This scenario was something I’d never experienced, and I’d given up hope that I ever would. Maybe I could do this and be the step mommy, setting aside the desire to cuddle my own newborn baby. Sari was easy to love. Her daddy was not so easy to handle at times, but I certainly loved him. Maybe this was my family, right here, perfectly made, just for me.
The light smack to my face woke me, and I reached up, coming in contact with the tiny baby-soft fingers resting against my cheek .
The bathroom fan whirred, a steamy mist escaping as Jake appeared in the doorway, a towel slung around his hips. “Oh, good, you’re awake. Are you sure you’ll be okay? Tía will watch her if you’d rather not.” Already he was tugging a t-shirt over his head, followed by a heavy sweater.
“We’ll manage for a few hours.”
“Sorry for leaving you on your first day, but I have the rest of the week off.”
I propped myself up on one elbow, smothering a giggle at the sight of the little girl in the middle of the bed, her limbs flung out at all angles. “She even sleeps like a starfish.”
“She does have a habit of taking over the bed.”
“So, it’s okay I gave in, then? She insisted on seeing Daddy.”
Jake strapped on his watch and reached for his phone. “Yeah, sometimes she refuses to sleep in her room.” Chin tipped down, he eyed me. “If you want the truth, it happens two or three times a week. Even more if I’ve been away for a few days. Sometimes I just don’t have the energy for a toddler battle, and she sleeps better with me, anyway.”
“Your trips upset the balance here?”
“The first days at home were a bit hellish, can’t deny it. Even worse was leaving again.” He sat on the edge of the bed and pulled on his socks.
I moved behind him, resting my chin on his shoulder as I wrapped my arms around his chest. “What you’re saying is not only did you have a grouchy baby here, but you had one waiting in Vancouver too. Sorry if I made things harder for you.”
He turned his head, pressing his cheek against mine. “You couldn’t have known. Anyway, I enjoyed our time, Mare. With you, I feel more like me.”
“Back at you,” I whispered. “I love you.”
“I love you.” His lips lingered against mine. “Damn. I have to go. The extra house key is on the hook by the door. Call if you need anything, and you have Marisol’s number, right?”
“Yes, yes. Go, but be careful.”
“Back before you know it.” He winked and headed for the door, but hesitated, looking back at me, at his child who he’d now entrusted to my care.
“It’s okay. I’ll keep her safe.”
“Yeah, yeah, of course, but … doesn’t any of this scare you?”
“No? I mean … what are you …?”
“Never mind. It’s nothing.” He retreated down the hall, the door thunking as he exited the house.
The next morning, Jake let me sleep in as my reward for a job well done. My sassy “See? The house is still standing, and your child is still alive” when he’d returned in the late afternoon had been met with a chuckle, but I wondered what was going through his mind. Scared. Should I be frightened? Of what? If only I had the courage to ask him what he’d meant.
Then a certain little someone had taken over our day, which led to this moment, with me sputtering and clawing disintegrated snowball from my freezing lips. “I give.” I raised both arms.
“No way.” Jake dashed across the yard, catching me around the waist and ducking behind me. “Save me.”
Sarina wobbled along behind him, coming to a complete halt only inches away, bending awkwardly as she gathered loose snow with mittened hands. She screwed up her face and tossed the tiny scoop toward us, bursting into giggles as the breeze blew it back, sprinkling her upturned cheeks with icy crystals.
“Does that tickle? Here, let me help.” I wiggled free of Jake’s grasp, helping the little girl collect more snow and form it into a soft snowball. “Let’s get him.” Moving beside her, I steered her forward, making sure she could see me as I spoke and motioned. “Throw it. Get Daddy.”
As the snowball tumbled onto his boot, Jake performed a dramatic collapse, hauling me down with him. “Ah, no fair.” He groaned as Sari launched herself across his belly. “I’m wounded.” His deep laughter rang out as he hugged his little girl.
“Snow angels.” I flopped onto my back, spreading like a star, swishing my arms and legs back and forth.
Sari propped herself on Jake’s chest, watching me for several seconds before she pushed herself up, then plopped into the snow beside me, copying my moves.
Jake hauled himself to his feet. “Beautiful job, Sari.”
She reached out to him, and he grabbed her hands and pulled her straight up, taking a moment to brush away the snow clinging to her toque.
“Time for lunch?” He tapped his fingers to his lips which elicited an emphatic nod from his daughter. Tucking the girl on his hip, he reached for my hand. “That was fun. I’m glad you’re here. After lunch, we’ll pack up and go to Tía’s.”
“We’re staying overnight?”
“Yeah, it’ll be easier since she’s watching Sari tomorrow. Anyway, Tía’s excited to see you.”
“I can’t wait to see her. So, what’s on the agenda for tomorrow?”
“Not telling,” he said. “Be patient, and all shall be revealed.”
Patience. Not my strong suit, but in this case, I was willing to play along.
I left Jake asleep in the double bed, hauling on leggings and Jake’s sweatshirt before padding from the guest room into Marisol’s kitchen, absorbing the silence. Aside from the addition of a high-end espresso machine, nothing in this homey kitchen had changed. The grey stoneware cups were still in the same place, awaiting the early risers. A matching baking
