Page 112 of Power Move
“I was in show choir in high school.”
She snickered.
“What?”
“That is the nerdiest thing ever.”
“Uh, join show choir and touch a boob. That was our motto.”
She giggled. “Good to know you like to dance. I don’t. I will because Ellie does.”
“It’s a wedding. Dance with me,” I said.
“I will. Promise. That is if my parents don’t ruin it all.”
“They left,” I said. “And wanted you to know they loved you and were working on it all. You should probably let the bride know, too.”
“She’ll understand.”
“I think they meant well, but Brooke is in labor, and they had to pick up Miles. They didn’t want to hurt you or play favorites.”
Eva looked at her hands.
“I love you, Eva. I know they do, too. We don’t have to talk about it right now. You don’t have to feel any one way. I just?—”
“You’re the messenger. I will tell Ellie they send their best. She’ll like to hear that,” Eva interrupted.
“How has it been so far?” I changed the subject.
“Honestly, fun. I am trying to sit as much as I can. My back is killing me. My feet are swollen.”
“I’ll give you tons of back and foot rubs. Promise,” I said.
“I will accept your offer. A dance for rubs? I can manage it.” Eva grinned.
“Eva, they’re doing the grand entrance,” Jace approached. “You okay?”
“I’m good. Just taking a break,” she held her hand out. “Help.”
Jace pulled Eva back to her feet and led her into the hall to receive the new couple. They paraded in with Jane. The kid was over-the-moon happy to have a stepdad.
“She’s elated,” I said as we settled into our dinner seats.
“She’s so excited. She loves Mike.”
Jane flitted back between her mother’s seat and that of another man across the room.
“That’s her dad,” Eva read my mind. “They coparent well. It wasn’t always so chill, but it’s good. He and Mike even talk. It’s not bad.”
“There’s hope,” I said. “Coparenting can work.”
It was a deflection—one for her benefit.
She squeezed my knee. “I really want it to work, okay? You gotta give me time, but I want to raise these babies together, alright? Like really, really together.”
It hit me in the feels. “Really?”
“Yeah. I think we should plan to live together—for good. I don’t see my feelings changing. We’re a good team, okay? I hope we can be a family—even if we’re a little unconventional.”
