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“You know, he’s going to break hearts one day, just like his dad." She winked at me, and Daisy chuckled.
Daisy grinned. “Tell me about it.”
I glanced at Brielle and Nick and could tell they had their own rhythm. His hand rested on hers as they watched the scene unfold between our ever-growing family.
“You two did good,” my mom said softly, glancing at Brielle.
There was no denying that the air hung with unspoken words about past hurts from my ex, but Brielle stood and closed the gap between us. “He’s got the best of both of us.” She pressed her lips into a smile as my parents nodded in agreement.
The frailty of the moment was a delicate balance that laced together old wounds and new beginnings, but at the root of it all was Tate. He bridged the gaps and erased the hurt.
“Would you like to hold Tate?” I asked my mom.
Her eyes lit up as I handed her our little bundle. His red Santa pajamas were enough to do anyone in. My dad chortled as he watched his wife hold their grandson.
I wrapped my arms around Daisy as the aroma of roasted turkey filled the air and the caterers worked away in the kitchen.
Daisy leaned her head against my chest. “This is what life is about, isn’t it?”
Her gaze locked on mine as she tipped her chin to see me. “You were right. Hope, new beginnings, love…”
I kissed the top of her head and felt the outpouring of tenderness my girlfriend had for this moment.
My dad was now holding Tate, but his eyes connected with Daisy’s. “I think it’s your turn.”
Daisy’s eyes brightened, and I swore I heard a little squeal as my Dad brought him over.
Tate nestled himself in Daisy’s arms, and she looked like a natural. She took a seat next to Brielle and rocked him gently. When she looked up at me, her eyes laced with affection, she shook her head and smiled. “He’s the most incredible little boy I’ve ever met.”
Brielle smiled with pride and let out a deep breath, patting Daisy’s arm. “You’re doing so well.”
Tightness clamped down on my chest in a whirlwind of emotions. Brielle’s words were so simple yet so profound at this moment. She brought her gaze to mine, and it affirmed my decision to bring these crazy worlds together.
As the night wore on, the house echoed with the sounds of shared stories and easy laughter. Tate, continually passed from arm to arm, had more love than I knew possible. Little Tate enjoyed being the star of the show, flirting, hiccupping, and gurgling in wide-eyed wonderment, eliciting adoration from everyone.
And then it happened. He got that dopey smile right when his grandpa held him tight.
I chuckled, shaking my head as Daisy grinned, knowing exactly what that meant.
“Why are you all backing away?” my dad asked.
My mom chuckled as Amy came over with a diaper and wipes. “It’s diaper time.”
I expected my Dad to hand over Tate immediately, but he grabbed the diaper right out of Amy’s hands and chuckled. “It’s as easy as riding a bike.”
He set Tate on the couch and within an instant had him changed, clothed, and ready to be passed around again.
Brielle stood by the window overlooking the lake where a few Christmas parade boats chugged along the water. The big light parade on the lake wasn’t until tomorrow, but there were always a few boats lit up and cruising. I caught her gaze, and she raised her glass in a silent toast. There was no white flag of surrender or a whisper of an apology, but we now shared an appreciation for peace. Daisy walked over to me, and I returned the gesture to Brielle. I knew we might have been lousy partners, but we could navigate this new territory with respect.
“Your parents are in heaven,” she whispered, her warm breath skating along my ear.
I wrapped an arm around Daisy, pulling her close to me and depositing another kiss on her head. "A little bit of holiday magic never hurts."
“And the Sunshine Breakfast Club.” I eyed Amy. “When should we invite Amy to our Christmas Eve party?”
“I already spoke to Brielle, and she thought it was a great idea.”
“Awesome. We’ll just do it before they leave tonight.”
