Page 47 of Love You Madly

"Back to the chaos," I mumble, setting my phone down and heading inside to get Sara. She’s blinking awake, her tiny arms stretching as she murmurs, “Mama.” Her soft, warm body curls into mine as I lift her from the crib, and for a moment, the stress of everything else melts away. Her thumb finds its way to her mouth, and she rests her head on my shoulder.

I carry her into the living room and grab my phone from the porch, noticing another message from Owen:

Owen:

Listen, it’s not my fault, it’s science. There’s just something about a cheerleading uniform that is programmed in straight men’s DNA.

A laugh escapes me. He’s still hung up on the cheerleader comment. As if on cue, another message pops up:

Owen:

Hey, Callie… I’m really sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I didn’t mean anything by it. I was just messing around.

I quickly type back, feeling a twinge of guilt that I left him hanging.

Me:

You’re okay! Sorry, Sara woke up from her nap and I left my phone on the porch.

Owen:

Okay, good deal. I was worried that my cheerleader comment made it weird.

Me:

Nah, it’s going to take more than that to scare me off. It’s sweet that you were worried about it though.

Owen:

I can be a bit sweet from time to time. Just don’t tell anyone. It’s bad for my image.

I smirk, still amazed at how easy it is to talk to him.

Owen:

I had a really nice time talking to you today. Let’s doit again soon?

Me:

Definitely. Have a good rest of your night, Owen. I’m going to go see what my dad and stepmom are planning for dinner tonight and offer to help them out.

Owen:

You sure that’s a good idea? A little birdie told me that you’re a terrible cook.

Me:

Fair point. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.

Owen:

Looking forward to it.

A warmth settles over me as I put my phone down, but there’s also an unexpected edge of sadness. The easy banter with Owen has been refreshing, something I didn’t realize I needed. And the fact that he’s hot as sin doesn’t hurt either.

The rest of the New Orleans trip flies by in a blur of laughter and family moments. We squeeze in a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi, soaking in the jazz music, and by the time we return to Dad’s, we’re all exhausted but happy.

The car ride back to Iowa is long but uneventful. Taylor and I take turns driving while Sara naps in the backseat. As the familiar sight of Hawkridge comes into view, I can feel the weight of real life creeping back in. My ultrasound appointment looms ahead.

---