Page 172

She let out a little giggle as I led her to the glider in the corner of the room. I sat down and rocked her gently.
“Did you know what today is?” I asked.
She tilted her head curiously.
“It’s your first birthday.”
“B-b-deh.”
“That’s right!” I exclaimed as I kissed her cheeks.
“Mama,” she said, looking toward the door.
I looked up and saw Heart standing in a pink floral robe. She looked just as beautiful as the day I had met her. If not more.
“Hey, birthday girl,” she said, walking over and sitting on the armrest of the glider.
She leaned in and gave Bridgette a kiss. We sat like that for a few minutes, exchanging cuddles and kisses and coos. My whole world was in this room.
“We should probably get ready for the party,” said Heart.
“Coffee first?” I asked.
“Obviously. After last night and this morning, I might need a pot all to myself.” Heart winked as she strode out of the room.
I laughed softly as I stood up and walked Bridgette to the changing table to get her cleaned up. I loved being a dad. Even the diaper changes or the middle of the night feedings that I often did to let Heart sleep. It was all more than I ever thought it would be.
I met Heart in the kitchen where she was waiting with a steaming mug of coffee for me. I leaned in and kissed her before taking it from her. She took Bridgette from my arms and snuggled her. I smiled at the sight of them. Heart was such a good mom. I loved her even more now.
“You’re incredible. You know that?” I asked, after taking a sip of coffee.
She looked at me curiously.
“You are. I just thought you should know.” I shrugged.
She gave me a soft smile, her cheeks turning a rosy shade of pink.
“I love you,” she whispered.
“I loveyou.”
After several cups of coffee and setting up the party with Monica and the party planner Margaret had hired, the place looked party ready. There was a large pink balloon arch that hung over the entire living room that was filled with cocktail tables and chairs covered in pink tablecloths. There were white, glittery streamers hanging from the ceiling. A dessert table sat in the center of the room, filled with every miniature sweet treat you could imagine. The kitchen was bustling with the caterers preparing the food. The face painter had just arrived, along with the princess we hired for story-time and dancing. Bridgette sat in the small ball pit we had bought and was looking around at everything in awe.
“Is it too much?” asked Heart, leaning her head against my shoulder.
“Maybe, but she’s worth it,” I replied as I looked around.
The doorbell rang just then and the party began. A few coworkers from Heart’s new job came, along with everyone from my office. Brody and Freddy. Monica. Heart’s parents. Even my parents flew in from France for the party.
They had already met Heart and Bridgette a handful of times over the past year. They said they had been away too long and wanted to be a part of their granddaughter’s life. All our lives. I didn’t realize how much Bridgette had brought everyone together, and she wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for Heart coming into my life.
She had changed everything for the better.
I watched as she danced around the living room with Bridgette in her arms, the party crowd clapping in sync with the music as they watched. I reached into my pocket. My thumb brushed over the velvet box that was nestled inside. I smiled knowing what was to come by the end of the day.
“You ready for this, bro?” whispered Brody, slapping me on the back.
I removed my hand from my pocket swiftly. “Will you shut up?” I laughed.