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I walk around the house, grabbing a bag and throwing Kira’s things in. Diapers, food to last her for the night, some of her toys just in case she wakes up, though I suspect Alessa will keep her entertained enough not to trouble her grandma.
“Are you ready?” Gianna asks from the bedroom. “We’ll be late for the decoration if we don’t leave now.”
I take a quick look inside the bag to make sure I haven't forgotten anything before zipping it up and picking it up.
Gianna is already holding Kira when I come back to the bedroom, and Kira is still peacefully asleep. "I'm ready," I say. My cousin nods and we head towards the door.
The sun is setting, giving the small town a beautiful warm light as we make our way to Jackson's house.
I knock just once and retract when I hear footsteps. Mrs. Jackson opens the door almost immediately, as if she’s been expecting me.
“Hi, Mrs. Jackson,” Gianna and I say in unison.
She smiles broadly, her eyes gleaming as she spots Kira. “Is she sleeping?”
“She’s been asleep for an hour now,” I reply. “I hope it’s not too much trouble to take care of her.”
Mrs. Jackson waves off my concern. “I like children, it’s really not a problem, and Alessa will be happy to have her here.”
“Thank you so much.”
“It’s fine.” She first takes the bag from me, then Kira from Gianna. “You girls have fun.”
“We will. Thank you.” Gianna and I set out for the annual bonfire night celebration.
“You know she’ll be ecstatic when she finds out Kira is actually her granddaughter, right?”
“Or maybe she’ll be upset that I lied to her,” I say. Brandon will be mad too. It’s been weighing on my mind heavily since Brandon came to the clinic. I’ve tried to avoid it, but I can’t keep the truth from them forever.
Gianna shakes her head in disagreement. “You didn’t lie. You just didn’t tell them.”
“Lying by omission is still a lie, Gigi.”
“Well, it’s not your fault,” she retorts. “You became a single mother at twenty-three, in your final year of college, and your baby daddy disappeared the night you conceived Kira. I’m sure they’ll understand.”
I let out a sigh. “Let’s talk about something else, something more relaxing, like drinking and flirting.”
She giggles. “You? Flirting? I almost thought becoming a mother has turned you into a nun.”
I poke her ribs. “Girl, I thought the same until I met Brandon again.”
Her jaw falls open. “Don’t tell me you still like him.”
My cheeks heat up, and I shrug. “More like I’m still attracted to him. Nothing serious. He’s handsome and all that. It’s normal for me to feel that way.”
“And he’s your baby daddy, don’t forget that.” She gives me a wink.
The community center is quite busy when we arrive. Some of the residents have set up a music band at the corner of the open field in front of the building. A group of cowboys are taking turns riding a plastic bull at another corner. A few senior residents turn up to help too, we join the chat with them including Marianna.
I scan the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of Brandon. "Isn't he just stunning?" Gianna says, her eyes sparkling like shooting stars as she speaks of him.
I follow her gaze to a man among the bull riders, who I can only assume is Joe. According to what I've heard, he comes from a family that owns a ranch in the near town.
Suddenly, it all makes sense why Gianna dressed up like a cowgirl tonight. I knew there had to be some connection to a cowboy. Joe is undeniably attractive, but not in the same way as Brandon - the type that makes my heart skip a beat or two. Joe notices Gianna admiring him and gives her a wave and a smile in return.
Gianna waves back. She’s grinning from ear to ear. I can tell she has a massive crush on him.
“I’m out of here,” she says. “Looks like I’ve found something busy to do with my time.”
