Page 81 of Tides and Tidings

Charlie recognized my panicked face. Bless him for understanding me so well that he knew something was wrong.

He knelt. “Little Bird, why don’t you go upstairs and Birdie will be up in a few minutes to help you get ready for bed.”

She looked up at me. “Birdie, do you not like it?”

I put on the best fake smile I could. She couldn’t know it was wrong. “I love it. Thank you so much.”

“Do you see it says ‘Mommy’ on it?”

Wren wanted it to say that?

“I do.” I was cautious.

“It’s because you are my mommy. I know I call you Birdie, but you’re my mom.”

I got down on her level. I had to choose my words carefully, but I was at a loss. There was no way to say “I’m not your actual mom” to a six-year-old without causing a crisis.

“I know you didn’t carry me in your tummy, but you’re my mom. You bake me cookies for me to take to school. You watch shows with me. You buy me clothes. We cuddle and read together.” Wren shrugged, “So you’re my mommy.”

She had no idea how much weight her words carried. Tears streamed down my face.

“Are you mad?” Wren’s brow furrowed.

I enveloped her in the biggest hug I could. “Absolutely not. I love you. You make my life so much happier, Wrenny.”

“I love you more, Birdie! You’re my best friend.” She leaned in close, “Don’t tell Daddy.”

“I’m standing right here. I can hear you.” A broad smile tugged at Charlie’s lips. If I wasn’t mistaken, his eyes were a little bit misty.

Wren shrugged. “You always tell me I have to tell the truth.”

It was Charlie’s turn to be speechless. “I sure do.”

I let go of Wren. “Why don’t you go upstairs? I’ll be right up to help you get changed. I might even have a surprise for you.”

Her eyes went wide. “What is it?”

“Would it be a surprise if I told you right now?”

She pouted. “No.”

“Exactly! I’ll be right there.”

Wren took off up the stairs as my tears continued to fall. Charlie wrapped me up in a hug and pulled me close.

“You alright, love?”

I nodded into his chest. “That was just the sweetest thing. I could die right now and be happy.”

“I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but that little girl adores you. You are everything to her.”

“No…”

He lifted my chin to make eye contact, “You don’t give yourself enough credit. You’ve been a mom to her since she found you crying on the bookstore floor. She adores you. She’s your best friend.” He gave me a pointed look, “Her words, not mine.”

“Birdie!” Wren yelled down the stairs. “Where’s my surprise?”

Charlie and I shared a laugh.