Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 84114 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84114 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
Maddie’s eyes take in my house through the passenger window. It’s three stories with porches on all three floors, dark blue siding and white shutters. The small front and back yards are bordered by white picket fencing, just begging for a dog at some point. I’ve never had one before because I travel so much, but maybe with Maddie and Grayce here, it’s an option we can consider. I’m a big believer that all kids should have a dog. God knows, my German shepherd, Frodo, got me through some tough times growing up.
I kill the engine and sit there a beat with my hands on the wheel of Maddie’s little Subaru, trying to slow my pulse. The back seat is a mobile nursery—diaper bag, stuffed lion with one ear slightly gnawed and drooled on, a blanket that apparently has to be within arm’s reach at all times. Grayce is passed out in her car seat, fists curled, lashes stuck together from a long day on the road.
“Welcome to Pittsburgh,” I say, voice low.
Maddie doesn’t answer. She stares at the house like it might bite.
I swing out, pop the back door, and lift the carrier as if I were carrying spun glass. Maddie shoulders the diaper bag without looking at me.
“I’ll come out and get the luggage in a bit, but let’s get settled.”
Maddie quietly follows me along the walkway, up the porch and through the wide-open stained walnut door. The living room is a maze of boxes that are a combo of stuff from both Maddie’s and Gray’s houses. We’ll need to figure out how to incorporate it all. I want Maddie to feel like this is her home.
We step aside for one of the movers pushing a dolly stacked with boxes who nods with a smile. I hear booted steps, muted thuds, a squeak of furniture being assembled upstairs.
And then Lucky’s voice drifts down the hall, bossy and cheerful. “No, the crib pieces with the slats go to the left—yeah, perfect—Winnie, babe, where should I put this box of towels?”
I can’t help the smile that splits my face. Not only was Lucky the best sounding board who helped me feel good about my decision, he and Winnie stepped in to help us with the transition.
They directed a handful of our teammates this weekend to clear furniture from the two guest bedrooms so that we could fill them with Grayce’s and Maddie’s furniture. I told Maddie she could bring whatever she wanted so that it felt like home, and surprisingly, the only piece she opted for was her sleigh bed. Apparently, she saved up for a long time to buy it and I’m guessing she regards it as a symbol of what hard work can get you.
I glance into the kitchen and note that the high chair sits half-assembled in the corner. Someone parked a jungle of folded baby gates by the sofa. The bachelor vibe has been mugged and left for dead, but strangely, I’m not grieving it.
Heavy boots come bounding down the staircase and Lucky pops up before us. “Hey! You made it.”
Winnie is right behind him, a bottle of lemon-scented cleaner and a rag in her hand. “Right on time. I know it looks a little chaotic, but I think the movers will be done in about an hour. I’ve been unpacking the essentials you’ll need to get through the next few days.”
“Thanks, Winnie,” I say, gratefully leaning forward to give her a peck on the cheek, then a fist bump to Lucky.
But both their eyes turn to rivet on Grayce, still sleeping in the carrier. “Oh, wow,” Winnie breathes softly. “She’s precious, Atlas.”
And then, as if forgetting her manners, Winnie turns an apologetic smile to Maddie.
“Hi. I’m Winnie.”
I toss a thumb at her beau. “And this oaf is Lucky.”
“Hi, Maddie,” he says, leaning forward to offer his hand.
“Hi,” Maddie says politely as they shake. “Thank you… for meeting the movers.”
“It was our pleasure,” Winnie says, leaning to peek at Grayce. “She is an angel.” She glances up at Maddie, which I’m grateful for. I don’t want Maddie to feel displaced. “Can I…?”
Maddie smiles. “Of course. We need to change and feed her.”
I set the carrier on the rug and watch as Winnie efficiently works the buckle. I know she’s a devoted aunt to her niece, so babies are easy for her. Grayce blinks awake and instantly locks on Winnie’s smile like it’s a sunrise. Out comes an “ah-da-da” and two fists reaching.
“Oh my goodness,” Winnie coos, scooping her up like she’s the most precious thing ever. “Hi, sunshine. I’m Auntie Winnie. That’s how this works.”
Lucky claps my shoulder. “Movers are almost done. Nursery is fully put together and they’re finishing up Maddie’s room. Also, your dining table is now a staging area for approximately six thousand pacifiers.”