Page 5 of Tides and Tidings

“You were incredible! I’m so proud of you!” I gave her the tightest squeeze I could muster.

Wren turned towards Marjorie, “Can you take a picture of me dressed up with Birdie and Daddy, Grammy?”

“I’d be happy to.” I handed my phone over to Marjorie. Charlie picked up Wren and held her close while I wrapped my arms around them while she snapped pictures.

“Now one of just me and Birdie!” She said emphatically.

Charlie handed over Wren and she snuggled into my neck before rubbing her eyes.

“Are you doing a big smile?” I asked, bouncing her slightly on my hip.

“Mhm.”

“Are you tired?”

That got her to perk up, “No.”

“Are you lying?” I pressed.

“Not really.”

Marjorie chimed in, “Do you want to go back to my house and take a nap instead?”

“I’m awake, Grammy.” Wren picked her head up and we took a picture together.

I handed an overtired Wren over to Charlie and grabbed my phone back from Marjorie. Scanning through the pictures, I couldn’t help but tear up. The photo of the three of us was one of our best pictures. As soon as we get in the car, I’ll make that picture the wallpaper on my phone.

We briefly chatted with the other parents when Ron motioned over to a sleeping Wren. The girl was out cold. “Do we still want to grab lunch? Or do you want us to take her back to our house and let her nap and y’all can bring Marsh over in a bit?”

I looked over at Charlie, down at sleeping Wren, and back up to Charlie. “Your call.”

There was a slight glimmer in his eye, “Why don’t we send her home with Grammy and Pops so we can go home and relax?”

“Fabulous plan!” Marjorie piped up. Something in my gut told me that she knew something she wasn’t letting me in on, but honestly, with the little sleep I’ve gotten over the last week and a half, I didn’t care. A midday nap on the couch sounded glorious—like something I hadn’t done since college.

The grandparents took Wren and her bags and were off, giving Charlie and me the green light to go home and do nothing…until whatever Charlie had planned for us.

Charlie

We were child and dog-free at last. Don’t get me wrong, I love my daughter, but being able to dedicate all my attention to Blythe this weekend was what I was hoping for. The last few weeks have been insane for her at the bookstore, and I knew she needed some time for just the two of us.

She dove into the mother role for someone so deep in the “no kids” pool. In addition to my own, Blythe is the perfect mom. She cares for Wren like she birthed her. She takes her to school and picks her up. Blythe enrolled Wren in a ballet class. They read together. They laugh for hours. I couldn’t have picked a better person.

When Blythe rolled into town, I was a miserable person. Would I admit it then? Hell no. I was too proud for that shit. Then this annoying five-foot-two girl rolled into town with deep auburn hair and the biggest green eyes and I was a goner. I tried for weeks to keep the wall up but dammit, she took a wrecking ball to it. Honesty hour? Life has been a dream with her. Not only is she the best person I’ve ever met, but also a fine piece of ass. My fine piece of ass.

The ride home from my parents’ was quiet. Marsh had been dropped off and the weekend I had been waiting for could finally start. This weekend has been in the planning stages for the last two months, and somehow, I’ve been able to keep tight-lipped about it. I would rather die than have this weekend ruined for Blythe.

We pulled into the driveway and I slipped my hand into hers as we approached the front door.

“How romantic,” she joked.

I brushed my shoulder against hers, “I’m romantic sometimes.”

She turned to face me and crossed her arms, “Name one time.”

I feigned offense, “Sometimes!”

A wide smile spread across her face as we crossed the threshold. She was finally relaxed. Blythe stood by the door, listening.