Page 88 of Love, Maybe (baby?) (The Lucky Girls 2)

“Higher,” she squeals, and laughter bubbles out of her as she goes higher and higher. The sound makes my heart constrict. I thought I never wanted children. I always see how Natalie struggled to give Kylie what she needed, and how bad she feels when she can’t be there for her, and I decided a long time ago it’s easier not to get myself in that mess in the first place.

But now that I’m here with Ava, and I know she’s mine, everything changes. Iwantthis. I want to get to know her better.

She asks me to stop the swing, and I help her slow down. She gets off and kneels on the ground, sipping her hot chocolate.

“I have a niece,” I say to her. “My sister’s daughter. So, that’s your cousin.”

Ava’s eyes light up. “So, almost like a sister, right?”

“Sort of,” I say. “It’s still family.”

“Is she here?” Ava asks.

I shake my head. “She’s in New York. But one day, I want you to meet her.”

Ava nods, satisfied with my answer.

Raven comes to us.

“I have a cousin,” she announces.

“You do,” Raven says. “I met her.”

“Will she like me?”

“You bet,” I answer for her. “You’re the same age.”

Ava pulls her shoulders up, cup still in front of her, and giggles. She stands and walks to the garbage to throw her cup away. I don’t know if it's empty or not.

“She’s well-mannered,” I say.

“I try to teach her,” Raven says.

“Noah,” she says to me. “Do you want to go for a walk?” She’s not calling me Dad, but I can’t expect her to. We just met. It will come in time.

“Yeah,” I say, and we start walking, the three of us.

When we meet a lady with a dog, Ava pets the animal. Raven keeps a watchful eye over her, and I, in turn, watch Raven.

It’s like I’m meeting her all over again, too. I haven’t seen this side of her. She’s caring and attentive, her mom-mode in full gear. She keeps an eye on Ava, but she doesn’t hover. She doesn’t try to tell her what to do or to be careful all the time.

I like the way they are together. I hope that I don’t mess up that dynamic.

We walk around the park, and Raven slips her hand into mine when Ava isn’t looking. I like that she’s reaching out to me. One day, this is going to be normal.

“I’ve started sending out my resume,” I say. “I’ve sent out some feelers.”

Raven looks at me. “So soon?” I’ve only been here a couple of days, but I nod.

“If I want to get a job here, the sooner, the better.”

Raven swallows and purses her lips.

“What?” I ask. “Isn’t this what you want?”

“It is,” she says. “I just introduced you to Ava. It’s not something I take lightly. I just keep wondering when the bubble will burst.”

He pulls her closer. “Never, babe. We’re in this. I’m doing it.”

---