Page 17

17

GEORGIA

I ’m a ball of nerves as I wait for Cade to show up. I’m still irritated by just about everything but I remind myself that Cade Jennings is not the root of all evil.

I’m in cut-off jeans and a sleeveless crop top with my hair up in a ponytail. It’s supposed to be a scorcher today but right now there is a pleasant breeze and it’s comfortable.

“August, your daddy is coming to see you.” He’s sitting on the floor in a pair of pull-up diapers and no top, the curls at the nape of his neck slightly damp from the heat. He’s engrossed with the toy cars he got from Cade, busy making engine sounds. Jasper hears the motorcycle approaching before I do and whines to go outside. I open the screen door and he barrels through then circles Cade, barking up a storm.

I grab Auggie and step outside, watching as he climbs off the bike, removes his helmet and shakes out his loose curls. He leaves his sunglasses on which only adds to his sexy aura. I mean to tell ya, he is a feast for sore eyes. His oversized tank top with open sides and cargo shorts only highlight his athletic physique. Broad sculpted shoulders, well-defined chest, arms that are lean yet powerful, he’s a walking snack. I feel like fanning myself.

He reaches the bottom step and stops, staring over his shoulder at the plastic eyesore before doubling over with laughter. “You weren’t wrong,” he says wiping his eyes. “It’s huge!”

Auggie bounces on my hip, his little arms thrust towards Cade. Cade reaches for him, practically beaming.

“Hey little buddy. How’s life been treating you?” Auggie grunts and points at the dog. Cade responds with, “I see him. I used to take walks with Jasper and your mama.”

“Doggie,” Auggie says.

“Yepper. Jasper’s what you call a hound doggie.”

“Woof,” August says.

“That’s right.” He looks over Auggie’s head and we exchange a meaningful look that says, “our son is brilliant.” It’s uncanny how quickly August has taken to Cade. I swear it’s like he’s known him his whole life.

August then points at the bouncy house. “Dam hows.” I clamp my hand over my mouth as Cade looks at me eyes sparkling.

Ignoring the swear word, Cade looks at me pointedly. “Want to get in the bouncy house? All three of us?”

“Oh no, not me.” I sound panicked.

“Why not? Afraid of a little fun? The Georgia I remember liked adventure.”

“Still do. I just don’t feel like bouncing round in a hot plastic room.”

“It’s not that hot yet. Come on… pretty please? Auggie tell your mama she has to play with us.”

“Mama pway?”

I give Cade the stink eye. “That’s cheating.”

He shrugs and heads towards the bouncy house confident I’ll follow. I come up behind him as he kicks off his shoes. “Here, hand me Auggie while you get in, then I’ll pass him back.” I take Augs and Cade crawls in then reaches back for him.

“Come on Gigi. Don’t be a spoilsport.”

“Oh, alright already,” I grouse and climb into the colorful plastic room. The bright colors scream fun.

Cade bounces agilely with Auggie in his arms and it’s enough to toss me all over the place. Every time I get my balance and try to stand up, he bounces and I go sprawling. “I feel like a ping pong ball,” I say, now giggling uncontrollably. I roll onto my back in surrender, allowing Cade to bounce me. I’m laughing so hard I can’t get my breath. Cade’s face is wreathed in smiles as he sits next to me. He sits Auggie down and my toddler immediately begins rolling around on the soft surface. I appreciate the soft inflatable floor and walls. I don’t have to worry about Auggie falling or getting hurt.

“Now’s my chance,” I say and stand back up. I tentatively take a small leap and for a brief moment feel the exhilarating freedom of flying. I love it. I feel like a kid. Auggie is squealing with delight as he absorbs the gentle sway of my movements. After jumping around for a bit, I decide to revisit my high school gym days on the trampoline and do a flip. I land upright then lose my balance and crash land onto the silky surface. My top has ridden up exposing my belly and I quickly tug it down but not in time. I glance over at Cade. His eyes are burning with the intensity of a cat watchin’ a bird perched just out of reach on the windowsill.

“Aren’t ya going to bounce some more? I haven’t seen you do anything fancy,” I say breathlessly and not all because of my activity.

“I’ve been enjoying the view but I accept your challenge.” I’m acutely aware of my exposed midriff and bare legs as he offers me a hand up. He places August in the corner and then smirks at me.

“Game on,” he says.

“Bet I can jump higher,” I say.

He winks and then lifts off like a rocket. I bend my knees and push off with all my might. We ridiculously continue our competition and laughter fills the space. Auggie is lying on his back laughing uncontrollably, deep belly laughs like bubbling sunshine. His chubby cheeks are flushed, his eyes sparkling with pure joy. The world seems to have melted away and time stands still.

The realization hits me when I’m soaring upwards… that maybe… it’s possible… that I have never stopped loving this man. I’ve been living in the story I told myself and now it appears that the plot twist happens to be my blind belief in my own narrative. I reckon I’m going to have to consider that I’ve never gotten over this man. Well shoot!

I stop bouncing and hold my hands up in surrender. “Okay, you win.”

“Nice of you to admit it,” he teases.

“Let’s see if Ava is ready to take over with August and we can have that talk.”

“Sure. Everything alright?” he asks studying me, a frown furrowing his brow. Damn him.

“I’m fine. I’m ready to get back to the real world is all.”

“Come on Auggie,” he says. August crawls over to him and we all exit the bubble.