“Thanks.” I slid it closer and lifted a bite to my lips. It tasted heavenly, and it was the first time anyone other than me had fed Ava since she’d been home. Don’t get me wrong, the other women here would help if I let them, but I want to do as much as I can for my daughter. She had such a rough start to the world.
I finished my pie about the same time that Ava finished her bottle. Blake waved me off as he set the empty bottle on the table, and lifted Ava to his shoulder. She settled in, nuzzling his neck as he patted her back. After releasing a healthy burp, she yawned and her eyes fluttered closed.
Blake stood, and carried her into the living room. I followed, not really sure of what to make of all this. He sat in the rocker, and began humming as he rocked my daughter. I was stunned, so stunned that I didn’t realize that I was crying. Donna handed me a tissue and hugged my shoulder as she whispered, “They’re not all bad,” in my ear. I pressed my lips together and sat down on the couch.
“You’re a natural with her,” I mused.
“My professor in med school told me I missed my calling. She swore I should have been a pediatrician. I wanted to go the neuro route though.” He laughed.
“She was right. You were great with her.” I stared off in the direction of the hallway. I wasn’t sure where to go from here. It seemed like we were at a crossroads and I was driving. I didn’t know if I needed to turn, brake, or go straight ahead.
“There’s no rush here.” Blake swallowed. I guess he could see the struggle on my face. “We can go as slow as you need. Do you understand me, Brooke?” He lifted my chin with his finger.
I blinked a few times to clear the tears. “Yes.” It came out like a whisper.
“I want this to work, and it will, just trust me.” He leaned forward and brushed his lips across my forehead. They were soft, and my whole body shuddered at their contact. “I’m gonna go, but I’ll be back tomorrow.” He pulled back and smiled as he tucked a loose hair behind my ear. “I’m glad you got your papers. Happy Thanksgiving.” He waved, and then stepped through the front door, just leaving me there in a daze.
Blake was like no other person that I’d ever met, and we’d only scratched the surface. ooooooooo
After Blake left, we each helped Donna clean up the dining room. It was getting dark out, and everyone was sleepy from eating so much. Ava stayed quiet, so I used the time to sit in the family room and read. The house seemed cozier that night, and I wondered if it had anything to do with my mood. It was the first time in a long time that I wasn’t scared. The freedom of knowing I was no longer tied to Warren opened a part of me I’d forgotten was there. Possibility and hope bloomed inside me, and for the first time since moving in here, I was excited for the next day. Blake said he’d be back, but I wasn’t sure what that meant.
I’m not sure when it happened, but I fell asleep in the chair in the corner. I was awoken by Ava demanding her midnight bottle. Someone had covered me with a blanket and when I stood, I almost tripped.
I shuffled into the kitchen, half asleep, to mix a bottle. Then I headed to my room. Ava’s cries were getting louder, causing me to move faster. When I reached her, I changed her diaper and then settled into the rocker in the corner. Her mouth opened as her hands reached for the bottle. As I rocked, I held her close; she smelled like Blake. His cologne must have rubbed off on her sleeper when he was holding her earlier. I closed my eyes and pictured the two of them in the family room. He was so good with her, and it made my heart swell. ooooooooo
Blake
I felt like a teenager again every time I thought about Brooke. I don’t know what it was, but just being around her was enough at times. I meant it when I told her I’d be back today.
I grabbed two blankets and a Thermos of coffee before rushing out of my apartment. I had the day off, and planned to spend as much of it as I could with her. I tossed the items in the back of my Audi, and drove to Emily’s House. It wasn’t that far, and when I got there I parked right in front on the street. I debated for a moment, but then decided to leave the car running as I rushed up the steps. I knocked quickly, looked around, and waited for the door to swing open. It was chilly out, but not too cold.
“Morning.” Donna smiled when she answered the door. “Wanna come in?”
“I left the car running.” I glanced over my shoulder, then back at Donna. “Can you let Brooke know that I’m here, and for her and Ava to dress warm?” I rubbed my hands together before stuffing them in my pockets.
“Brooke! Blake’s here! Wear a coat!” she called over her shoulder before looking back at me and grinning.
“What’s so funny?” I gave myself the once over before peering at my reflection in a nearby window. I looked ok. Nothing was out of place.
“Nothing,” Donna mused. I hated when
