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My girl perks up. “I love chasing duckies. And I love playing tag at school, although I’m not as fast as the other kids.”
Her excitement fades, and her face falls.
I look away, hoping she won’t see my eyes filling with emotion.
Vicente picks up on what’s happening and moves to stand beside me. It’s a strange feeling, having someone to lean on after doing this parenting gig alone for five years. But I would be lying if I say it doesn’t feel nice to have his support.
“Well, I think we’re going to have to find an alternative for exercising—at least until your joints get stronger. I’m also going to recommend some medicine that will help you feel better,” Dr. Gupta adds.
I smile at the doctor as Ava puts her shoes back on, then runs straight to Vicente. She’s so tiny compared to his six-foot-three frame that she wraps her arms around his leg instead of his middle.
“What kind of exercise would you recommend?” I ask, playing with Ava’s hair.
“She needs to put as little stress on her joints as possible. Sports like swimming, kids yoga, even horseback riding can be beneficial for her.”
I inhale a sharp breath. How am I going to work and take her to these activities? Not to mention, I’m not swimming in money.
That’s why you’re marrying him, so you can give Ava everything she needs.
“I’m also going to give you a list of recommended foods and ones to avoid,” Dr. Gupta continues. “Just in case there’s something in her diet that’s affecting her as well.”
I thank the doctor as she heads out of the room. Instinctively, my head falls astaint Vicente’s chest, and he wraps his arm around my shoulders, bringing me flush against him.
“We’ll figure it out,” he says against my hair.
With a big sigh of relief, I murmur my thanks against his chest.
I’m so tired of dealing with all this on my own. I never realized just how drained I was because I didn’t have the luxury of feeling tired or taking a break. But having Vicente’s support, it hits me how incredibly exhausting single parenting is.
He presses a kiss to the top of my head, and my eyes flutter closed. For just a couple of beats, I allow myself to feel instead of think—I bask in his warmth.
Then, I straighten up and grab Ava’s hand. A beautiful smile spreads across her face.
I know she’s happy Vicente is here too.
Once we leave the room with all the recommendations Dr. Gupta gave us, Vicente veers off to the hospital’s gift shop.
The moment Ava sees what they have on display, her face lights up.
“Can I have it, Mummy? Pleaseeeeee?” She adds a pout for good measure.
I can’t deny her, but Vicente is faster and pays for it before I can take my wallet out of my bag.
“Thank you, Boss Man. You’re the best.” Ava hugs Vicente, and he hugs her back.
My heart melts watching them. He got her a yellow duck plushie. She has many, many toys and duckies, but I haven’t found this one until today. And yellow is her favorite color.
“You’re welcome, duckling. Do you fancy lunch?”
She nods excitedly, and we head to the car.
Vicente doesn’t ask us where we want to eat, so I assume he has a place in mind. After a few texts, he starts driving.
When we pull up, the view takes my breath away—Potters Fields Park, its lush greenery framing the Thames as it stretches out near the iconic Tower of London.
It’s perfect.
Ava squeals when Vicente parks, and I feel myself relax a little more.