Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“Oh, baby, you have a deal. I’ll even throw the game-winning touchdown for you and Aaron,” I say as I rub her back.
“Okay, Bentley. Okay.”
CHAPTER 36
Birthday Boy
Zahirah
“Aaron birthday. I big boy. Happy birthday, me. Yay,” Aaron squeals and claps as his eyes light up with joy.
He has frosting on his face from his first cupcake ever that his grandmothers fought for him to have. I only caved because Bentley joined in with puppy eyes to help the moms and his son to win me over.
Since it’s his birthday and Bentley promised to deal with the fallout of the sugar rush, I figured I’d let him have it. As I watch my son sitting in his high chair, happy as ever, surrounded by all the people who love him, I can’t imagine my life without him. He’s safe and happy and he brings more joy to my life with each day.
“Now this is the smile your father would want to see on your face every day,” my mother whispers in my ear.
I turn to look at her, my smile faltering just a little. I would have loved for my father to be here for this. Aaron’s party has turned out so cute and there’s so much love here.
The entire Coswell family is here, my mom, and a few of the moms from the playgroup I joined for Aaron to have some little friends. My home is filled with more laughter and happiness than I can take.
I glance back at my son, and my smile returns as I watch him and his father interact. Bentley is whispering something in Aaron’s ear as he tickles him, pulling that adorable squeal from our boy’s lips.
“I have a lot to smile about these days,” I reply.
“That you do. It’s good to see you both happy. That’s all I ever truly wanted.”
I turn to look at her again and pull her into a hug. I hold on a little longer than necessary. I’ve learned to cherish moments like this, not knowing when I won’t be able to have them any longer.
“You do know they are both here, don’t you? You might not be able to see them, but I can feel them. Your father and Bill will always be here to look over him,” she says as she gives me a tight squeeze.
“Yeah, I know,” I choke out.
“I’m so proud of you. You, my baby, are lemonade personified. All you have accomplished has left me in awe.”
“Thanks, Mom. Although I do need to figure out what’s going to be next.”
“You’ll figure it out. How much time do you still have using your savings?”
“If I live frugally, I can stretch out five or six more years, but I don’t want to wait until it’s all gone.”
It’s actually more than that, but I like to aim low and reach higher. I honestly could probably hold off until Aaron goes off to college. However, that’s not my style. Even with all my travels, I still have some of my trust left, but I’m not going to rely solely on that or get complacent.
“If you need anything, you know you can ask me.”
“I’m a long way off from needing help, Mom. Aaron and I will be just fine.”
“I’m just saying. You don’t have to deny yourself or my grandson anything.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Should we get started on his gifts?” Bentley croons into my ear as he comes up behind me and wraps me in his arms.
I crane my neck to look up at him. His hazel eyes are sparkling back at me. Dipping his head, he pecks my lips and then my nose.
“Sure, if we get started now, we might get to all of them,” I tease.
“I’ll admit, I might have gone overboard. We can start with all the ones from the guests.” He laughs and kisses me again.
I can’t help but laugh. Overboard would be an understatement. Bentley purchased every learning game he could find and the toys … Oh my God, Aaron doesn’t have enough time in a day to play with everything his father bought him.
He could play with a toy a day for a year and still not play with them all. Mind you, I’m only speaking of the things he allowed me to see. I get it.
Bentley is still trying to make up for the time he lost with our son. I’m still working through a bit of my guilt about that. However, I do believe Bentley would have spoiled Aaron either way.
“Uncle Eddy,” Aaron squeals and laughs.
I turn to find Eddy tossing Aaron in the air, causing his little nephew to laugh with joy. Garret is standing nearby with a smile on his face. Erica and Lauren have their phones out, taking pictures and recording.
Tara is standing by the gift table with her hands on her hips as if she’s trying to figure out how to tackle the mountain that is our son’s birthday gifts.