Page 104 of Chasing the Sun

“Thanks. We’re still trying to absorb it because we weren’t really planning this. But that’s usually when good things happen, right? When we least expect them?”

Now it was his turn to provide reassurance. “Yes, and Molly will be thrilled. Just today, she mentioned wanting a brother or sister. I think my parents planted the idea.”

She laughed. “Well, you’re the first person I’ve told, so that had nothing to do with me.”

“When are you planning on telling Molly?”

“I kind of wanted to wait until after my first doctor visit, but I don’t know if I can keep it a secret that long.”

“Well, I won’t say anything until you do.”

“Thanks.”

“Lots of changes, huh?”

“Yes, and all good.”

After they hung up, he sat there shaking his head and smiling. He could hardly believe all that had happened between him and Chloe and now with Victoria. A few months ago, if someone had told him he’d meet a beautiful woman from Michigan, fall in love, and ask her to move in with him, he would have laughed at them.

Now here he was, contemplating marriage and babies for the second time in his life. Like Victoria had said, good things happen when you least expect them. He would only argue with her on one point. The changes that were occurring weren’t just good; they were amazing, wonderful, mind-blowing, and the list went on...

During his epiphany, one word stood out among all the rest—love.

Chapter 33

Two Weeks Later

The big day had finally arrived, and the audience had assembled in the living room. Chloe and Molly were tucked away in Bryce’s bedroom, where Chloe was putting the finishing touches on Molly’s hair and makeup. She’d had to convince Bryce that all ballerinas wore makeup for their performances and Molly should be allowed to too. After she and Molly had peppered him with kisses, he’d finally caved in, laughing while accusing them of tag-teaming him.

“There. You’re all ready,” Chloe said, beaming at Molly in the mirror.

Molly stared at herself like she couldn’t believe it was her, reminding Chloe of the first time she’d worn makeup for a recital and how excited she’d been.

They’d spent a lot of time practicing these past two weeks, and it showed. Chloe couldn’t wait for Molly to perform in front of the family.

“Wait right by the door. I’ll go out and introduce you, and when you hear the music, come on out.”

“What if I forget the steps?” Molly asked, the first indication that she was nervous.

“I’ll be in the background to guide you, and don’t forget, everyone in that room loves you. You don’t have to be afraid to make a mistake.”

Molly nodded, and Chloe gave her a quick hug before she went out the door.

She strode into the living room feeling excited and a bit anxious on Molly’s behalf, but a true performer never shows their fear. They’d pushed all the furniture back to create a “dance floor,” and she stood in front of Bryce, his parents, Seb and Angel, Victoria and Trace, and Sadie and Jessica, two of Molly’s friends from the neighborhood. Bryce had suggested they be invited, the idea being that they might want to take lessons from her. Whether or not that happened, she appreciated the thought.

“Ladies and gentlemen…” she said to get everyone’s attention. “I’m proud to present Miss Molly Bradshaw in her very first ballet recital.”

She motioned for them to applaud, and then she started the music. Right on cue, Molly entered the room with her head held high, her back straight, and her arms held out in a graceful pose.

Chloe stood at the back of the room where Molly could easily see her and indicated that it was time to begin. Both teacher and student temporarily forgot about the audience and let the music sweep them away.

Chloe had kept the choreography simple since it was Molly’s first performance, but Molly executed the moves beautifully, and Chloe felt immensely proud. For the most part, Molly moved through the dance without Chloe’s guidance. There was only one time where she hesitated and looked to Chloe for help, but the audience pretended not to notice.

When it was over, Molly bowed to boisterous applause, whistling (from Seb), and a few shouts of “Encore, encore!” (from Nana and Papa).

“What’s an encore?” Molly asked, and all the adults laughed.

Chloe went over and hugged her tight. “You did great. I’m so proud of you!”