Ava reaches out to pet Pixy, and he actually lets her. He’s sometimes skittish and can do his whole “fainting” thing, which is the muscle cells experiencing prolonged contraction when he is startled, but Pixy lets her hug and snuggle him. Mom and Dad come to greet us.
Hugs are exchanged by the adults, and Laken brings Ava over. It’s obvious she’s nervous, and I hate seeing that pensive look on her face.
Laken squats next to Ava. “Love bug, this is Chance’s mom and dad. This is Ava.”
They both squat in front of her. “Hi, Ava. I’m Aubrey, Chance’s momma. This is Chance’s daddy, and his name is Chance too.”
“It is?” She scrunches her nose, looking from Chance to his dad, and I swear my parents’ smiles both get bigger.
“It sure is. Should we go inside and eat some lunch?” Dad says, standing to his full height. He holds his hand out to her, and Ava doesn’t think twice, placing hers in his.
We follow behind the three of them and Pixy. “I told you not to worry,” I whisper to Laken.
Lunch is loud and chaotic. Ava has won over my parents, especially my dad. Basically, what it means is my parents have ignored Laken and me and given Ava all the attention.
“Hey, guys!” My sister, Bree comes in with her usual flair. “Laken! Oh my God, I’m so happy to finally meet you.” They share a hug, and then my sister goes over to Ava and bends down next to her. “Are you Ava?”
“Yes. Who are you?” Her little voice is so sweet.
My sister smiles at Laken and then turns back to Ava. “I’m Bree. I’m Chance’s sister.”
“You awe. Das my mommy.” She points to her mom, smiling.
***
Laken
I sit on the steps and watch Chance, his dad, Bree, and Ava kicking the soccer ball in the backyard. My daughter’s laughter makes my heart swell. They’ve all been so kind to us today.
Aubrey kicked me out of the kitchen a little bit ago when I offered to help clean up after lunch. Pixy sits next me and makes his little goat noise. I scratch him on top of his head as Chance Sr. scoops Ava up as they run after the ball.
Footsteps sound from behind me, and then Aubrey is sitting next to me. Her face splits into a wide grin as she watches them all running around the yard. She turns to me and smiles. “She’s such a precious little girl.”
I nod, trying to ignore the burning in my nose and eyes. “Thank you. I don’t deserve to be her mom.” My eyes widen because I did not mean to say that out loud.
Aubrey places her hand on mine. “I think we all feel that way from time to time. I’m sure it wasn’t easy having her so young.”
“N-no, but I was determined to give her the best life possible. My parents have stepped in to help with so much, and I could never repay them. Sometimes I feel guilty, though, because how many single moms work, go to school, and take care of their child, or children, all on their own.” Is Aubrey going to think I’m a spoiled brat or a bad mom?
“You shouldn’t feel guilty. You’re blessed, and there is nothing wrong with that. I have a feeling you would’ve found a way to still achieve your goals.”
We both turn our focus to the commotion in the yard. Chance starts juggling the soccer ball, and I try to ignore the fluttery feeling in my belly as my eyes stay zeroed in on him. He handles the ball with a confidence that makes my pulse race. His dad calls him a showoff, and they laugh.
Chance catches me watching him intently and smirks, shooting a wink in my direction then motions me toward him. Aubrey squeezes my hand before letting it go. I make my way across the yard, and Chance pulls me into a hug and kisses me in front of all of his family.
The shock in Ava’s voice is obvious as she marvels, “Awww…” making Chance and me laugh.
The rest of the day is filled with dinner and taking Pixy and Ava for a walk at the beach; it’s amazing how many people know Pixy and stop to pet him. He’s a little attention whore and makes his goat sounds all over the place.
We stop along the boardwalk for ice cream. Ava sings some Disney songs while we wait. When it’s our turn to order, Chance looks up at Ava who is smiling down at him. “What kind do you want?”
Ava shrieks with excitement, “Chocolate.” I grab my wallet to pay, but Chance gives me a look that has me putting it away.
Once they hand us our treats, we make our way over to a table and sit, but Ava refuses to climb down from her perch on Chance’s shoulders, living her best life.
“She can sit next to us,” I tell him, placing the small cup of vanilla ice cream in front of Pixy.
He leans forward and kisses me. “I know, but we’re bonding. Right, Avalou?” That’s the nickname Chance and his dad have both started calling her. He holds up his fist, and Ava gives him a fist bump and smiles at me with chocolate ice cream all over her face. He cocks his head to the side and smiles up at Ava. I smile at the two of them because in such a short, short time they’ve already formed a sweet bond.
After ice cream we walk back to his house, me holding Pixy’s leash, and Ava still riding on Chance’s shoulders. We’re a block away when a seductive feminine voice calls Chance’s name.
We stop and a beautiful, big breasted redhead struts over to us—or, I’m sorry, over to Chance.
“Hey, Chloe, how are you?” His voice is neutral—not rude, but not overly
