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“That’s absolutely not true, Nora Bora.” I take her little hand in mine. “Nothing is ever going to make me love you less.”
“Then why would Leslie say something like that?”
“She’s struggling with a little jealousy. Babies and toddlers sometimes demand more attention than older siblings, but we parents still love you all the same.”
“Okay, and are Marissa and the baby going to move in with us?”
“No, not for now. Maybe never. But Marissa and I had several talks about the topic, and we both agree that no matter what happens between us, you’ll always have a place in your brother or sister’s life.”
“That’s good, Dad. But you should grovel faster. I really like Marissa, and my baby brother or sister needs to get used to hearing the sound of my voice, starting now. Otherwise, they won’t recognize me when they’re born.”
“The baby can hear your voice even if Marissa isn’t living with us.”
“How?”
“How about we call her and ask if we can stop by her place later for you to read a story to the baby?”
“Really? Can I read Dragons Love Tacos?”
I ruffle her bangs. “As long as Marissa says she’s okay with us stopping by, you can read whatever you like.”
The microwave dings. We eat the delicious re-heated turkey at the kitchen island and, afterward, once Nora goes back to her drawing, I text Marissa.
To Marissa:
Hey, would it be okay if we stopped by your place later? Nora wants to read a story to the baby
From Marissa:
I’m staying at my parents’ also tonight. Easier if I come over
To Marissa:
Is your dad still polishing off his old baseball bat or something?
From Marissa:
No, but I’ve been able to avoid questions all day, and I’m not sure I’d be as lucky with you here
Why does Nora want to read to the baby?
To Marissa:
She read babies can recognize voices they heard from the womb
From Marissa:
Does the baby even have ears at ten weeks?
To Marissa:
Yes, but I can’t confirm if they work yet
From Marissa:
See you in a couple of hours
When I open the door two hours later, Marissa and I exchange a loaded stare, the moment we shared last night still fresh in both our memories, I suppose.
