Page 37 of Her Sweet Surrender
“You can do it,” he encouraged as she took several uncertain steps toward him. Sir met her halfway and scooped her into his arms. “Good job, little angel.”
Brie rushed over, gushing. “You did it! You’re such a big girl.” Grinning at Sir, she said, “I was too excited to get it on video.”
“Never fear.” Faelan held up his phone. “I got it.”
“Thank you, Faelan!”
Brie covered Hope in kisses before Sir set her down on the floor and let her try again. Her heart melted when she noticed Faelan taking Kylie’s hand as the two watched Hope slowly make her way across the floor.
It was a poignant moment.
“Would you guys like to come to Hope’s birthday?” Brie asked. “We’re having a small gathering but would love it if you could come.”
Kylie glanced at Faelan and grinned. When he nodded, she answered, “We’d love to.”
“No need for gifts,” Sir told them.
“What?” Kylie laughed. “Can’t we buy her anything?”
Brie grinned. “Since Hope has everything she needs as a one-year-old, we decided no gifts this year. But you can donate to Baby2Baby in her name if you’d like. They provide children with diapers, clothing, and other basic necessities.”
“We’ll be happy to contribute. Shoot me the link,” Faelan said, opening the front door for Kylie. “When is the party?”
“Next Saturday at three,” Sir answered.
After they left, Brie rushed back to Hope and cooed. “Now, show Mommy just how many steps you can take.”
Brie stood back to stare at the pink and purple streamers, multiple flower balloons, and twinkling fairy lights. Bumping shoulders with Lea, she said, “Not too bad, eh?”
“Not too bad?” Lea snorted. “We’ve created a virtual fairyland for Hope. Makes me wish I could be a kid again.”
“I bet you were cute back then,” Brie mused. She looked around the room and muttered, “Now, where did I put that present for Jonathan?”
“I think it’s hilarious you insist on no gifts for Hope, but you’re giving Jonathan a present.”
“Hope is going to be the center of attention today. I think it’s only fair that Jonathan feels special, too.”
Lea wrapped her arms around her, pressing her big boobs against Brie’s chest. “And that’s why you make such a great mom.”
Brie stared at Lea tenderly, overcome with emotion. “I love you, Lea.”
“Same here, Stinky Cheese. I think this calls for something special.”
Brie waved her finger back and forth. “I’m not drinking, remember?”
“I wasn’t talking about booze, girlfriend,” Lea giggled. “I hear you’re having a new baby.”
“Yeah…”
“What’s wrong with the old one?”
Brie rolled her eyes. “Was that supposed to be a joke?”
Lea grinned. “Hey, Brie?”
“What?” she groaned, waiting for the next one.
“If a baby refuses to go to sleep…” Lea paused for a moment, then looked up, tapping her finger on her chin as if she were thinking. “…is he resisting arrest?”
