Page 100 of Love You Madly

His words send my heart racing, the truth of them resonating deep within me. “It doesn’t sound crazy,” I whisper. “I feel it too.”

There’s a silence between us, not empty but full of everything unsaid. Finally, he breaks it, his voice softer, more certain. “I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.”

“I can’t wait either,” I reply, my heart light. “It’s all I’ve been thinking about.”

We stay on the phone for a while longer as I get thingsready to take Sara with me to work. When we finally hang up, I’m left with a sense of certainty I haven’t felt in a long time. Owen has this way of making me feel cherished in a way I’ve never experienced.

The memories from last weekend linger—a mix of laughter, shared glances, and quiet moments. Tomorrow feels like a promise, and I’m ready for it. But more than that, there’s something deeper—an undeniable pull, a connection that seems to have been there all along, drawing us into each other’s orbit. I wonder if Owen feels it too.

I run my fingers along the edge of the phone, grounding myself in the coolness of the metal, trying to hold onto this feeling, like I could bottle it and carry it with me through the day.

I take a deep breath, smiling softly. This feels different from anything before. With Owen, it’s not just going through the motions—it’s real. And I’m ready for whatever comes next.

I glance at the clock on the wall, noting the hands inching closer to my shift’s start time. Sara stirs slightly in my arms, her small body fitting perfectly against mine, her soft breath warm on my shoulder. I kiss the top of her head, savoring this quiet moment before the day begins.

“It’s going to be a busy morning, baby girl,” I whisper. “But Grammy and Poppy Wayne will be here soon to pick you up.”

She sighs softly, snuggling closer, and I can’t help but smile. Even though juggling work and motherhood has been overwhelming, these small moments make it all worth it. I gather her diaper bag and my purse, balancing everything as we step out into the crisp morning air.

When we arrive at Brooked & Brewed, Sara is more awake, her big, curious eyes taking in the shop. I set her up in one of the cushioned chairs near the back, pulling out her favorite toys, including her beloved plush giraffe.

“Okay, let’s get you settled,” I say, placing a few more toys in front of her. She immediately grabs the giraffe, babbling happily to it.

I start setting up for the morning rush, grateful that Brooke has been so flexible, letting me bring Sara in for these early shifts. It’s a juggling act, but seeing Sara here with me feels right. She’s part of everything I do now.

The rhythmic hum of the coffee machines fills the air, and I lose myself in the motions of the morning routine. As I glance at Sara, who is happily playing with her giraffe, a wave of contentment washes over me. Despite the craziness, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

A couple of hours later, the door chimes, and I smile as Mom and Wayne walk in, their faces lighting up when they see Sara. My mom swoops in, planting kisses all over Sara’s cheeks.

“There’s my sweet girl!” she coos, as Wayne gives me a warm smile, always the quiet one.

“Thanks for picking her up,” I say, stepping out from behind the counter. “She’s been a little fussy this morning, so just keep an eye on her.”

Wayne nods, his hand resting on my shoulder. “We’ve got her covered. Make sure you rest your feet when you can, honey. They look a little swollen.”

I laugh softly, appreciating his concern. “I’ll try, I promise.”

After they leave with Sara, the shop falls into a comfortable rhythm. The morning rush keeps me on my toes, but there’s a lightness in my chest knowing I’ll see Owen tomorrow. As I catch my breath between customers, I pull out my phone and see a text from Owen, along with a link to a song.

Owen:

Made me think of you.

My heart flutters, and a small smile tugs at my lips. I quickly type out a response:

Me:

Sorry, I’ve been swamped! I’ll listen to it as soon as I get the chance. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow!

The steady stream of customers keeps me busy, and the usual hum of chatter fills the space. It’s not until a lull in the morning rush that I finally have a moment to take a break just as my sister Taylor’s name pops up with an incoming call on my phone.

“Hey, Tay,” I say, wiping my hands on my apron as I lean against the counter.

“Hey, Callie! How’s my favorite niece doing?” Taylor’s voice is bright, the kind of cheerful that instantly makes you feel lighter.

“She’s good, went with Mom and Wayne this morning. What’s up?”

There’s a brief pause on the other end, then a playful sigh. “Okay, I’m just going to come out and say it: I have baby fever. Like, seriously considered calling Nick to ask if he will procreate with me again. It’s that bad!”

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