Page 74 of Tides and Tidings

A wide smile spread across Charlie’s lips. “Grammy can ride.”

Poor Marjorie’s life flashed before her eyes. “Uhh…”

I looked at her. “It’s not bad. I promise. I’m always on your side against those two.” A chuckle escaped.

She looked at her granddaughter, who was smiling up at her. “Okay. Don’t go as fast as you did with Birdie!”

“I won’t, Grammy!” Wren shot us a devious grin before she slammed the pedal.

“Wren!” Marjorie laughed.

Watching the two of them ride around was something the two of them will never forget. If I wasn’t mistaken, Charlie’s eyes were watery.

I bumped his shoulder and he snapped a picture of his mom and Wren riding around in a Barbie Jeep with Marsh chasing them. From the look on his face, this was a special moment for him.

“We have such an incredible life.” Charlie wrapped an arm around me. “This is just so much better than I could’ve ever imagined life would be, ya know?”

I rested my head against his chest and draped my arms around his waist. “I know.”

Charlie

“Do you want to order pizza tonight?” Blythe asked with her head in the refrigerator. “We don’t have any groceries.”

Relief washed over me when Blythe made that suggestion. The thought of having to go to the store and cooking sounded horrible.

My parents left a bit ago and offered to watch Wren while Blythe and I restocked the house, but we politely declined. We wanted to spend some time outside with our girl and her new toy.

“I was thinking…” She shut the refrigerator door and turned towards me, her elbows against the counter. “It’s still early in the day. Maybe we can go get a tree and decorate it tonight?”

Her green eyes pleaded. This was our first official Christmas together, and I was willing to do whatever I could to make it memorable for both her and Wren.

I positioned myself against her body, my hands on either side of her. “We could do that.”

Blythe perked up at my agreement and placed a small peck on my lips. “You’re the best.”

Our quiet moment was interrupted by a six-year-old bounding down the stairs and into the kitchen. “Guys! Guess what?”

“What?” We asked in unison.

“I taught Marshy a new trick!” Wren looked around realizing the dog didn’t follow her downstairs. “Marsh!” The kid screamed at the base of the stairs.

Our favorite Golden Retriever ran towards us before sitting at Wren’s feet. These two are crazy for each other. People told me getting a puppy when I had a new baby was insane—and maybe it was for a bit—but they light up each other’s lives. I don’t know if Wren will ever have siblings, but these two are the companions each other needs.

Wren turned towards Blythe and me. “Are you ready?”

We nodded.

“Marshy, up!” Wren tapped her little shoulders, and Marsh gently rested his paws on them. “Good boy!” She pointed to the ground and gave him a treat.

I knelt to be level with the dog. “Good boy, Marsh.” My dog dad voice came out. “Good job being gentle with your girl. Who’s the best boy?” I ruffled his ears.

“That’s incredible, Wrenny. Great job training him!” Blythe offered a boost. “How long have you been practicing that?”

Wren shrugged nonchalantly. “Since we went upstairs.”

“That’s impressive,” I added.

Wren smushed her face into Marsh’s chest. “He’s really smart.”