Page 60 of Dreaming

Nia drifted off and woke to Dennis in the chair beside her with Davina sleeping on his chest.

There were flowers and balloons everywhere.

“Uh, Dennis?”

Smiling, he whispered, “She’s puckering her little lips. Making the cutest little sounds.” His huge hand covered most of her body. “She is so tiny, Nia! I had no idea.”

How she loved him.

“What happened when Jason was born?”

He planted a kiss on his daughter’s head. “His mother’s family hated me for getting their daughter pregnant and then for not marrying her. My mom made it clear that I was sixteen and we’d take care of them in every way financially but I wasn’t getting married. I was grateful. I didn’t see him the first time until he was almost six months old.”

“I’m sorry, Dennis.”

“I was stupid. I don’t regret him but…it was a tough time. I had to go to court to get visitation. There was a period when he was a teenager when he wanted nothing to do with me or my family. I was glad my mom was already gone so she didn’t have to go through that phase.”

Davina made a little smacking sound and Dennis pointed at her. “Did you hear that? How cute is that?” He rubbed her back. “Sweet baby girl.”

“Things are better now though? He seemed fine at the wedding…”

“It’s been better since Jason graduated high school. Dad still sends his mother an allowance because she’s never worked so we feel bad about making her fend for herself at this point. Bought Jason’s first car, paid for college, and he gets money every month.”

“He’s a good-looking man. Clearly your son.”

“He’s my son and I love him. Jason never bonded to me. I wanted it but…” He sighed heavily. “He’s a lot like his mom and I admit that I struggle with it sometimes.”

She watched Dennis with their daughter for several minutes. He was so enthralled with every move, the sounds she made, how she smelled.

“He’ll come around. You’ll see. One day, things will click into place between you. Until then, you can overdose on your daughter.”

“The greatest gift…”

“Thank you for agreeing to name her after my brother. It meant a lot to Mom and me.”

“I love her name.” To the baby, he whispered, “Yes, I do. Don’t I? We can call you Davi for short and make your poor mommy crazy.”

She chuckled. “That’s what I called my brother. I like it.”

“You gave me a little girl, Nia. A sweet little girl. I got to see her birth, got to hold her seconds after she left your body, and…I’m so grateful. I’ll be a good dad.”

“I know you will, sweetheart. I know it.”

He stood, supporting Davina carefully, and bent over Nia. “You are beautiful, brilliant, and kind. I’m so lucky.”

“Thank you for getting me here safely, being calm, and holding my hand when I got really scared.”

“It was an honor.” He kissed her and said, “I need more photos so I’m going to tuck her ever so gently beside her mom.” He did and took out his phone. He whispered, “Smile, Davina! Smile for Daddy!”

“You’re adorable. Just…so adorable. She’s asleep.”

“Pretend you didn’t just push a bowling ball through your poor body.” He took several pics and lowered his phone. “Are you okay? Do you need anything?” She shook her head. “Anything you need, let me know. I’ll get it.”

“Take your photos, proud papa.”

“She’s photogenic. I’ve taken like forty and she looks perfect in each one. Seriously, I think she could be a baby model.”

“Definitely the words of a man drunk on love and new fatherhood. As I said, you are adorable.”

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