Page 89 of Husband of the Year
Illona’s arms wrap around me. Her face buries into my stomach and even though it’s only been two days since I saw her, having her so close still melts my heart.
Isabella invited me to her condo so we could talk to Illona about Gregory together. Despite his initial plan to call in, Olan’s preparations to fly back tomorrow and all the final loose ends he needs to tie up with his family left him unable to do so. He assured me Isabella and I could do this without him, and honestly, I’m so damn excited he’s coming home, I didn’t argue.
“You cut your curls off.” Isabella motions me inside from the hallway.
Illona’s grip finally loosens, and she catches a glimpse of my head. “You look completely different. Has Daddy seen?”
“Not yet. He’ll see it tomorrow when he comes home.” Butterflies swarm in my belly. Tomorrow. Attempting to change the subject, I ask, “Are you excited to see him?”
Illona nods eagerly, and her eyes widen.
“You’ve missed your dad, a lot,” Isabella says, taking a seat on the long white sofa in the living room portion of the open concept room.
More nodding from Illona, who joins her mom and I move to her other side.
“We all have,” I say, putting my arm around her shoulder. She does that thing where she melts into me, and I’m beyond grateful we’ve had each other for the past month while Olan’s been away.
“Can we make a sign for him?” Illona looks toward her mother.
“Of course, sweetie, you can work on it while I make dinner. But Marvin came here because we wanted to talk to you about something important.”
Illona’s eyebrows scatter up her forehead and I wonder if something similar occurred when they told her about their separation and eventual divorce a few years ago.
“It’s nothing bad,” I say, squeezing her close.
“No, it’s actually amazing.” Isabella’s face lights up and I’m not sure if she’s acting or not, but I recognize this from the classroom. Fake it until you make it. We might be feeling a bit anxious about the new addition to our lives, but we should focus on showing Illona how excited we are. We need to present this like it’s a brand-new kitten, full of joy and promise.
“It’s about your new baby cousin,” Isabella says.
“Greggie?” Illona sits up and leans back against the oversized cushions.
“Yes,” I say. “It turns out he’s going to be coming home with your dad tomorrow.”
“He is?” Illona’s jaw drops open.
“Yes, he’s going to stay with you and your dad and Marvin.” Isabella moves a throw pillow to the side, giving us a little more room.
“A baby cousin visit? Oh my gosh, this is going to be epic.” Illona sits up and her face illuminates with excitement.
“Well, that’s the thing,” I say. “He’s not just coming for a visit. He’s staying…”
“For a while.” Isabella looks at me, her lips pursed.
“For how long?”
“We don’t know,” I say, taking her small hand in mine. “But probably for a long time.”
“But what about his mom and dad?”
Isabella and I lock eyes, communicating our thoughts without saying a word.
“Right now, they want him to come live with you,” Isabella says.
Another knowing look and it becomes clear. Now isn’t the right time or place to share the details with Illona. There will be an occasion for that, but that time isn’t now.
“How do you feel about that, sweetie?” I place my hand on her shoulder and she falls back into me.
“Where will he stay?”
