Page 211 of From Rivals to I Do

Maya leans in closer, a twinkle in her eye. "Because they make up everything!"

We burst into laughter, and even Henry joins in, though he probably doesn't quite understand the punchline yet.

I shake my head, still chuckling. "That's a good one, Maya. You've got quite the comedic talent."

Maya shrugs modestly. "Oh, it's all part of the artist's package, you know? We have to be good at everything."

Henry tugs on my sleeve, a mischievous grin on his face. "Dad, do you know any jokes?"

I scratch my head, thinking for a moment. "Well, Henry, I do know a firefighter joke. Want to hear it?"

Henry's eyes light up, nodding eagerly. "Yes, please!"

"All right, Henry," I say with a playful twinkle in my eyes. "Why did the firefighter bring a ladder to the bar?"

Henry looks at me with anticipation, eagerly waiting for the punchline. I pause for a moment, building up the suspense before delivering the comedic twist. "Because he heard the drinks were on the house!"

Henry bursts into laughter, his joyous giggles filling the room. It's a simple joke, but the innocence and delight in his reaction make it all the more heartwarming. As Henry's laughter subsides, he wipes away a few tears of mirth from the corners of his eyes. "That was a good one, Dad!" he exclaims, still chuckling.

I ruffle his hair affectionately, savoring this precious moment between father and son. "I'm glad you liked it, buddy. I always try to keep a few jokes up my sleeve, just for you."

Henry wraps his small arms around my waist, his embrace filled with unconditional love. Maya watches us with a fond expression, her eyes filled with warmth. It's moments like these that make me appreciate the bond we're forming.

"You know, Jackson, when I think about our childhood and how foolish and immature we used to be, it amazes me that we can be in the same room together and enjoy each other. Do you remember when you and my brother threw me into the pond with the frogs, fully dressed, I was furious with you guys. I hated frogs and I had just got my hair done that day. I wanted to kill you, Jackson. When I think about those times today, it makes me laugh. We were so foolish. Or, what about the time you were sleeping, and I put that jalapeno pepper in your mouth” Maya laughing uncontrollably. “Jackson, your eyes were so red, I actually felt bad that time”. We both laughed reminiscing on the good old days. I laughed so hard thinking about that day. Maya never knew it. But I peed my pants that day. “Oh, my goodness, Maya, I thought my mouth would never cool off and for sure, I thought my lips were going to burn off” Laughing and captivating this moment I had to open to Maya. “Maya, I have a secret. I never even told your brother this, but I always thought you were pretty, and I had a crush on you. I think I used to harass you sometimes just so you would talk to me, I am ashamed to say it today. I know I did some terrible things to you when we were teenagers”.

Laughing with tears rolling down my face I remind Maya of the time I locked her in the garage with her house robe on in the middle of the winter “Maya, when we finally opened the door, you looked like a malnourished polar bear”. “Ha, Ha funny right”, she responds laughing hysterically. “Oh my God, Jackson Reed, I had forgot all about that, you dirty little dog, I was barefoot that night. I remember banging on the door and listening to you laughing.” Unable to keep my composure, I reach for Maya’s hand “Maya, I am sorry for that, will you ever forgive me. Maya chuckling with her beautiful smile “I don’t know, I will have to think about it Mr. Jackson”.

I raise an eyebrow, subsiding my laughter “Maya, I have not had this much fun since my wife died, you have brought so much joy into our lives, Thank you Maya.”

She playfully nudges my arm. "You don’t have to thank me; I am enjoying your company just as much” we both silently continue laughing.”

We share a moment of comfortable silence, the sound of Henry's laughter still echoing in the room. It's in these simple, lighthearted moments that I begin to see Maya in a new light—a caring friend, a talented artist, and a woman who I can see myself spending the rest of my life with. I return to my painting, grateful for this moment.

"What's next, Jackson? Are you going to add some abstract squiggles or attempt a self-portrait?" Maya quips, a mischievous glint in her eyes as we get back to painting.

I chuckle. "I might surprise you, Maya. Who knows, maybe I have a hidden talent for abstract art."

Henry, caught up in the energy of our playful banter, adds his own input, pointing at the canvas and babbling excitedly.

Maya and I exchange amused glances. "I think Henry agrees with me," Maya says, a hint of triumph in her voice.

As the afternoon turns into evening, we clean up our art supplies and admire the finished artwork—a colorful collaboration that captures the joy and laughter we shared.

As I watch Maya interact with Henry, her humor and playful nature shining through, I can't help but be captivated by her and be amused by her playful antics. She effortlessly connects with my son, bringing out his laughter and curiosity. It warms my heart to see Henry comfortable and happy in her presence. I can see how much he enjoys being around her.

Maya catches me watching them and grins. "I hope I've earned my title as the funniest aunt ever."

I smile back, feeling a wave of affection for her. "No doubt about that, Maya. Henry adores you."

Maya's eyes soften, and she reaches out to ruffle Henry's hair affectionately. "I adore him too, Jackson. He's an amazing kid."

I nod, feeling a sense of warmth spread through me. Maya may be perky and stubborn, but underneath it all, she's a caring and compassionate person. It's moments like these that remind me of that fact.

We spend the rest of the evening engaged in conversation, sharing stories and anecdotes about our childhood, our dreams, and the challenges we've overcome. The playful banter remains, but now it's laced with a genuine fondness and understanding.

Chapter five

Chapter Five

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