AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"I know," I replied, my voice shaky with emotion. "I can't believe she’s real. If only Nicole had told me she was pregnant. I would've wanted to be there for her… even though we wouldn't have been together forever."
Margaret shook her head, clearly not impressed. "We've tried getting in touch with Nicole for days, but she never calls back. Her parents, who live here in town, think she's in Europe, but they haven't heard from her either."
I looked away from Ava, feeling an even stronger bond as I heard about Nicole's absence. "So, she's just left her kid behind?"
"It seems that way, but only time will tell. One thing's for sure, though. The court won't be too happy about her lack of interest," Margaret said.
Then, Amy jumped in, "Can I hold the baby too? I wanna bond with her as well..."
"Sure, that's a good idea," Margaret agreed, and I gently handed her over.
"Be careful with her head," Amy said, slowly taking Ava into her arms.
Margaret watched us with Ava, a smile on her face. "It's almost time to feed her. Want me to show you, Mitch?"
"Absolutely," I replied, excited to learn.
Margaret showed Amy and me how to make Ava's formula. "Ava's got a small milk allergy, so the pediatrician prescribed Nutramigen, which she's been okay with. Stick to this formula unless her new doctor says otherwise."
"Oh, I should write that down," Amy said, putting the info in her phone and taking a picture of the container.
After following Margaret's instructions, she showed us the right way to feed her, making me feel more confident as a new dad.
During the visit, Margaret checked out how well we were doing at making our home all about family. She mentioned that a home inspection in San Diego would be needed before any final decisions could be made. Margaret also noticed how great Amy was as a nanny. Finally, she watched our interactions with Ava, especially how connected we were to her.
"Mitch, you've done an amazing job getting ready for Ava, and I can tell Amy's gonna be a loving and skilled nanny. I have no doubts you'll give your daughter a great and supportive home," Margaret said, her voice full of warmth and approval.
With Margaret's thumbs-up, I breathed a sigh of relief. Over the next few hours, we got to know Ava and learned her cues, likes, and dislikes. Amy and I took turns holding, feeding, and changing her diapers. With each moment, I felt more at ease and confident as a dad. Amy did great as a loving nanny—it came naturally to her.
Finally, Margaret left with Ava, and it felt like a piece of me went with them. "You're going to be a great dad, Mitch," Amy told me. "I can't wait till you have her full time... I'll be Ava's, Auntie Amy."
"Auntie Amy?" I laughed. "Let's get out of here. I'm ready to celebrate with a cozy dinner in the room I booked at the Vail Hilton."
"Sounds awesome. I'm starving... and I'vereallymissed you!"
ChapterEleven
Amy
Three Months Later
Rosedale's headquartersteemed with life on Kid's Day, the air pulsating with the vibrant energy of youth. Rainbow-hued balloons and streamers danced overhead as laughter and playful banter filled the room. Games and activities designed for various age brackets ensured everyone was having a blast.
In one corner, a magician enraptured Harper and Jenny, her guest, pulling off mind-bending coin tricks and mesmerizing scarf illusions. Daniel and Sicily, Harper’s proud parents, watched with delight from a safe distance.
Ryder and Amber efficiently juggled their duties, keeping the snack tables laden and orchestrating the music for an enthusiastic round of musical chairs that even lured a few adults to participate.
My heart swelled as I observed Mitch's daughter, Ava, exploring her surroundings with wide-eyed wonder. Just two months ago, the court had granted Mitch full custody of the six-month-old darling. It was no surprise the DNA test confirmed Ava was indeed, Mitch’s daughter, and witnessing their bond warmed my soul. Mitch's face transformed into a beacon of pure joy whenever Ava babbled or made her endearing attempts to crawl. I was genuinely ecstatic for him; he had braved the storms of single fatherhood and earned his happiness.
As I soaked in the festive ambiance, I couldn't help but marvel at the beautiful sense of camaraderie that enveloped the children who belonged to the Rosedale tribe. Before long, Courtney and I found ourselves watching over Ava, with Mitch having given Ella the day off. We were the odd ones out—childless and without borrowed kin.
Amidst the cheerful chaos, a bothersome thought weighed on my mind. With my parents relocating to Vail, I needed another job, or at least a full-time position, to cover the rent for my beachside flat. Plopping down beside Courtney, who was engrossed in a game of peekaboo with Ava, I couldn't help but voice my concerns.
"Ugh, Courtney, I have to find a better job or something to supplement my income," I sighed, observing her elicit a giggle from Ava.
Courtney's attention shifted to me, worry etched on her face. "What's happening? Are you having money troubles?"
"Well, ever since my parents moved back to Vail, I've been struggling to make ends meet," I confessed, shaking my head. "I've even resorted to counting the change in my console before treating myself to Starbucks."
