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“MaKayla, why don’t you go and lie down for a while? Your mom and I can finish setting the table,” Damien said.
She nodded. “I think that’s a good idea. I’m exhausted and I hardly did anything besides cook dinner.”
“Get used to it. Having a baby takes a lot of you.” I was tired all the time, but too filled with fear and shame to be able to do anything about it.
I was glad my daughter wasn’t going to face what I had. And being a single mother, even though I didn’t need to worry about money, wasn’t easy. All she had was me. At times, I felt as though that wasn’t enough. But there was nothing I could do to change that. Not back then. Now I must love and support their marriage in any way I can.
Moving to the States is step one.
Once she was in her bedroom and the door closed, Damien said, “I’m glad you’re here. She won’t tell you this, but she needs you. I thought it was just her being pregnant, but it’s more than that. I know you said change is part of life, but she’s had so much all at once, that I think what she needs is some normal. That is you and her, together.”
I was glad that he recognized the importance of a mother-daughter relationship. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll visit and will also be only a phone call away.”
“And maybe move closer?” he asked.
“That is something I am considering too.” I am not ready to commit to where exactly. “I want to make sure where I move is the right place for me.”
“I would like that too,” he replied.
Glad he wasn’t trying to pressure me into moving to the city. I would do it if I had no choice, but I wouldn’t be happy. I want her happy, but myself as well,
“I love living in New York. but that’s not what’s best for her. And I really don’t want to raise my daughter in an apartment.”
I silently screamed out in joy. I wanted my grandchildren to have a yard to play in, not asphalt to play on. And some of our best times when MaKayla was little had been planting a garden. She used to pick the strawberries off the bush faster than I could grab them and put them in a bowl. And now she’s going to have her own little girl to chase around, just like I did.
“Where are you looking at moving to?” I asked.
“I’m not sure. And I don’t want to tell her yet. I’m hoping that you can help me look for a place. One with a yard and a house to grow as our family does,” he said.
I was thrilled to learn that he wanted out of the city. Not wise for him to do behind MaKayla’s back. “Your intentions are good. How you’re planning to do it, is wrong. A woman wants to be part of finding a house, because it’s more than just walls and a roof. She wants ahome.I can’t find that for her. It’s a feeling she’ll get when she sees the right one. It’s kind of like when you knew MaKayla was the right one. You just knew it. The same with a house.”
“You’re comparing house shopping with love? That’s funny,” he said.
“Well not really, but you got the point. You need to involve MaKayla. I am happy to help, but I can’t step on her toes to do it. She won’t be mad at just you; she’ll be mad at me too.” Been there. Done that. Not fun.
“I’m glad I spoke to you. I’m not really great at this husband stuff. I have a feeling I'm going to need a lot of advice.”
“No one is good at it. No different than MaKayla being the perfect wife. You’ll both make mistakes. What makes a good marriage is loving each other for who they are, and not expecting perfection, just love and forgiveness,” I said. “And don’t ask how I know any of this. I’ve never been married, but it’s what I was told growing up.”
“It’s good advice. I’ll remind you when it’s your turn,” he said.
“I’m not getting married,” I stated firmly.
“So, you’re not in love with Declan?” he asked. “And before you say anything, it was Draven who told me you were.”
Damn that kid. Always in my business.
“I thought we were here talking about you and MaKayla,” I reminded him.
“Rather hear about you and Declan. A romantic ocean getaway. Hmm. It doesn't sound like just a friend,” he stated.
“We haven’t spoken about it.”
“Feelings or future?” he asked.
“Either. His mother became ill, and he had to leave suddenly. I’m hoping that we will have the chance to talk tonight before he goes back to Portland,” I said.
“He's not staying in the city overnight?” I shook my head and Damien said, “That changes everything. Okay. Dinner is off.”
