Page 38 of Worth the Want
“Well, Hazel’s obviously,” she says, waving a hand toward her.
“And the other?” I question, feeling light and carefree.
“You’re about to witness it,” she tells me before lunging forward to a handstand, tucking and rolling out of it. She stands with a flourish, giving Hazel a wink. We’re both a little starstruck by her. Hazel claps loudly, jumping over to her, hugging her legs. Indie bends to lift her up, bouncing in a circle with her. At the sight of her holding Hazel, their laughter contagious, I don’t even try to fight the smile spreading across my face.
Someone rings the dinner bell, followed by my dad telling us that the food is ready. I help the girls out of the bounce house before making mine and Hazel's plates. We all settle into the picnic tables I set out earlier. As we eat, my eyes wander back to Indie. She looks beautiful in her jean shorts. Her white shirt is loose, and it looks soft like her tanned skin.
She starts laughing at something Florence says; the sound is melodic. It scratches an itch I didn’t know I needed scratching, and I’m jealous—I want it to be me who makes her laugh. I seem to bewantinga lot the past few weeks. I haven’t wanted anything for myself in years. But Indie has me wanting.
After our lunch, we sing Happy Birthday while Hazel blows out her candles, getting all three of them in one go. Everyone erupts into cheers for her; Alder, Colt, and Rhett letout whistles. She smiles bashfully—so delicately sweet. I’m always grateful for my family, but times like these make me just a little more so. Each one of them takes their turn kissing my daughter's adorable cheeks before we dig into the giant cake Winnie made.
“Hey, Knox. We need more ice. Will you grab some from your freezer?” my mom asks.
“I can get it!” Indie says, already walking to the door.
I scan the party, seeing Hazel being entertained by Colt and Rhett before making my way in after her.She may need help.I tell myself. Walking in the side door, I see her bent over looking for a bowl in my kitchen. I clear my throat, and she straightens, gasping and holding a hand over her chest.
“You scared me.” She laughs.
“I can see that,” I say, gripping her upper arms, moving to her side to open the next drawer over, and removing a large metal bowl.
“I would have found it eventually,” she says, looking up at me.
“I have no doubt.”
We’re standing close now. Just a breath between us. I briefly wonder if I lean down right now, if she’ll let me kiss her. She’s looking at me like she might. My hand reaches out, letting the back of my fingers skim down her bare arm.
“Indie—” I start.
“Hey! Can we get a rush order on the ice, brother?” Alder yells from the side door. We jump apart, even though there’s no reason to.
I sigh.Perfect timing.“Yeah, I’ll be out in a second,” I call back to him before filling the bowl with ice from the freezer. Ishut the door, finding Indie staring at me intently and smiling softly.
“Um, can I use your restroom?” she asks.
“Just down the hall on the right,” I say, grinning back at her.
“Thanks, I’ll be right out.” Again, the urge to tease her, to flirt with her, is too strong to deny.
“If you’re not, I may have to come back in to find you.” Her eyes widen, glowing as she backs herself toward the hall.
“That doesn’t sound so bad,” she says quietly before turning and disappearing through the bathroom door. I’m left feeling lightheaded; all the blood in my body rushing other places.
An hour later, the party is winding down. I had planned on Hazel opening her presents, but she’s slumping against me, and I just heard her yawn.
“Are you tired, Hazey?”
“Mm-hmm…” she hums, nuzzling deeper into my chest.
“We’ll get things picked up out here, Knox. Go ahead and lay her down if you want,” my mom tells me, picking up some trash and closing the lids on the food containers.
“Thank you. For everything, Mom.” I kiss her cheek before turning Hazel to face the rest of the crew. “Birthday Girl is headed to lie down for a while. Thank you all for coming.”
“Thank you for coming,” Hazel tries to yell, but it’s sleepy. The yard is full of smiles as the sun sets. We hear a chorus of happy birthdays while we walk into the house.
Inside, I wipe Hazel’s face and help her change into her birthday pajamas. Green with tiny dinosaurs on them. She looks at me with sleepy eyes so full of love it makes my heart feel too big for my chest.
“I love you, babygirl. More than sunshine, air, and the moon.”
