Page 60 of Because of Them

My breath hitches, I hadn’t expected it to be so easy. No doubt Brett will kick up a massive stink, but if Human Resources supports me, there’s nothing he will be able to do.

“As soon as possible. I’m finding it really hard to concentrate today, and I don’t think I’ll be productive if I have to keep working much longer.”

“Start tomorrow!” She spins in her chair and begins to type an email addressed to Brett. “I’m sure it won’t be an issue,considering Bitter Brett was having other agents ghost you anyway.”

I hold in my laugh at the nickname, a weight lifting off my shoulders. “So, that’s it?”

She holds up a finger, then returns to typing her email. I don’t lean close enough to read what it says, but it’s brief. Brett will hate it.

When she hits send, a weight lifts off my shoulders, and I slump in the chair with relief.

“Thank you.” The word chokes its way out as I hold back the tears that want to form.

“Go pack up your desk, set an out of office, then head home. I’ll handle Brett.”

We walk together to my sorrowful corner of the office, parting ways when we reach Brett’s office. She raps her knuckles on the door briefly as she waltzes in.

“Audrey.” Brett’s indignant tone floats past me. I ignore him, with a skip in my step as I approach my desk.

I don’t even sit down, I just set up the out of office email and turn the computer off. The few belongings I kept in my drawer spill into my bag. Brett’s grumbling is muted as my saviour from Human Resources closes the door. I admire her through the window. She stands tall against Brett’s dismissive posture, holding her ground. For me. I’ll have to thank her some day.

As though she senses me spying on her, she glances over to wave goodbye. I hold up my hand, dancing my fingers again. Brett’s face goes red, but I let it wash over me as I sling my bag over my shoulder and leave.

I turn the car on but sit with it idling as I organise the details forbothof the new commissioned artworks. I send a message to Michael, letting him know because I want to share my news with himimmediately, and I can’t wipe the smile off my face when he messages me back.

Michael: Proud of you. Love you.

I order a hamper to send to Cassidy as thanks, and my smile grows as I decide ‘fuck it’ and order one for myself. The wine will have to wait, but chocolates, bath bombs, a face mask, a cute pair of fluffy bed socks … I deserve all that.

And I’m beaming, fully content with my decision to go on maternity leave early when I visit the art supply store to pick up the canvases and some extra paints.

But none of those grins compare to the one on Michael’s face when I pull into the driveway. His arms are wrapped around a massive bunch of flowers, the non-alcoholic wine I’ve been enjoying, and paintbrushes. His deep amber eyes glow golden, just like his loose wavy hair, and I can see every one of his teeth.

“You made the right choice,” he whispers in my ear, and the tiny speck of uncertainty that had started creeping into my vision floats away on the breeze.

MICHAEL

“Hey Michael, since you’ll be the babies’ daddy, and you’ll live here when they are born, will that make you my daddy too?”

I freeze, one hand poised over the UNO deck. I suppose, considering I’ve been practically living here since Christmas, this question was to be expected. Maisie accepted me into her house with arms wide open. She loves coming home to Baxter and has taken claim to the responsibility of giving him his breakfast. In turn, Baxter has found a new favourite spot—wherever Maisie happens to be.

Still though, her question catches me by surprise.

I need help and turn to Audrey for guidance on how to answer this question only to find she has conveniently disappeared after winning the round on her last turn.

The bridge of Maisie’s nose scrunches, her mouth tilting almost completely into one cheek as she cocks her head. The dramatic movement makes her high pony of dark, thick waves flop over her shoulder. “But I already have a daddy, so would I have two daddies? Danny from school has two daddies, but he has no mummy and I definitely have a mummy. Almost two mummies because Cassidy lives with Daddy even though she said that does not make her my mummy. So, would I have two daddiesanda mummyandan almost mummy? I’m confused.”

She throws her head back with a huff.

“I’m confused too,” I admit, choosing to lead with honesty over making up an answer that will probably only lead to Maisie asking more questions. “I’m not very good at this parent stuff.”

“Mummy said you were pretty good at helping her when she needed to go to the doctor.”

My lips turn up. I’d promised Audrey, when she first told me about the babies, that I was there for her no matter what, and I had meant it. Taking her to the hospital when she was worried she was in early labour was just a small part of that promise. Besides, truthfully, I had been panicking just as much as Audrey was. I just managed to hold it all on the inside. I hadn’t realised that me being there for her in that moment had such a profound impact. Had meant so much that she told her five-year-old daughter. The feeling chips away at the few stony pieces left on my heart.

Maybe I’ll be okay at this?

Still, I’m not sure if there is a ‘right’ way to answer Maisie’s question. It’s so loaded, even though I’m sure she never meant it that way. I adjust in my seat position on the floor, trying to alleviate some of the numbing in my butt. With my legs now crossed in front of me, I rest my elbows on my knees and lean in towards Maisie. She’s laying on her stomach, head propped on a pillow and legs kicking in the air. Her hand of cards hangshaphazardly from her grip, giving me a full view of her streak of red cards and the sneaky Draw Four. I do my best to eliminate her cards from my short-term memory.

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