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Ava:Yeah, who doesn’t want to have a pussy around?
Will:Well said, Ava.
Millie:Don’t you have work to do, Mr. Romano?
Ava:Can we get back to the bouncy castle talk?
The chat is still continuing, but I welcome the back-and-forth banter, feeling sorry for the men because Mille and Ava are nonstop. It’s not just them, Kate is over the moon and continually messaging me about all the things she’s buying for Bentley. Mom is excited, too, organizing a day out so we can take Bentley to the zoo.
In just under a week, I’ll set foot back home. Being with family is just what I need. My son spending time with his cousins will be an experience I’ll never forget.
The only thing missing is Andy.
I ache to hear his voice or even send him a text, but with my husband asleep beside me, I settle for my imagination instead—the only thing keeping me sane while the man I want is hundreds of miles away.
Sixteen
Jessa
“They’re here!”
Kate claps her hands as Dad stands beside her with a relieved smile. We all embrace until Kate begs to take Bentley from my arms the moment we reach them. I welcome the help, my arms dead from carrying him through the passenger terminal.
Bentley fusses for a second, reaching out for Dad instead.
“I feel so rejected,” Kate voices with a grin. “Let me take that bag off you. Surely, you must be exhausted.”
The first part of the flight involved distracting Bentley in every way possible. His obsession with planes meant he called outplanesevery two seconds. Packed inside my bag was any small toy I could fit, a few books, plus his food. All of that lasted two hours until he started to get bored.
Given he hasn’t begun to walk yet, I allowed him to crawl where there was some space but thoroughly cleaned his hands because all I could think about was the germs. Bentley pulled himself up to walk along where he could hold on for support. Most of the passengers enjoyed the smiling baby greeting them hello—all but one man dressed in a suit. The typical, arrogant jerk who gave me daggered stares suggesting I move my kid away from him as far as possible.
I could barely eat without Bentley wanting to touch everything when the food was served. I fed him first, to which he made a mess, but thankfully the hostess was more than gracious enough to help me before I managed to get him to sleep.
And what a relief that was.
I should’ve slept when he did, but instead, I took out my journal and just wrote. Page after page, again. The words have now become a story, one my imagination so desperately wants to tell.
“I’m exhausted. Why is London so far?”
“Let’s get you home, showered, and fed,” Kate insists, placing her arm around me. “Plus, we have a surprise for Bentley.”
“Oh, what is it?”
Dad shakes his head with a knowing grin as Kate rolls her eyes at him. “Ignore your father, please. So, I went a little crazy shopping for him. How often do I get to spoil my only grandchild?”
“You did only a few months ago.”
Kate purses her lips. “That doesn’t count.”
I brought only one large suitcase with me given the warm weather, so there isn’t a need for thick sweaters or coats. After we pick up my suitcase, we make our way to Dad’s car, which is securely fitted with a car seat.
“Gee, Dad, you’ve thought of everything.”
“Smart man, right?” Kate turns to face him, his lips tightening at her judgmental stare. “Until he’s buying diapers and comes home with swim diapers instead of regular diapers.”
“In my defense, they all look the same.”
My lips pout, but I’m unable to hide my smile. “They kinda don’t, Dad.”
