I don’t know how my sister did it, to be honest. Being a single mom is no joke, but she did it with a smile. Never a complaint. She was Super Mom, and the best big sister too. I strive to be like her every single day, though I know I fall short.
This wasn’t supposed to be my life, but I’m trying my best.
“Who’s that?” Alyssa asks as we finally pull up to the house later that evening.
My gaze follows hers out the passenger window as I roll to a stop beside the curb, and my foot jerks on the brake pedal.
Oh my god.
Chance sits on the top porch step, dressed in all-black with his hood up.
Waiting for me.
Avery, my nervous nelly, glances at me from the passenger seat. “Do you know who that man is?”
I nod, swallowing past the dryness in my throat. “He’s...an old friend. Someone I went to college with.”
Avery’s green eyes narrow. “Did you know he was coming over?”
“No, but it’s okay.” I force a smile. “Come on, I’ll introduce you.”
Alyssa is out of the car in record time, ever the social butterfly and always down to meet new people. “What’s his name, Aunt Pres?”
“Wait, ‘Lyss.” Avery grabs her backpack as she tries to dart past him, yanking her backward. “He’s a stranger. Stay by me.”
Alyssa rolls her eyes. “He’s Aunt Presley’s friend.”
Avery glances at me with his unsure gaze again, undoubtedly recognizing the fact that I’m caught off-guard. Reading people is my boy’s superpower, perks of being quiet and observant.
I hoist myself out of the car and sling my work bag over my shoulder, lifting my gaze to the man in question.
Chance rises from the porch as we approach, stuffing his hands in the pockets of his hoodie, and I don’t miss the way his eyes dart to the kids with curiosity.
“Hi, Chance.”
His obsidian eyes meet mine, and it suddenly feels like there isn’t enough oxygen outside. “Hey.”
“Hi!” Alyssa bolts up the stairs to stand in front of him. “I’m Alyssa. This is my brother, Avery. Why are you here?”
So bold. I freaking love her.
I cough out a laugh. “I think you meant to ask if he would like to come inside.”
Her cheeks redden. “Sorry. Would you like to come in? We’re making tacos tonight.”
Chance’s gaze flicks between the three of us before he shakes his head. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have come.”
He tries to jog down the stairs, but I reach out and grip his arm. “Chance, wait.”
Despite the fact that it’s only been four years, and Alyssa is nine-years-old, it wouldn’t make sense for him to assume these are my kids. But he doesn’t know if there’s a man in my life, or anything about my life, for that matter, so he’s running like the skittish cat he is.
“I didn’t realize...I thought...” He sputters over his words.
“Chance, these are my niece and nephew.”
Realization settles in, and his shoulders visibly drop like he’s relieved at that information. “Oh.”
I fight the smile tugging at the corner of my lips. “Why don’t you come in so I can get them settled?”