Page 50 of Finding Solace
I can't help but look upon her face in a whole new light. I'm staring into the eyes of my brother. I take in every detail as if I've never seen her before. Her hair is the same color as Noah's. Even her smile is his smile. It tugs at my heart. "Sure, baby girl. You going to help me out?" I smile back at her. She eagerly nods her head. I hate to disturb Mila, but I know getting out from under her will not be graceful, but I slowly do my best. Moaning, Mila stirs and looks up at me. "We have a hungry little girl who's requested pancakes." I look down and tellher.
"Mmm, that sounds good. I'll put on some fresh coffee and start some bacon if you two can handle the rest," she reaches out and catches hold of her daughter then proceeds to tickle her side causing her to break out inlaughter.
Standing at the stove, Mila monitors the bacon sizzling in the skillet while Ava stands on a step stool at my side and helps me flip pancakes on the electric grill nearby. I once thought the club and my career was everything and I would never want or need more in my life. I waswrong.
* * *
One day haslead to the next and before I know it life has moved on in the most natural way possible. Mila finally signed papers and closed on the house. She was hoping to meet the new owners, but they couldn’t attend the meeting in person. We've just about completed the current construction project the company was working on and in about a week we will break ground on the resort just outside of town. Despite the fact Mila has plenty of money at her fingertips, she has decided to keep working. She loves her job at the nursing home, says in some ways it helps with not having her Gramsnear.
Turns out sharing memories and pictures of my brother with Ava has by far been the best therapy I could have ever asked for. All this brings us to today. Ava's fifth birthday. We’re out here at Gabriel and Alba's place to have the party because our space just won't accommodate everyone. One thing Mila did splurge on was Ava's party since she didn’t have the means to do it before. She is throwing her a princess themed party because our little girl is obsessed with princesses and everything girly. A blow-up bounce house that looks like a castle sits in the middle of the backyard. And in the back corner, believe it or not, is a small six horse carousel. Don’t ask me who he knew or what he did, but this birthday surprise was fromQuinn.
Mila made sure everything was taken care of, right down to a local business catering the food along with Grace agreeing to make the cake. Right now, she and some of the other women are inside putting the finishing touches to all the party favors and getting Ava into her costume while the guys and I are hanging in the backyard waiting for people to start showing up. Seems like family parties and hanging out waiting on our women is slowly becoming a regular routine forus.
"Too fuckin' pink," Gabriel remarks standing at my right with his arms crossed as he looks out at his transformedbackyard.
"Embrace your feminine side, man." Quinn goads him while he places a pink and purple polka dot cone party hat on top hishead.
Grunting, Gabriel gives his response. "The only feminine side I'll be embracing is when I'm holdin' mywoman."
Just about the time Quinn wants to run his mouth some more, we hear several car doors slamming. Over the course of the next twenty minutes, family and friends start to arrive including River and his daughter. After he sets his daughter free to play with some of the other kids I signal for him to walkover.
"Brothers, this is River. He helped with the whole shit show that went down with Mila's parents," I introduce them. Firm handshakes get passedaround.
"It's nice to meet youguys."
"Why don't you join the rest of us for a beer," I gesture tohim.
"That would be great," hereplies.
We all end up shootin' the shit while we are waiting. River happens to be a cool guy. I've even asked his advice on a few legal aspects concerning some new contracts we were looking at, and so far, his knowledge seems to have worked in myfavor.
Before the women come out with the birthday girl and get all the party games underway, I decide to engage the guys in some more serious talk. Rubbing the back of my neck I speak, "Listen, Mila has a fancy black-tie charity event coming up in a few weeks. This, of course, is at the same time we have the charity run scheduled. I'm wondering if you guys can help me pull somethingoff."
Collectively they nod their heads inagreement.
"Whatever you need we'll make it happen, brother. What do you have in mind?" Prez says, eager to find out more. Before I can go into any further detail, the women make their entrance with the birthday girl front and center dressed asCinderella.
"Mind if we resume this chat sometime tomorrow at the clubhouse?" I ask themall.
"We'll be there," Logansays.
Weaving my way through a crowd of children who have gathered to plunder their tiny grabby hands into the large bucket Bella and Sofia are holding loaded down with noisemakers and candy, I reach down and scoop Ava up into my arms. "You're beautiful, baby girl," I smile ather.
Giggling, she fusses with her dress, "Thank you," shereplies.
After giving her a tickle, I kiss the top of her head and put her down. Grabbing some toys of her own she joins her friends making a beeline towards Quinn who has already started up the carousel ride for thekids.
My gaze lands on Mila who is standing across the yard talking to Alba. Turning her head in my direction, she looks directly at me and smiles. It's at this moment I feel something I haven't felt in a long time. I feelcomplete.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
MILA
What about this one, Mila?" Looking up from the rack at our favorite vintage boutique, I eye the dress Bella is holding. The hospital charity event is tonight, and I waited until the last minute to shop for a dress. I called Bella in a panic this morning and asked for her help. Thirty minutes later, she and Alba were at my door. Alba brought along baby Gabe and offered to stay behind and watch Ava. Alba is ready to pop any day and opted to sit this shopping trip out. I don't blame her. My friends arelifesavers.
"Omg! I love that one. What size is it?" I asked walking up toher.
Peeking at the tag, "Your size," sheanswers.
