Page 4 of Baby Maker

See? The fun of home ownership.

But one good thing came out of my renovations. I enclosed the back porch, turning it into my personal yoga retreat. It overlooks the gardens and has a beautiful view of the sunrise.

It gives me a reason to get up—at least three times per week. I teach a sunrise vinyasa class via the world wide web to a group of twenty eager students. At first, their happiness irked me. But now, I find solace in their smiles.

Perhaps one day, when I smile back, it will be the genuine article.

* * *

I blink my eyes open,shielding them from the glare of sunlight pouring through the window.

Odd. I sleep with the blinds closed and curtains drawn. But here they are, flung open to give the world a front-row seat into my boudoir.

Although my dog humping the throw pillow is the most action this room has seen in two years.

A grumble sounds from my side, and I chuckle as Domino snuggles deeper into the blanket.

I never wanted a dog. Even when Simon and Bridget brought the ball of fluff to my doorstep, I held my ground. No furry objects allowed.

Then she placed those tawny paws on my leg and released the cutest puppy whimper.

I didn’t stand a chance. The dog had practiced her role and delivered it with perfection.

Now, I can’t imagine life without her. Domino has saved me even more than yoga. Certainly more than well-intentioned friends and family. Domino never judges. She just exists in my life. Often front and center but sometimes in the periphery, when she senses I need the space or she’s spotted a garden patch that needs digging.

With her, I have a reason to get up every morning. Even when I don’t want to. Granted, the way Domino is snoring, it’s doubtful that she has any early breakfast requests.

“Lazy mongrel,” I chide, tapping her on the butt as I slide out from under the covers. Usually, I’d take advantage of her inertia and claim another hour of sleep.

But not today.

Instead of dragging myself through my morning routine, I trot into the bathroom, eager to start the day. And this time, instead of avoiding my reflection, I meet her head on. For the first time in nearly two years, I see myself looking back from the other side of the glass.

Oh, yes. Today is different.

Something’s changed, and that something is me.

* * *

An hour later,I’m seated at the cafe with Simon and Bridget. My friends are incredible, dropping everything to attend this spur-of-the-moment get together. I know it’s no easy feat, corralling Brendan to watch his sisters, but they managed it. All to spend an hour with me.

Now, let’s hope they don’t think I’ve lost my ever-loving mind.

“I’ve made a decision.” Folding my napkin in my lap, I swing my gaze between the two of them.

“About damn time,” Simon mutters, but I note the glint in his eye. “With the size of this menu, I thought we might be here until dinner.”

“You be quiet,” Bridget warns her husband before giving my arm a squeeze. “I’m so happy to see you, Calliope. Especially outside the house.”

“And wearing pants,” I add with a chuckle. “It’s a momentous occasion.”

It’s been a while since I’ve been out. Since I’ve been anywhere. That’s the thing with the world these days. Between online shopping and delivery services, a person can hole up and hide forever.

That was my exact plan.

Until this morning.

“So, what’s this grand decision? Bridget and I have placed our bets and I want to know who’s buying breakfast.” Simon swirls his greyhound, the grapefruit juice mixing with the gin, but his azure eyes remain focused on me.

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