Dara was getting her payback for my avoidance of her question, but our conversation did the opposite of what she’d intended. It reminded me there were still serious challenges in the relationship. But maybe something had changed in our weeks apart. One never knew.
An hour later, after dropping Jake’s SUV at his place, we tucked Sari into her stroller and boarded the ferry for our journey across the harbour.
“You’d think there’d be something closer,” I said as we joined the queue to disembark on the Dartmouth side.
“Well, there is, but Sari loves riding the big boat. It’s an adventure for her. Anyway, this place is huge, and sometimes we run into Sari’s friend from daycare.” He adjusted the cover of the stroller, peeking in at his daughter. “As her mom is deaf, Julia’s learning sign language. It’s nice that Sari has someone close to her age who also signs, and Julia’s mom, Steph, is amazing.”
I nodded. “I never considered the challenges in arranging playdates. How will it work when Sari’s old enough for school? Like, where will she go?”
“I don’t know. We’ll make that decision later.”
“Jake Cavallaro, fully domesticated. Never thought I’d see the day.” I caught his hand. “’Tis a good thing.”
“Uh-huh. Get used to it.” He entwined our fingers, still keeping perfect control of the carriage. “I’m glad you decided to keep us company.”
“It sounded like fun.” I pointed at a bright green hut near the water. “What’s that place?”
“The touch tank, a land-based tidal pool. Sari loves it, but it doesn’t open until summer.”
“Already training her to follow in Daddy’s footsteps as a marine biologist?”
“You expected less?” He peeked at his daughter, who pointed at the shack and kicked her feet. “The indoor playground is just down the block.”
At the play centre, Jake unbuckled the little girl and set her loose. He kissed me then followed his daughter.
I pushed the stroller to the side, smiling at the young woman who sat on the bench rocking a baby against her chest.
“Your little girl is beautiful,” the woman said.
“She’s … thank you.” Explaining our complicated situation to a stranger seemed silly. “He’s sweet.” I peered at the baby snuggled in her arms. “How old?”
“Three weeks. Matty’s big sister is over there.” She pointed at a girl, about four years old, bounding across the mats. “Your husband looks like he’s having fun. Enjoy it. Too many dads can’t be bothered.”
“Yeah, he’s pretty great with his daughter.” I wandered slowly toward Sari and Jake, watching him chase the little girl, sending her into a fit of giggles as he caught and threw her over his shoulder. It was no surprise he was so natural with his child or that he’d become an amazing father.
Jake beckoned to me. “Get in here, Mar.”
Sari pointed at me then made some awkward shapes with her fingers.
“That’s right, Starfish.” Jake crouched in front of his daughter, making similar, smoother signs as he said, “M.A.R.” He hugged his daughter, smiling at me. “She’s learning your name.”
I kneeled beside him, clapping my hands and smiling as I said, “Great job, Sari.”
Those warm arms wrapping around my neck combined with the brief resting of her head on my shoulder had me fighting for control. All too soon, she wiggled free and jumped up and down, her fingers in motion. She toddled to the tunnels, turning and beckoning.
“Coming, Sari.” I brushed at my misty eyes, hoping Jake hadn’t noticed my near breakdown.
It was near dinnertime when we returned to Jake’s house, so I texted Dara to let her know they should eat without me. Her return message made me roll my eyes:
I figured you’d be late, if you made it at all, so no worries. Having fun??
“Everything okay?” Jake asked as he fed Sari noodles.
“Oh, yeah, all fine. Typical Dara, gloating about how I’m still hanging out with you.”
“Ah.” He released his daughter from her highchair, cradling her as she whined and squirmed. “Someone’s exhausted. Could you order a pizza or something while I put her to bed? My laptop is in the kitchen, and my wallet is in my jacket if you need my credit card. That place on Young is still my favourite.”
“Right. Salvatore’s.” I started toward the kitchen, then stopped. After a moment, I performed a slow spin in the middle of the living room, searching high and low. A sob caught in my throat, and I circled again to be sure. Aside from two silver frames on the mantel, the others had disappeared, leaving only photos of Jake and Sari.
I cupped my hands over my mouth. In … one … two … three … My head spun as I struggled to control my breathing. Out … one … two … three … He’d done this without saying a word. Without making it into a power struggle. Don’t make a deal of this. Just go with it.
In the kitchen, I opened Jake’s computer and placed the order. I selected a bottle of Zinfandel from the rack, decanted it, and set out plates and napkins, finally relaxing in the peaceful living room while the muffled sounds of Sari’s bedtime routine carried down the hall. Right now, he’d be brushing her teeth and playing silly games to get her into some cute pj’s.
The man was making this difficult, wrangling me into submission with his adorable toddler along with his damn listening skills and sensitivity to my feelings, doing all those little things that twanged the heart strings.
The doorbell rang, and I leaped to my feet, hoping the sound wouldn’t keep Sari from settling for the night. Then I caught myself. Silly. She can’t hear that. Especially now, when her hearing aids would be docked in the charger, stowed safely on top of the white dresser in the corner of her room. Sarina never wore them to bed.
“Thank you.” I tapped my credit card on the machine offered by the delivery guy, barely getting the pizza to the coffee table
