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He smiled and patted her back. “I thought you’d like that. I told her I had someone special who wanted to meet her.”
Danielle’s eyes grew glassy as she pulled away. “You brought her here for me?”
He nodded. “Go on and introduce yourself.”
Dani turned towards Brynn, as if asking permission. Brynn smiled, her chest pulling tight with love and gratitude at the utter joy shining in her daughter’s eyes.
She sped off, weaving through the crowd towards one of her idols.
“Aspen should be here shortly. Mason said they were running a little late. Something about a diaper blowout,” Aaron informed her.
Brynn tore her eyes away from Dani and the gorgeous Black woman in the wheelchair embracing her to focus on the man who’d just made more than one of her daughter’s dreams come true. How could she ever repay him? She’d start by trusting him, by taking the leap and believing he’d catch her. Tonight, she’d tell him she was ready to take those next steps they spoke about days ago.
“Thank you, Aaron.”
He leaned forward and brushed his mouth to hers. “Don’t think I forgot about celebrating that you passed your GED.”
Her belly flipped. “We haven’t gotten the results yet.”
He shrugged. “We both know you nailed it.”
“How can you be so sure?”
His eyes locked with hers. “Because I believe in you, sunshine.”
Her breath hitched. “When we get home, I want—”
“Aaron!”
Brynn’s gaze turned towards the beautiful Leslie, making her way towards them.
“Leslie, this is my wife, Brynn,” Aaron introduced.
Leslie turned her smile to Brynn, her eyes widening a fraction before she gave a seemingly practiced smile. “Oh, yes, we’ve met. It’s so nice to see you again.” She turned to Aaron. “I have some people with questions, and I think you’d be the best one to answer them.” Leslie focused back on Brynn. “Would you mind terribly if I stole him for a moment?”
Brynn bit her tongue and shook her head. “No, of course not.”
Aaron leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I’ll be right back.”
Leslie hooked her arm through Aaron’s and led him across the room.
Something sour burned in Brynn’s belly as she stared after them. Leslie made a point to touch Aaron’s arm as she laughed and smiled at the couple across from them. Aaron smiled at something she said, and Brynn’s stomach threatened to revolt. Her skin was hot and clammy all at once. I think I’m going to be sick.
Had she and Aaron dated? They seemed so at ease with touching one another, something that took Brynn so much effort. Monogamy wasn’t something Brynn was used to. So why did the thought of anyone else close to Aaron make her sick? Is it because I care about him more than I have for any man before? The thought was a blow to her chest, sucking the air from her lungs. But what if I never get there? Aaron was a patient man but, surely, he’d have a breaking point.
A man is a man, Miriam. They have needs. It takes several women working together to please a man. We must all do our part as the holy prophet commands.
Her mother’s words rang in her mind, making the room tilt.
Aaron turned, as if he felt her eyes on him, giving her a small wave.
Brynn turned away, heading towards her daughter. If not for Dani, she’d give in to the voices screaming inside her head to run.
How could I be so stupid to think I was enough?
Fairy tales and happily ever afters weren’t for people like Brynn, and she’d do well to remember that.
