“You won’t use this until about three months or so but time’s going to fly fast,” Heidi says. “Alexa loved this.”
I open the box she hands me. Tummy Time Water Mat.
“You fill it with water, and it’s got all these cool shapes floating inside the mat,” Heidi explains. “Makes tummy time a little comfier.”
“That’s so cute. I love it. Thank you.”
Heidi added a bundle of hooded towels with the mat. I pull each one out of the bag and shake them out—a panda and a fox.
“I begged her to get the flamingo one.” Shelby runs her fingers over the soft black terry cloth. “But Heidi said we should do gender neutral items.”
Heidi laughs. “It was super bright pink.”
“Boys can like pink,” Shelby protests.
“It’s fine. I love pandas and foxes,” I assure Heidi. “Thank you.”
I’m overwhelmed with all the boxes and packages the girls pass to me. Some of the things they chose were on my radar. Other things—like baby mittens—had never occurred to me.
“If you ever need advice on something or want someone to go shopping with you, just call me,” Lilly says.
“Thank you.”
By the time Hope hands me the last present, I’m buried under a mountain of tissue paper, bows, and ribbons. We hear squealing from the hallway and feet pattering over the floor.
“Mommy!” Alexa bursts into the room and launches herself at Heidi.
Charlotte catches Alexa in her arms and picks her up. “No love for your auntie?”
“Yes!” Alexa presses her hands to Charlotte’s cheeks and kisses her nose.
Chance lingers in the archway, observing the room.
“What’s wrong?” Lilly asks him.
“Nothin’.”
“Who set the little guys free?” Heidi asks. “Hmmm?” She kisses her daughter’s cheek. “How’d you get loose?”
“Daddy!”
“Uh-huh. I suspected.”
“You can join us, Chance,” I wave my hand at him. But he glances over his shoulder and runs away.
“He suddenly has this aversion to anything too girly,” Lilly explains in a low voice. “I swear, if he picked it up from Ravage, I’m going to strangle him.”
Z appears in the archway, carrying Chance. “We kept them entertained as long as possible.”
“We’re fine.” I stand and excuse myself to find the bathroom.
In the hallway, I run into Gray. “How’s it going?” He stops and kisses my forehead.
“So great. Let me pee and I’ll be right with you.”
He chuckles as I hurry away. When I emerge a few minutes later, he’s waiting outside the door for me. “You didn’t have to wait.”
“Come here.” He pulls me into his arms, his big, warm body providing comfort and security. “I missed you.”
I sigh and loop my arms around his neck. “I’m right here.”
When we return to the living room, the kids are busy picking up the paper and stuffing it in a bag.
“I’m going to be so sad when they stop thinking this is a fun game,” Lilly whispers.
He steps back, and one corner of his mouth twitches. “I love you.” He curls his arm around my waist, and gently pulls me closer. “Thank you.” The emotions in his voice are clear—hope, sincerity, and true gratitude.
Like I’m the one who’s given him the most precious gift.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Serena
Certain people are meant to be part of your history. Not your destiny.