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“It’s no problem,” I reply. “Mariana is fun to be around.”
One of the women passes with a box of candy that catches Mariana’s attention. She unloops her arm from Anya’s and hurries after the candy.
And that leaves me alone with Anya while I’m trying to ignore the fluttering in my stomach.
“So, what are you doing here?” Anya asks.
“Brought some wood for the bonfire night. How about you?”
She lets out a heavy sigh. "I finished my shift at the clinic and your mother wanted to watch Kira, so I figured I could lend a hand with the party preparations."
"My mom is babysitting Kira?" My surprise must be evident in my tone, but it's hard to keep my thoughts from spinning with the idea that Kira might be my child. And now, with my mom taking care of her, those swirling thoughts only intensify.
Anya squints at me. “Is there a problem with your mother babysitting my daughter?”
I quickly shake my head. “No, not at all. How are you coping with moving into a new town? I suppose it’s not easy blending in.”
She lets out a deep chuckle. "Trying to fit in? Not necessary. Everyone here is so kind and welcoming. The other women always bring me food without me having to ask, and they're always offering to watch Kira for me. It's amazing."
My heart feels warm at her words. "That's great."
"Anya?" someone calls from inside the community center.
"I'll be right there!" Anya yells back, but she keeps her eyes on me. "I'm sorry, I have to go now. Will I see you later?"
"Definitely."
"Bye." She waves at me before turning and hurrying towards the building.
I stand there, watching her until she disappears from my view. It's then that I realize I can't stop grinning like an idiot.
CHAPTER 10
Anya
“How do you think this one looks?” I ask Gigi.
She looks up from watching Kira sleep. She hums as her gaze sweeps over me, starting from the boots I’m wearing and sweeping up to my dark denim jeans and the brown cardigan. “You look like a mom.”
I frown. “No jokes, be serious.”
“Okay. Okay. You look casual.” Under her breath, she mutters, “Exactly how a mom would look.”
“Casual is okay.” I take in her cowboy hat, her boots, and the way her shirt is tucked into her denim pants. “Why are you wearing that by the way?”
She looks at herself. “Why am I wearing what?”
“You’re dressed like a cowgirl. It’s a bonfire night, Gigi. We’re not going to a rodeo.”
Gianna’s teeth sink in her lower lip as she smiles. “It’s a bonfire night with cowboys and their plastic bulls. I need to look decent.”
“Decent,” I echo. An interesting way to say she’s attracted to one of the cowboys. I know my cousin well enough, and she wouldn’t be dressed like this otherwise.
I walk to Kira’s crib and kiss her forehead. She’s sleeping soundly, as if she knows her mommy has other plans for tonight.
Brandon's mother kindly offered to watch Kira for the evening. She jokingly said that bonfire nights are meant for young people looking for romance, not for old fogies like herself and her husband.
Back in New York, I was hesitant to let anyone watch my daughter, but Mrs. Jackson is practically Kira's grandmother, even though she doesn't know it yet. My daughter likes her, and I couldn't possibly deny her the chance to spend time with her grandmother. It's hard enough keeping the truth from them.
