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Chapter 2
Audrey
“Are we there yet?” Love asks, practically vibrating in her seat as we pull off the highway.
“We’ll get there when we get there, Love.”
“That’s what all parents say when they have no idea.” Love rolls her eyes, grabbing my phone. “It says right here that we will be there in twenty-two minutes.”
“That’s if I don’t have to stop for gas or anything like that.” I snort, loving nothing more than to push her buttons every chance I get.
“Mooom!” Love whines, dropping my phone back into the cupholder before crossing her arms over her chest and sticking out her bottom lip. “I just want to give my baby cousin a kiss hello for the first time.”
“Pouting won’t get us there any quicker, young lady. Besides, you remember your cousin is still inside your Aunt Bristol, right? What do you plan on kissing? Her belly?”
“Yes. And even though it won’t get us there quicker,pouting almost always gets you to stop giving me a hard time.”
“Touché.” I snicker, taking a moment to look at my little girl.
Ever since we left Ian’s place last night, she’s seemed like an entirely different child. On the outside she looks the same; her wavy black hair is piled on the top of her head in a messy bun, a few stray curls hanging out the back, brushing the shoulders of the Nirvana T-shirt she stole from my suitcase this morning. Her long legs are encased in a pair of black yoga pants—the only pants she chooses to wear—and her Converse-clad feet are propped up on the dashboard.
However, the big difference is the permanent smile plastered across her face, her hazel eyes alight with excitement at the prospect of our new adventure. It’s completely the opposite of how she’s been since we found out about Ian’s secret family. Shame fills me as I realize I never noticed how much my relationship troubles have affected my little girl. I’m sure I shared a little too much with her about what was going on, but I needed someone to talk to about what our next step should be. She’s growing up, and the decision to move has just as much to do with her as it does me.
“You realize you need to ask Bristol’s permission before you go kissing her belly, right? She won’t let people rub her belly, but she’s going to let you give it a kiss?” I question, skeptical of my best friend’s motivation.
“I already did.” She smiles before pulling her phoneout of its hiding spot and shoving it in my direction. “And before you ask, you can read the text message.”
Baby Bear
We’ll be there in twenty-two minutes! I need to give my baby cuz a kiss!
Auntie B
You want to kiss my belly?
Baby Bear
Yes. Only once.
Auntie B
…
Baby Bear
Remember that you love me and I’m your favorite niece.
Auntie B
You’re my only niece.
Baby Bear
I won’t tell anyone…and I’ll have Mom make you manicotti as soon as we get everything unpacked.
Auntie B
I don’t want to share.
