Page 65 of Tastes Like Watermelon Moonshine
Grace peers at me, and I wave at her. “Hi, Grace.”
She gives me a shy toothy smile and pops her pacifier into her mouth before burrowing into Raegan's chest.
“She’s just waking up. She’ll be yelling at you and showing you how well she crawls and pulls up in just a few minutes.” Raegan presses a kiss to the top of her head and squeezes her tight.
She’s had these eight months with her, and I have so much catching up to do. “So, her first name is Grace. What’s the rest of her name?” I find myself asking, as I wait for Grace to give me more smiles.
“Her name is Grace Aurora Thomas.” Raegan says, and I can tell she’s about to cry again.
I reach out and run a finger down Grace’s chubby arm. She’s so soft. “You gave her my last name?” I’m a little surprised. I kind of expected her to give Grace the Carter last name, but I’m happy, and a little proud to know that Grace has my last name. She really is my daughter.
“Rae, about that night,” I start to say. But Raegan stops me. She grabs my hand.
“We’ll get to that discussion. You just met your daughter, and I think you have some lost time to make up for.” She uses her index finger and bops Grace on the nose, eliciting a giggle from the green-eyed little girl. She’s got my hairandmy eyes.
I nod at Raegan. “Yeah, I do have some memories to make.” She smiles back and tells me how Grace loves peek-a-boo. And I start in on those memories. With my daughter.
Chapter 31
Austin - The Present
Toysarestrewnacrossthe floor of Raegan's apartment. Grace currently has a toy that makes noise when she shakes it in one hand and my finger clutched in her other hand. How could a fist this small have this much strength? I’ve always pictured babies as these weak little things. Frail and fragile. My daughter is anything but fragile. She’s strong, she’s feisty, and so dang cute. I’m totally in love with her. Most of the shock at becoming an instant dad has worn off. But some days it’s still hard to believe that I have a daughter.
“Da!”
I startle as she yells at me. Does she know that’s my name? Did she do it on purpose? Then she’s cooing and giggling at me. How does she manage this range of emotion? All day, everyday? It must be exhausting. But, I have to admit it does make for some great laughs. I’ve laughed more in the past few weeks since meeting Grace than I have in years.
Grace whacks my hand with her toy again before dropping it on the floor. Balancing on her wobbly feet she sways from side to side. I grab the toy and hold out the toy for her to grab but she doesn’t grab it. Her arms are pointed more towards me, almost as if she’s going to walk to me. But she hasn’t walked yet. Not without the help of the coffee table or sofa.
“Da.” She says again, a toothy grin covering her face.
“Dada.” I say and touch my chest.
A dribble of drool rolls down her chin and suddenly she lifts one little foot and steps forward in an awkward bowed-legged stride. After she sets down her right foot she slowly lifts her left foot and moves closer to me.
“You’re doing it baby girl!” I wish Raegan were here to see this. I tip myself to the side to pull my phone from my back pocket. My movement seems to throw Grace off and she loses her balance and drops onto her bottom. Her lower lip pops out, and her eyes tilt downward. Uh oh. I know what’s coming. I scoop her up, rubbing my hand up and down her back, doing my best to comfort her. Sometimes she’ll only settle for Raegan, but I’ve been trying to wait longer before running to Raegan and asking for help. I’m her dad, and I’m not going anywhere.
In the conversations that Raegan and I have had so far we’ve talked about how we’ll manage this parenting thing. I’m letting her lead when it comes to parenting, but we’re a family now, even though we’re living in separate homes, and separate cities. We’ve made a deal to be honest, and to always talk. No matter how tired either of us is, we’re going to communicate before we pass out for the night.
I’m fairly certain Grace loves me, but she clearly loves her mama more. And even though sometimes I want her to love me more, I know it’s right that for now she loves Raegan the most. After a few minutes, the tears are still streaming, and the snot isstarting to flow, so I start down the stairs to the café. Mommy will make it all better.
We enter the seating area of the café and I take a glance to see how many people are present. I was nervous about facing the town. Wasn’t sure what they would think. Raegan told me about whispers from some older women, but also about the baby shower the church had for her, and the support she’s had from so many people.
Grace continues crying on my shoulder, using her fists to rub her eyes and using my shirt as a tissue. Thankfully no one turns and glares or scowls. They’re probably used to hearing Grace and all her baby noise.
“Oh no, what happened now, baby girl?” Raegan holds out her arms. But Grace snuggles deeper into my neck and pops her thumb into her mouth. It’s like she just needed to know Raegan was nearby. A bubble of pride begins to grow in my heart, making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. She wants me. She feels safe withme. But the doubts worm their way in… Will Raegan be mad? Grace has been shy and clingy with Raegan for the most part, but after just a few days, she warmed up to me and went willingly into my arms to be snuggled.
Raegan's brows rise in surprise, but her eyes brighten, and I’m pretty sure she’s getting teary eyed. Is she sad, or is she happy about this?
“She took two steps, Rae! Two steps. But then she lost her balance, and well…” She knows the rest since I brought down a crying snotty baby.
“She loves you,” Raegan says and sighs. Her hands come up, and she clasps them right under her chin as she watches us.
My heart swells, and I find myself nearly in tears. Can we make it as a family?
The bell over the door jingles, breaking my thoughts apart. Coach slowly steps into the café. I’ve seen him in passing, andwe’ve texted a bit, but we haven't had a long sit down talk like we used to. I’d made sure to tell him that I knew about Grace.
“Hey, Coach.”
