Page 73 of Tides and Tidings

Charlie stepped over to us. “What’s wrong?”

Wren wiped her nose against my shoulder and looked up at her dad. “I’m just so happy!”

Our hearts burst as we made eye contact and Wren put her head back on my shoulder.

“We love you so much, Little Bird. Do you know what’s so cool about it?” His voice was low.

She rested her head on my shoulder and looked at Charlie. “What?”

He motioned for her to come closer. Wren leaned over and he whispered in her ear.

“A Barbie Jeep like Birdie had!” She repeated.

Charlie nodded.

Wren wiggled out of my arms and ran over to the toy. She hopped in over the side and turned back towards us. “Birdie, ride with me!”

“I won’t fit. I’ll watch you though!”

The girl smiled from ear to ear. “Please try!”

I turned towards Charlie. “Do you know what the weight capacity is on that thing?”

He reached for his phone and typed. “According to the website, you should be good.”

My brows arched. “No shit?”

“No shit indeed.”

A smile tugged at my lips. “Let me sit down on it and then I can ride if it works.”

“Phrasing?” Charlie asked, only loud enough for me to hear.

“Yes, but that’s more of a dig on you.” I poked his chest before walking over to Wren.

Ron and Marjorie walked over from where they stood on the porch. They also wanted to see the shit show that was about to ensue.

I carefully placed my feet inside the Jeep and squeezed into the seat.

“You’re good!” Charlie yelled over. I noticed he had his phone in hand.

Wren took this as her green light and smashed the gas. The cool air brushed my face as Wren drove us around the front yard. Riding around in this toy like I used to at Wren’s age was oddly cathartic.

Wren’s face had the biggest eye-scrunching smile plastered on it. This child was living her best life, which healed something in me. Knowing I gave this little girl a core memory like I had stitched old wounds closed.

“Birdie!” Wren squealed.

“Wrenny! Are you having fun?”

“This is the best thing ever! Thank you for buying this for me.”

My heart tugged. “This is part of your Christmas present.”

“Cool!” She pulled us up in front of her dad and grandparents. “Daddy, do you want to ride?”

Charlie shook his head. “Sorry, I’m too heavy. I’ll break it.”

Wren pouted and then looked at Marjorie, “Grammy?”