Page 79 of Time for Change

“No, it’s for a friend whose daughter is turning two.”

Gianna pulls a face. “Two? Who’s that?”

“Jameson and Madelyn Tankersley’s daughter. But there are going to be lots of kids there. Lizzie Meyer is going to be there and Rorik Thompson. Plus lots of others you’ll know.”

“Rorik! I know him!” Christian hollers, jumping up and running to grab his coat off the hook.

“We’ve never hung out with them before,” Gianna says, still standing there without moving.

“No, but they can still be considered friends. We have some things in common, like kids, so it’s a great time to get together and let you guys play. They’ve rented bounce houses,” I state.

“Bounce houses!? Shake and bake!” Christian yells, throwing his arms in the air in victory.

“Come on, Gi. Get your coat. You can help me pick out a gift,” I encourage.

“Fine,” she grumbles, marching over to put on her coat and shoes once more.

I exhale, hoping I’m not fucking up by taking them to this party. Stevie is going to be there, so I’m sure they’ll wonder about the fact we’re seeing her twice in one weekend, but as long as I keep reiterating we’re all friends, I’m sure it’ll be fine.

However, I don’t know how much longer I’m willing to keep up this whole friends bit. I’ve never thought I’d be ready to introduce my kids so soon to a woman I’m seeing, but now the idea has taken root, the more anxious I get to make it happen. I want to have her here on the weekends, watching movies and playing games. I want to have her over for dinner and watch her interact with my kids.

I’m falling fast and hard for Stevie Clement, but that’s not what shocks me.

The fact I’m ready to merge these two worlds is what surprises me the most.

***

The moment we step inside the community center, the volume increases to a deafening level. We’re in a small vestibule that houses men’s and women’s restrooms, as well as a coat rack. I set the birthday gift we purchased yesterday on the floor and turn to the kids. “Come on. Let’s take our coats off and hang them up.”

Once that task is complete, Christian nervously takes my hand and we walk around the corner into the large, open community center. My eyes widen at the sight. There’re huge bounce houses set up with kids climbing, bouncing, and sliding, as well as taco-shaped balloons everywhere and a pinata hanging in the middle of the room.

“Dad!” Christian whisper-yells, pulling on my hand.

I look down to see his eyes as wide as saucers and an eagerness to go play he can barely contain. “You have to follow the rules, remember? We went over them. Don’t let your excitement get the best of you.”

Madelyn spots us and heads our way, a warm smile on her face and a string of pearls around her neck. “Hello, we’re all so glad you could make it. I’m Madelyn,” she says to the kids. “We hope you’re ready to play.”

“We are,” Christian replies, ready for me to release his hand and turn him loose.

“Shoes go over on that wall,” she says, pointing to the area beside the obstacle course bounce house. “Why don’t you go put your shoes with the rest of them and go check out the bounce houses.”

Christian looks up at me.

“Have fun and behave, please,” I tell him, one final warning before I turn him loose in a room full of wild, screaming kids.

Madelyn looks at my daughter. “You must Gianna. Do you know Lizzie?”

Gianna nods, scanning the room until her eyes settle on Walker’s daughter.

“She’s braiding Rose’s hair for her birthday. Why don’t you go over and say hello? She’s very excited you’re coming today. Almost all the other kids are younger than her or boys,” Madelyn says with a chuckle.

I give my daughter a nod of encouragement, then she shyly starts to walk over to where Lizzie is. Gianna is the least shy child I know, but I can understand she’d be a little hesitant around new people. When she reaches Lizzie’s side, they instantly start talking and playing, brushing Rose’s hair and adding barrettes.

“Your children are adorable. I can’t get over how much your son looks like you,” Madelyn says.

“Poor kid,” I joke, earning the laugh I was hoping for.

“I believe my sister-in-law is anxiously awaiting your arrival. She’s in the kitchen, fretting over the cupcakes. You should go say hello.” When I meet her gaze, she adds, “Go ahead. I’ll watch your kids.”

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