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“Thanks. I didn’t even know what the hell I was singing. I was just trying not to gag.” Haddie laughs and it is music to my ears. “You’re so pretty, but you stink.” I grab my daughter’s foot, shaking it.
“Yes, she does. I’ve heard it gets worse once she starts eating baby food.”
I make the gagging motion, causing her to laugh. God, I love that sound.
We finish breakfast, spending the rest of the day snuggling with our girl, and when she’s sleeping, we make out like a couple of teenagers. If we could spend every day like this I’d be a happy man, but then there is that little voice in my head, telling me I should step back, that I’m not ready for all of this—that I’m going to screw it up and lose them both.
I just hope that it’s not true.
I step into the coffee shop and spot Mark over by the window. After ordering a coffee and a chocolate croissant, I stand over by the counter waiting to pick it up. Once I have both in hand I walk over to his table.
“Hey man,” I say as I reach the table. I set my stuff down and he stands up so we can exchange a bro-hug. Mark and I went to school together, but he was a grade higher. We ran into each other at an AA meeting and we stood outside having a cigarette. He’s been sober for five years and agreed to be my sponsor.
“Good, bro. How are things?” He takes a drink of his coffee.
I nod. “They’re great. Work’s been good, the rest of the crew is finally starting to warm up to me. Dylan no longer looks like he wants to murder me.”
Mark starts laughing, too bad it’s totally true.
It’s been two weeks since the first night sleeping over at Haddie’s, and honestly things are great. Dad still watches Madison two days a week and on those days, Haddie comes over and makes dinner, and the three of us eat together.
The two days JoJo has her, I have started picking her up and taking her back to Haddie’s apartment and have been spending the night. I’ve become insatiable for her. What she lacks in experience, Haddie makes up for in enthusiasm.
She’s becoming a wild cat and I’ve enjoyed every single second of it.
“Well, that’s good.” He shakes his head. “Have you and Joe talked?” Mark knew Joe as well.
I sigh. “No, that’s the one thing that sucks. I just have no idea how to heal that breach.”
“I wish I had the answer. Maybe ask him to meet you for lunch or something. Lay it all out for him, and if he still can’t forgive you, then that’s on him. He’s mad because of Haddie, right?” I nod. “She’s not mad at you, and honestly, she’s the only person you should be worried about. I know you and Joe used to be super close, and it sucks, but you may never get that back.” He’s quiet for a minute. “You know my story. I fucked up and I have to live with that forever.”
He got married right before he started law school. Mark began to drink heavily and ended up getting kicked out of school—he hit rock bottom when he cheated on his wife, who was pregnant with their son, and she didn’t even give him any chances, just packed up and left.
Mark ended up with a DUI. He got help, and now he’s able to co-parent with his ex and her new husband. He hates that he hurt her because of his drinking, but he’s learned to live with it.
“This is all so much harder than I ever thought it could be.”
“Of course it is, you hurt him. If he forgives you and you can gain back his friendship, then that’s great. You just have to be prepared for it to go either way.” Mark takes a drink. “How is your dad doing?”
I smile. “He’s doing great, or at least as good as someone can be after their wife passes away. While I was in California, Haddie was there for him and she included him in a lot of prebaby stuff. I think it gave him purpose. Hell, he was there when Madison was born.”
“That’s great. That was your mom’s name, right?” I nod. “Let me see her picture.”
I grab my phone and unlock it before pulling up my photo app. I open the newest folder I made and hand it to him.
He smiles as he looks them over and then turns my phone toward me. It’s the picture that is also my screensaver. Haddie is curled up next to me and I’m holding Madison in my arms. “This is a really sweet picture. Good thing she looks like her momma.”
“I know right, she’s beautiful.”
We get up and head outside. “Will I see you at the meeting tomorrow?” Mark asks. I stop right outside the door.
“Yeah, I’ll be there.” I slap him on the shoulder. “I’ll see you later.”
I reach my truck and head toward Haddie’s, ready to spend time with my girls.
Haddie
“Mrs. Meyers, this is the number to the office. If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to call. I’ll get Carl’s prescriptions called in for you. Home Care Products will contact you about the hospital bed.” I hand my new patient’s wife the magnet with our number on it.
