‘You free for coffee?’
After hitting send I waited patiently for her to reply. I didn’t like that she was going through this and there was not a thing I could do or say that would make it better.
Starting a family was a massive thing but it wasn’t easy especially if it wasn’t happening. I didn’t know where I would be if I didn’t have Everleigh. She changed my life; the way I do things and the way I think. Nothing or no one will ever come before her.
“Morning sweets”. Kissing the side of my head he stole the cup from my hand and finished what was in it. “She, okay?”. He frowned placing his hand against her forehead.
“She’s not feeling so good”. I said just as my phone vibrated.
‘Working all day gal 🙁 I miss your face!!’
“Should we reschedule the meeting with the pre-school?”. I wasn’t aware that I had told him about that, must have slipped my mind.
“I can’t”. I sighed. I had been waiting weeks for a space to open and I was taking it. “It could be months before another space opens up. I want her in pre-school”. It would help her, and it would let me get back to work. It would let us get into a routine.
“Then how about you go do what you’ve got to do, and she can hang with her old man today”.
“Yeah?”. I grinned getting to my feet. “She’ll be so excited. She’s already asked about you today”. Taking my mug back I headed to the kitchen for a fresh coffee.
“I’m going to make the effort Ava. I’m going to be there for both of you”.
“I know that”. Filling up two mugs I passed him one. “You want breakfast?”. I asked.
“Remember the last time you tried to cook?”. He smirked taking the coffee I was offering. “Pretty sure you set the smoke alarm off a dozen times”.
“Oh, haha very funny do you want breakfast or not?”. Poking his chest, I stood on my top toes and pressed my lips against his. Sitting his mug down he slipped his arms around my waist and lifted me, so I was safely seated on the countertop.
“She’ll be okay yeah?”.
“She’s just a little unwell Blaze she’ll be fine”. Resting my head against his chest I listened to his heartbeat. Maybe I was rushing this whole us being a family, but I so desperately wanted it to happen. We had wasted years apart and I wasn’t prepared to lose anymore. “You know she adores you already right. Talks about you all the time”. Rubbing my nose against his I stared into those deep brown eyes.
His eyes so much like hers.
“Think it’s time we tell her the truth?”. He asked putting a little distance between us.
“I don’t know”. I sighed. “I mean once we do that’s it”. He needed to know that he had to be there. I’m not saying he isn’t already but it’s little things like forgetting we made plans. I know he’s busy and has a lot going on, but she comes first.
“What do you mean that’s it?”.
I wasn’t going to start a fight with him. “We’ll tell her but not right now. I have to go get ready can you keep an eye on her?”. Getting down from the counter I grabbed my coffee cup.
By the time I had finished getting ready Everleigh was awake and feeling much better.
“Mommy I spend the day with Blaze?”. She grinned as I lifted her into my arms. “We get ice cream and play with his bike and eat chocolate”.
“I can see you’re feeling better”.
“I fixed her some milk when she woke. I know how much she likes it”.
“Okay baby be good for Blaze I won’t be long”. Kissing the top of her head I placed her back onto her feet.
“You need me call me, okay?”. Kissing his cheek his arms slipped around my waist. “Blaze I can’t be late”. As his arms tightened, he crashed his lips to mine.
“You need me you call me”. He whispered his hand smacking against my ass as he let me go. Grinning at him I rolled my eyes.
“Just call me okay”.
“Go we’ll be fine”.
“Sorry to keep you waiting Miss Mendez I’m Debbie McCall. Please take a seat”. I was currently sitting in the office of the preschool I was hoping Everleigh would get into. I was nervous so much my hands were sweating.
What if she didn’t get in?
“Thank you for taking the time to see me”. I smiled. “I’m sorry Everleigh couldn’t be here today she’s a little unwell”.
“Not to worry I’m sure I’ll get to meet her when she starts here”. Matching my smile, she pulled out a folder. “This is just a little brochure with everything that we do here”.
“She’s getting the space?”.
“Of course, and I think she’ll like it very much here. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions Miss Mendez?”.
“Questions?”. I asked not sure what else she would need to know. I had sent her everything that was required.
“Just a few routine questions Miss Mendez. Nothing to worry about. Now is she out of both diapers?”.
“Yes, the only thing I’m working on is her nap in the afternoon. My girl loves her sleep”. I smiled.
“And what about allergies?”.
“None although you would think she was allergic to broccoli”. I laughed. “She hates the stuff, takes it off her dad”.
“Ah kids and their vegetables”. She smiled. “I believe her dad is in the picture?”. Frowning I was a little taken aback by her question. I mean if Blaze wasn’t would it make a difference?
“He is but it’s complicated”. Sighing I dropped my gaze staring at my feet. “Everleigh is smart and kind and a sweet little girl. I have brought her up-….”
“Miss Mendez”. She interrupted causing me to lift my head. “I can’t wait to meet her and like I said I think she’ll be very happy here”.
“And nothing will stop her getting the space?”. I asked needing to know that the MC won’t affect it. Everyone was nice until they found out who my dad was. “My dad…”.
“Is Francis Mendez”. She smiled. “I know of your family Ava. The club donate money to the school every time they have a fundraiser or an event. I see no issues with Everleigh coming here”.
My body physically relaxed and I couldn’t stop smiling. My baby would finally get the independence and learning she needed, she would get to meet new friends and become her own little person.
“Thank you”. Getting to my feet I held out my hand for her to shake. I couldn’t wait to tell Blaze that she was going to preschool. Taking my hand, she squeezed it softly.
“No matter what anyone says about your family or the club that your dad runs. They are good people Ava. I’ll see you in a few weeks and I can’t wait to meet Everleigh”.
“Goodbye Mrs McCall and thanks again”.
No one was wiping the smile from my face today or so I thought.