Every night when I FaceTime Ava he’s usually there talking to her or listening to her little stories and enjoying himself, I hope. Sometimes I wonder if I should stop them from being close because if we break up I don’t know how that would affect my daughter. However, the joy on their faces when they talk is enough to make me reconsider that negative thought.
Mom and Aubrey have even been talking after Chance’s mom asked for her number. It’s sweet, and I know my mom enjoys their chats.
I make my way across campus and spot my man typing away on his phone. I don’t miss the way every girl in his vicinity is checking him out, and he’s oblivious. He must sense me close because he looks in my direction and smiles.
I’m giddy as I run/walk toward him, smiling like a fool I’m sure. As soon as I reach him, I wrap my arms around Chance’s waist and tilt my head back to accept his kiss.
He kisses me slowly and with lots of tongue, only pulling away when someone yells for us to get a room. I giggle like my daughter does and bury my face in his chest.
“Did you just giggle?”
“Hey, don’t make fun of me.” I playfully slap at his chest.
Chance hugs me tight. “I’m not making fun of you, baby. I think it’s cute.” I pinch his side until he jumps back, laughing. “Now let’s go eat.”
We stop at the sandwich shop, grabbing a turkey, avocado, and swiss for me. Chance gets grilled chicken with lots of fresh veggies. We take our sandwiches out and sit on a bench facing the fountain.
Thanksgiving is in a week, and I’m heading home to spend time with my girl and then go Christmas shopping with my mom. Chance is going with his sister and parents to visit his aunt, uncle, and their kids.
Our plan is for him to take his bike home, leave it there, and drive his car back, picking me up and then us driving to campus together. Mom is coming to get me, so I don’t have to worry about my car.
“Did you finally pick your thesis topic?” Chance asks before taking a huge bite of his sandwich.
I nod. “Yeah, I’m going to write about the benefits of home-cooked meals instead of meals out of a box.” I take a bite of my sandwich and then swallow it. “I’m going to try a couple different recipes and test them against their already made counterpart and then write a comparison about taste, quality, and time saving. I know it sounds so boring.”
“No, it doesn’t. I’d be happy to sample the meals and give you my opinion.”
We finish our sandwiches and sit on the bench for a while, soaking in the sun. When it’s time to go to my next class, Chance stands and holds his hands out to me. Of course, I take it, and we start walking away.
“Hey, Chance… Call me,” a brunette with the body of a Victoria Secret model says to him, giving him a jaunty little wave.
He gives her a chin lift, and we keep walking. As always, girls everywhere call his name. I can’t and won’t judge him for his past, but damn … do I need these girls all trying to get with him?
A lot of them give me the stank eye, but I ignore it. We reach the spot where we part ways, and Chance kisses me quickly before pulling away. “I’ll see you after practice?”
“Yeah, just text me when you’re done, and I’ll meet you there.” I stand on the sidewalk and watch him walk away.
“He’ll get bored with you, you know.” I freeze and turn to the person who said it. What is it with these super model looking girls? Of course, she’d be a better fit for him. She looks like the type of girl I imagine he’ll end up with; why does that thought make me feel nauseous?
Nope, I’m not letting this girl get to me. I know he really likes me and loves my daughter to pieces. He isn’t the type to play with my emotions, let alone my daughter’s.
“Ahhh… He didn’t want to date you, did he?” I stick my earbuds in, ignoring whatever response she has. I guess I’m going to have to get used to women wanting my man.
Chapter Sixteen
Chance
Laken’s asleep half on my chest, half on the mattress. With my arm curled around her, I rub my hand up and down her back. This was the best four-day weekend ever.
Aunt Adele’s two youngest kids have the flu, so they had to cancel Thanksgiving. Laken’s mom called mine, inviting us to have it with them. This is really fast, but damn it feels right.
Our parents get along better than either of us could have imagined. Ava was a riot, dancing and singing for us. I do think Laken’s dad was a little jealous that his grandbaby was giving my dad lots of attention.
Leigh pulled her husband aside and whispered something into his ear, and after that he was fine. We were able to find an Airbnb near Laken’s parents’ home. My dad and I hung out with Laken’s dad, Scott, and her brother Jay. Mom went shopping with Leigh, Laken, and Ava. Bree didn’t come because she went on a ski trip with her friends.
Laken’s brother had picked her up and brought her to her parents. When it was time to leave, it hurt my heart to watch Ava cling to her momma. Her cries were heartbreaking. Scott got Ava to let go of Laken, and he carried her into the house.
“Honey, it’ll be okay. Before you know it Christmas break will be here. Remember, you’re doing this all for her, to
