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The rest of the evening I’m all too aware of Mark’s presence. I try to ignore the feeling, but it’s always there in the back of my mind. He’s only been back in town for a couple weeks, he’s already infiltrated my office building, and now he’s at my parents’ house. I knew I’d see him, but I really wasn’t prepared for how I was going to feel. It’s going to be a lot harder than I originally thought to keep those old feelings in check.
I pull up to the drive-through window to pick up my usual Monday order: two iced coffees, one hot chocolate, a peppermint tea, and two dozen donuts (of various flavors). Once I get the drinks and boxes secure, I make my way across town to meet up with Ashleigh and the girls for our traditional Monday morning breakfast.
I park my car in the driveway and start gathering everything to bring inside. I’m about to dump all the contents on the front porch when Danny opens the door and saves the drinks from crash-landing into the azalea bush.
“Whoa! Do you think you have enough stuff here?” His amusement is evident though I know he’s not at all surprised. I am our mother’s daughter through and through.
“It’s Monday,” I say as if that explains everything. Danny just laughs as he takes the breakfast contents and heads inside.
I race into the kitchen to put down all my bags as I hear running feet speeding in my direction.
“Aunt Millie!” Danny and Ashleigh’s twins chant in unison as Austyn flings herself into my arms and Ashtyn grabs my legs. It’s a miracle that we don’t all come toppling down. “What did you bring us, what did you bring us?!”
They have hardly taken a breath, making it hard for me to answer them. I just laugh as they continue to berate me with questions. Ashleigh waddles her way into the kitchen holding her swollen belly, a bemused look on her face. “Girls! Give your aunt room to breathe!”
I wrap them both in one last hug before I whisper, “Go look in the bags.”
I smile as they race over to the table to scavenge through the bags for their treats.
“You spoil them.” Ashleigh tries to sound annoyed, but I see the smile she’s trying to hide.
“Being the favorite aunt is a lot of work!” I mock protest.
A series of “OHHH WOW!”, “This is the best day ever!” and “DONUTS?!” is yelled from the kitchen counter as Ashleigh and I make our way over to the living room sofa.
I grin at her as she sighs and rolls her eyes at me. “Donuts, really? More sugar is the last thing they need.”
“It’s Monday,” I shrug. “Don’t worry, I brought you one too.”
“You really didn’t have to.”
“And I got your peppermint tea.”
“Bless you.” Ashleigh shifts her weight and places her feet up on the coffee table.
“And how is baby Adalyn doing today?” I rub my hand along her stomach and stop when I feel little kicks greeting me.
“It’s Anistyn now. She’s good. Been kicking me in the ribs since 4 AM, but she is healthy and active.”
“She’ll fit right in!” My brother says as he comes into the room, kisses his wife, and then continues to tie the knot in his tie.
“Getting a bit of a late start today, aren’t you, Danny? I didn’t think I’d see you this morning.”
“My morning client canceled so I thought I’d stay home and spend some time with my girls.” Danny leans down and kisses Ashleigh again.
“Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! Come look! Come look!”
Danny goes into the kitchen to investigate what all the excitement is about.
“If you weren’t expecting me, then why did you get my coffee order?” He calls.
“Because you’re always late on Mondays,” I call back.
I turn back to Ashleigh. “Anistyn, huh?”
“Yeah. I think. I don’t know. Maybe? Why? Do you like Adalyn better? Or do we go in a different direction altogether?”
“You do know you can just wait until she gets here, right? See what fits her.” I see the stressed look pass over Ashleigh’s features.“Whatever you pick will be perfect.”
