She waves me off. “I’m sure. Besides, Eden needs to be out of this hot sun as much as the kids do. I’ll go round them up.”
“Coral, come to Aunt Manda.” I hold my arms out for her, and she comes willingly. I plop her on my lap as she reaches for a carrot, and I help her by handing her one.
Everyone starts filing into the room to eat, and when I look up, Will is carrying Mia. My heart stutters because he’s so good to her, and my daughter loves him. He comes to stand next to me, and Coral leans over and reaches for him. With what looks like practiced ease, he takes Coral and places her on his other hip.
“Come here, birthday girl.” I reach for Mia, but she turns her head, and Will laughs.
“She’s fine, Momma. Do what you need to do. We’re going to go settle in for some food.” He smiles at me. In that smile, there is so much unspoken.
Let me help you.
I’ve got her.
I want to do this for both of you.
I don’t argue with him because I don’t want to draw more attention to the fact that, yet again, this man is taking care of my daughter. Mia just knows that Will is safe, and she gravitates to him and the affection he gives her. I’m worried she’s getting too close, and when the truth comes out, if we lose him, if we lose all these people who are in our lives, my little girl’s heart will be broken.
Hers won’t be the only heart shattering, but it’s my job to protect her.
Everyone eats, and there’s so much laughter and love in this room, and they’re all here to celebrate Mia. My heart is full, and my daughter, well, she’s losing steam. “Okay, I think we need to get to the cake and a few presents.” I glance into the living room at the table full of gifts. “You all spoiled her. I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for us.” I take my time to meet each of their gazes, quickly passing by Will, because the temptation to be in his arms for this moment is too much.
Everyone moves to the kitchen, where I have a high chair set up with a sign that says The Little Princess is One, and a tiara. Mia’s shirt matches the theme as I place her into her high chair. She fusses a little, but Reid brings Coral over so the girls can see each other, and that pacifies her while I’m grabbing her smash cake. It’s a mini princess cake all for her little hands to devour any way she sees fit.
“All right,” Reid says, “let’s do this.” He starts to sing “Happy Birthday,” and we all join in. Mia doesn’t know what to think.
As soon as we’re done, I encourage her to take a bite of her cake. She sticks one finger in the icing, tries it, and dives in for more. I check to make sure Bellamy is getting all of this with her phone. We’d already talked about her recording so I could help Mia.
Rowan, Sloane, Corie, and Eden make sure we get a picture of the big cake, and start cutting slices, adding ice cream, extra for Reid and Landry, and we all celebrate with a sweet treat. By the time we’re all finished, and I have Mia cleaned up, I know she’s going to get cranky. However, we make it through all of her gifts, but by the time the last one is opened, she’s rubbing at her eyes and getting fussy.
“Come here, baby girl,” Foster says, taking her from my arms, where we were all sitting in the living room opening gifts. Mia whines but settles against his chest as he starts to walk with her, rubbing her back. “I got her,” Foster says, smiling, as he continues to soothe my daughter.
I glance over at Eden. She’s watching Foster with so much love in her eyes. He’s going to be a great daddy.
Mia was spoiled today beyond belief, and even though she was more fascinated with the bows and paper, I know she’s going to love all her new toys once she’s rested and gets to play with them.
I scan the room for Will. He’s watching me. He pulls out his phone and starts typing, and mine vibrates in my shorts pocket. Pulling it out, I quickly read his messages, trying to shield the screen so no one can read over my shoulder.
* * *
Will: My place. Mia can nap, and I can see you.
Me: I don’t know if that’s a good idea.
Will: I’m missing my girls.
* * *
Damn, when he says that, it makes me want to say yes to anything and everything he’s offering.
* * *
Will: You can park in the garage. Make sure you’re the last to leave. No one will see you.
* * *
I should say no, but I can’t. I miss him, too. I don’t know what this is or how this is going to turn out once our secret is no longer a secret, so I tell myself I need all the time with him that I can get.
* * *