Page 49 of Love You Madly

Me:

Plus, I’m in the opposite direction… I get it. It makes sense. Mighty presumptuous of you to think I needed this talk though.

Owen:

Honestly, I think I felt I had to lay it out there because well… I like you, Callie. I just don’t see how it could be anything more when we haven’t even been able to steal ten minutes to FaceTime.

Me:

I like you too, Owen. And I’m glad to call you a friend. Besides, I was getting tired of all those swoon-worthy texts anyway. Too much sweetness is bad for my teeth.

Owen:

Swoon-worthy, huh?

I’m really glad too. You’re an amazing person, Callie. And I love our chats. I just think this is what’s best for now.

Me:

I appreciate your honesty. Really. Have a great time with Barrett. Talk soon?

Owen:

Definitely. Take care, Callie.

Putting down my phone, I feel a wave of emotion wash over me. The disappointment is hard to shake, even if Owen is right. The distance between us makes things a bit more complicated. And I know I have enough on my plate without adding a long-distance relationship to the mix, especially with someone I have never met in person.

This just feels like the first of many rejections I’m likely to face in the future as a single mom with too much baggage. I take a deep breath and try to center myself before leaving the coffee shop.

This week, I have also been focused on planning Sara’s first birthday party for this Sunday. Emotions well up as I think about it more. This isn’t something I ever imagined doing without her dad. Adam wanted to have a joint party for her, but after his outburst at the ultrasound appointment, I told him there was no way that was happening. I was the only one who had been putting any effort into planning it anyway. I am determined to make it a special day for Sara, despite everything. And he’s not going to ruin it for her.

Sara’s first birthday party is a colorful burst of joy, set against the backdrop of a warm June day at the local park. The grassy area is alive with the laughter of children playing on the nearby playground, their excited squeals blending with the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze. A large pavilion, shaded by tall, ancient trees, serves as the gathering spot for family and friends. The picnic tables are draped in pastel-colored tablecloths, and bright balloons bob in the air, tied to the corners of the tables. Streamers in pink, yellow, and blue sway gently in the breeze, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The centerpiece of the decorations is a whimsical, two-tiered cake adorned with delicate sugar flowers and a fondant topper in the shape of a tiny tiara, perfect for the little princess of the day. Nearby, a table is laden with food and drinks, offering everything from finger sandwiches to fresh fruit and lemonade. It’s simple but sweet, just like I imagined.

Guests start to arrive, filling the pavilion with chatter and warmth. Taylor is here, her blonde hair pulled back into a casual ponytail, chatting animatedly with Brooke, who is fussing over Sara’s outfit–a cute, ruffled dress in soft pink that complements the theme. My mom stands off to the side, her eyes scanning the surroundings, a mixture of pride and worry etched on her face. Things like this always make her so high-strung. Beside her is Wayne, my step-dad, his arm casually draped over her shoulder as they watch the kids play. It’s a picture of familial comfort.

Ava, my niece, is here too, bouncing around with the kind of energy that makes me jealous of the spunky little four-year-old. She’s got a balloon in one hand and a cupcake in the other, her face smeared with frosting. I can’t help but smile at the sight of her, so full of innocence.

I want everything to be perfect for Sara, for this day to be about her and the incredible year we’ve shared since she mademe a mommy. But when Adam shows up uninvited, my heart sinks. His presence is like a dark cloud over the sun, casting a shadow on what is supposed to be a bright, happy occasion.

I catch sight of him approaching, a grin plastered on his face as if he belongs here, as if he has been a part of planning this party all along. He strolls up with a couple of large, wrapped presents in hand, the kind that scream ‘I spend a lot of money on this’ rather than ‘I know what my daughter would love.’ It’s infuriating, the way he manages to insert himself into the day without a second thought.

Wayne sees him and sends me a look that silently asks if I want him to get rid of him. But I give him a subtle shake of my head when I see Sara running toward him, so excited to see her dad. She grabs him around the ankles and I cannot help but smile when she plops her little butt down on his shoe and wraps her leg around his tattooed calf forcing him to carry her on his leg as he walks.

The party carries on around us, the kids laughing as they chase each other on the grass, the adults mingling and catching up. But all I can see is Adam, moving through the gathering like he owns the place, acting like the doting father he hasn’t been lately. He laughs and jokes with everyone, pretending as if nothing is wrong.

I stand by the food table, gripping a cup of lemonade so tightly that the plastic starts to crumple in my hand. Taylor notices and gives me a sympathetic look, but there’s nothing she can say that will make this better. This was supposed to be a day about Sara, about celebrating her first year of life, but now it feels tainted.

Adam finally chooses to acknowledge my existence and starts walking over, that same smug grin on his face. “Hey, Callie,” he says, as if we’re old friends rather than two people waiting for our divorce to be finalized.

“Adam,” I reply, forcing a tight smile. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“I couldn’t miss my daughter’s first birthday,” he says, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “And I brought some gifts. She’s going to love them.”

“Today is about spending time with her, not about how much money you spent.”

He shrugs, unfazed by my tone. “I just want to make sure she has everything she needs.”

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