Chapter 18
Isabel
Izzy loved going out as a family. The sun was shining on Lake Michigan, but there was already a cold nip in the air as they walked toward the Fox & Hound Boutique in Petoskey.
Skipper pushed the stroller while Holly sang a little song that made absolutely no sense.
Holly’s songs rarely did. She loved to string together random syllables as if she were composing her own private song.
In Holly’s arms was a doll Aunt Samantha had brought home for her.
Holly had called the doll Moana after seeing the movie on TV.
Holly was fascinated by her long brown hair and lashes.
Today Moana wore a long dress patterned with fish in bright colors.
Aunt Samantha had found the charmer in a catalogue.
Izzy silently hoped the boutique could exchange the pink jacket Marlowe had found for Holly while she was up in Petoskey.
It was gorgeous but too small. Her little girl was so spoiled.
Maybe her mother-in-law was right. Having another child might be good for Holly.
She could hardly wait until the testing began.
“I hope they have a bigger size,” Izzy said. “Holly loved it, but the sleeves are too short.”
“Our daughter’s growing too fast,” Skipper said.
Izzy melted a little every time he said our daughter. He was such a good dad. Watching the two of them together filled her heart with a warm, glowing hope. Would they have a child together? Was that in their future? Maybe.
The shop was quiet when they stepped inside. A woman with a name tag that read Anita bustled over.
“Did you bring your baby today?” she asked Holly, bending down and motioning to Moana.
But Holly wasn’t too sure about this stranger. She clutched her doll closer. “Mine,” she declared.
Anita laughed and stepped back. Izzy offered an apologetic smile. “She can be shy. We just need to exchange this jacket. Unfortunately it’s too small.”
“Mine!” Holly screeched again as Izzy pulled the jacket from the bag.
“Yes, it’s yours.” Izzy soothed her. “But it doesn’t fit. We’re getting you a new one, sweetheart. One you can wear for a couple of winters.”
Holly didn’t look convinced.
Recognizing the style, Anita led them to a side rack. “Let’s see. I think we have a medium. That’s twenty-four to thirty-six months.” She plucked one off the hanger.
“Perfect.” Skipper lifted Holly from the stroller while Anita unzipped the jacket.
“She’s growing like a weed,” Izzy added.
“That’s this age,” Anita said knowingly.
“She’ll be two this Christmas.” The time had gone too fast.
Skipper helped slip Holly into the new jacket, while Izzy held the doll. Pretty with its pink embroidery, the jacket was a bit large, but that was fine. Izzy wanted Holly to be able to wear it for more than one winter, but maybe that wasn’t realistic.
“Pretty,” Izzy murmured, smoothing the sleeve. Holly grinned and did the same, clearly pleased with herself.
Minutes later, they were back outside. Holly insisted on wearing the jacket, even though it was too big and kind of warm for today.
“Why don’t we go down to the park?” Skipper said.
“Sure. Holly will love that.” Bayfront Park was right on the lake, with swings and climbing toys. The wind had picked up, so they drove. Izzy found a bench while Skipper unbuckled Holly. Holly solemnly tucked her baby doll back into the stroller.
“Be good,” she told the doll in a stern voice that made Izzy wonder if she sounded like that sometimes.
A young mother was helping her little girl and a young boy on the slide. Holly immediately toddled toward the short ladder, the other children welcoming her as if she were an old friend.
Skipper joined Izzy on the bench. “Looks like she’s having a great time.”
Izzy sighed dreamily. “Just think. In a couple of years, that could be us. Maybe with another little one of our own.”
Skipper wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Babe, we’ve got a long way to go before that.”
“I know, I know.” But excitement buzzed in her veins. “The process is started. Marlowe had her physical yesterday. And her doctor will contact the service I’ve used in Traverse City to talk about the important part.”
“Is that where they make the babies?” Skipper teased, nuzzling her ear.
“Stop it!” She swatted his shoulder, laughing.
“I just can’t believe we’re really doing this.” He looked out across the lake, dazed.
“You haven’t changed your mind, have you?” she asked softly.
He turned to her, shaking his head. “Not at all. I’m just trying not to get ahead of myself. I don’t want to be disappointed. I haven’t told my mom or sister yet. I won’t do that until we know for sure.”
“Good.” Izzy exhaled in relief. “I don’t want anyone getting their hopes up until we have actual news.”
Suddenly Skipper was on his feet, rushing toward the slide. Holly was perched at the top, but she was hesitating. The small boy climbed up behind her. With her dad watching, Holly plopped onto her bottom and slid down, right into Skipper’s arms.
Laughing, Izzy snapped pictures. Maybe one could work for their Christmas card.
Holly scampered back to her new friends while Skipper returned and sat beside her.
“You mentioned Marlowe’s appointment,” he said. “Any feedback?”
“I hate to pester them. Apparently there are a lot of tests. Sometimes specialists.” She gnawed her lip. Izzy had been doing a lot of that lately.
Skipper stared out at the lake, the wind tugging at his hair. “Maybe we’ll be pregnant by Christmas. Is that even possible?”
Izzy burst into nervous giggles. “I have no idea. Maybe?”
“This might be a stupid question, but how do the guys feel about one of your sisters becoming pregnant with our baby.”
“Not stupid at all.” Izzy was still so mad at Josh, but she hadn’t gone into details with Skipper.
“Josh, well, he didn’t like it.” And that was an understatement. Izzy’s smile faded.
“What did he say?”
“I don’t think it was what he said so much as his attitude.” Izzy shook her head, anger bubbling up again. “He’s a doctor, but he acted like the idea of Sam being a surrogate was dangerous. Sam broke up with him.”
“Really? Just because he doesn’t want her bearing our child?”
“There’s more. Sam doesn’t fit with his family. His kids haven’t warmed to her. And his mother likes being in charge. I think she’d prefer he stay single.”
Skipper frowned. “I don’t get that. Marie’s what, in her sixties?”
“Probably.”
“Still. Sounds kind of selfish.” He gave the swing another gentle push. “Sam deserves better.”
“You got that right.”
“Your sister’s attractive and successful,” Skipper said. “She’ll find someone.”
“I think so too.”
Holly was climbing again, and Skipper jogged off to help. Soon they moved to the baby swings. Watching Skipper gently push Holly in the blue swing made Izzy’s heart swell. He was so careful and attentive.
“Not too high,” she warned, smiling.
The wind off the lake chilled the air, and the other family began packing up.
“Maybe it’s time to head home,” Izzy said.
“Yep. I promised my mom I’d cook dinner.” Skipper stepped in front of Holly. “Time to go home!”
Holly gripped the swing chains. “No. More! More!”
Skipper grinned. “Does my little girl want to go upsy-daisy?” Holly squealed and reached for him.
After slowing the swing, he lifted her onto his shoulders. Holly looped her little arms around his neck, resting her cheek on top of his dark blonde curls. Izzy had never seen anything so beautiful in her life and took a picture. “So what are you fixing for dinner?” Skipper cooked one night a week.
“Smash burgers on the grill. Onions, pickles, blue cheese and my secret sauce. The works.”
“Aw, Skippy. You know I love those.”
Reaching over, Skipper pulled her to him. “I take note of everything you like.”
And that was the truth. When Izzy stood on tiptoe to kiss him, Holly bent over and patted his wild blonde hair. “Nice daddy.”
Could anything top this happiness?
Well, maybe one thing.