Page 48 of Burden to Bear

Her grin grew. “Thank you. How about you? Did you have a good day at work?”

I’d had one of the best days I’d ever had at work. But I couldn’t admit that, because she’d surely ask what made it so wonderful, and I didn’t think I could admit the truth—that I’d thought about her nearly all day—nor could I lie to her.

So, I let out a laugh and shrugged. “It was certainly a productive day. I got everything done that I needed to get done, so I can’t complain.”

“That’s great. And what’s even better right now is that we’re both home, and there’s still daylight,” she bubbled. “I’m totally taking advantage of the weather and going for a walk.”

My brows shot up in surprise. “Now?”

She nodded. “Yeah. Well, I mean, I’m going to run inside and grab a snack to hold me over until I come back and make myself dinner, but I’m going to go now.”

Before I had the chance to think about how to respond, the words spilled out of me. “Would you like some company?”

If it was possible, Mia perked up even more. “I’d love some company. Do you want to join me?”

There were at least half a dozen things I wanted to do with her, but I’d happily settle for joining her on a walk around the neighborhood. “I’d be happy to come along.”

“Great. I’m just going to run inside, change my clothes, and grab something to eat, so I don’t start to feel sick, and I’ll be right back out,” she said.

“I’ll meet you out here.”

With a bright smile and a quick nod, Mia turned and moved back to her car. I watched her go, and once she pulled her car forward, I made my way back to my truck and did the same.

Five minutes later, Mia was walking toward me with a baggie in her hand and the smile still on her face. She’d changed out of her work clothes, exchanging them for a pair of leggings and a hoodie.

“All set?” I asked when she came to a stop in front of me.

“Yep. Would you like some?” she asked, holding up the sandwich bag filled with apple slices and some cubes of cheese.

As much as I loved the idea of sharing food with Mia, this wasn’t an occasion I would seek to do it. Shaking my head, I said, “No, thanks. That’s for you and the baby.”

“We don’t mind sharing.”

I laughed. “I know. I appreciate it. But I’m good.”

“Okay. So, which way do you want to go?”

“It doesn’t matter to me. Do you have a preference?”

She looked up and down the street until she decided. “Can we go this way?” Mia was indicating the way that would take us in the opposite direction of my house and past Russ and Janel’s place instead.

“That works for me.”

We fell into step beside one another, and as always seemed to be the case, Mia was not at a loss for words or conversation. “I can’t tell you how happy I am that it’s been so much warmer lately. Maybe I’ll be able to do this after work every day now.”

“If you do, I’m happy to walk with you,” I said. “But I have to admit, I’m surprised.”

“What surprises you?”

Just as I was about to answer her, I stopped and held myself back to consider my response. I realized what I was going to say, and it was possible I might offend her. With that in mind, I said, “I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, but I guess I’m surprised you have the energy to walk after a long day at work.”

“Oh, well, there was definitely a time when I could barely keep my eyes open, but I think I’m well past that now,” she explained. “In a few months, I’ll probably be right back in that position, but for now, I feel pretty good. Plus, I’m not standing on my feet all day at work, which I think helps a bit. This is nice, though. In fact, it feels good to be able to move a bit.”

Apparently, I had been worried for no reason. I should have expected nothing less. The more I spent time with Mia, the more I was realizing my initial assessment of her months ago had been accurate. She was such a happy-go-lucky kind of woman, who was almost always in such a good mood. I was captivated by that, by her ability to still be this upbeat despite what she’d been through and what she was facing.

Of course, I didn’t think it would be better for her to be upset about becoming a mother—I was glad she wasn’t wallowing in hurt and disappointment—but seeing that tenacity to do what was best for her and her child was appealing. I thought it said a lot about her.

“I think you should enjoy it while you can, then. And like I said, I’m happy to join you whenever you decide to go.”

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