maybe if she’d gotten into her car that night, he never would have been able to touch her. She shook off the thought. What’s done is done. Charli pulled out onto the street and drove to pick up Finn.
10
Charli
Charli pulled up her phone, making sure her text sent letting Finn know that she was in the parking lot. It was marked as read but Finn never bothered to respond. Maybe he had been kept longer. Or perhaps he’d had a breakthrough with his therapy?
Knock. Knock.
Charli jumped in the car seat, her pulse rocketing as her gaze darted to the window. Finn’s brows drew in as he studied her overreaction.
She unlocked the car and rolled down her window.
“Sorry I scared you.” He wiped a hand over the back of his head.
