20. Destiny
20
DESTINY
I open the door, my heart swelling with anticipation as my parents' faces light up at the sight of Avery nestled in my arms. Mom's hands fly to her mouth, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Oh, Destiny," she breathes, reaching out to touch Avery's chubby cheek. "She's absolutely perfect."
I hug each of them for several seconds, taking in their smells and loving touch. My heart feels…safe. It's the first time in a while that my smile is truly genuine.
Dad clears his throat, clearly trying to maintain his composure. "Can I hold her?"
"Of course," I say, carefully transferring Avery to his waiting arms. "Watch her head."
As soon as Avery's in his embrace, Dad's tough exterior melts away. He coos softly, rocking her gently. "Hey there, little one. I'm your grandpa."
Mom hovers close, her fingers tracing Avery's tiny hands. "Look at those beautiful brown eyes," she marvels. "Just like her mama's." Her eyes are wide with wonder and happiness.
I can't help but smile, watching my parents fall head over heels for my daughter. It's a moment I've dreamed of, yet feared might never happen.
"She's got quite the grip," Dad chuckles as Avery wraps her fingers around his pinky.
"Takes after her grandpa," Mom teases, earning a playful glare from Dad.
I lead them to the living room, where they settle on the couch, still completely enamored with Avery. Mom looks up at me, her eyes shining.
"Honey, she's incredible. How are you managing?" Her voice is soft, colored with motherly care.
I shrug, trying to keep my voice light. "One day at a time. It's not always easy, but she's worth every sleepless night."
Dad nods, his gaze still fixed on Avery. It’s like he can’t take his eyes off her. "You're doing a great job, sweetheart. We're so proud of you."
Their words warm my heart, easing some of the tension I've been carrying.
For a moment, I can forget about the complications with Adam, the divorce proceeding, and just bask in this simple joy of family.
A few hours later, I sink into the couch, cradling a mug of steaming coffee as Mom regales me with the latest family drama. The familiar cadence of her voice washes over me, soothing in its normalcy.
"You won't believe what your Aunt Sheila did at the last book club meeting," Mom says, leaning forward conspiratorially.
Dad rolls his eyes. "Here we go again."
I can't help but laugh. "Spill it, Mom. What'd she do this time?"
"Well," Mom starts, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "she showed up wearing the exact same dress as Linda. You know how those two can't stand each other."
"Oh no," I groan, already picturing the chaos.
"Oh yes," Mom nods emphatically. "It was like watching two peacocks trying to out-strut each other. Your aunt kept 'accidentally' spilling red wine on Linda's dress."
Dad chuckles, bouncing Avery gently on his knee. "Sounds like a real catfight."
"You have no idea," Mom sighs dramatically. "By the end of the night, half the book club was taking sides. I swear, sometimes I think these women forget we're supposed to be discussing literature."
I shake my head, grinning. "Sounds like nothing's changed back home."
"Speaking of home," Dad pipes up, "your cousin Eddie finally proposed to that girlfriend of his."
"No way!" I exclaim. "It's about time. They've been together for what, five years now?"
Mom nods. "Six, actually. We were starting to wonder if he'd ever work up the nerve."
As we chat, I feel the tension in my shoulders slowly uncoiling. For the first time in weeks, I'm not obsessing over work or personal issues. It's just me, my parents, and Avery, wrapped in a cocoon of familial warmth.
"So," Dad says, his tone shifting slightly, "how are you really doing, sweetheart? And don't give us that 'I'm fine' nonsense."
I pause, considering my words carefully. "It's... been tough," I admit. "But having Avery, it makes everything worth it. She's my world now."
Mom reaches out, squeezing my hand. "We're here for you, honey. Whatever you need."
"Thanks, Mom, Dad. I appreciate your concern."
Dad takes Avery for a diaper change and I sit lazily with mom, chatting.
I'm half-listening to her latest gossip about the neighbors back home, when my phone buzzes. Adam's name flashes across the screen. My stomach twists, and I quickly flip the phone over, ignoring the call.
"Everything okay, honey?" Mom asks, her brow furrowing.
I plaster on a smile. I’m back to fake smiles again. Great. "Yeah, just a work thing. Nothing important."
She nods, seemingly satisfied with my explanation. "As I was saying, Mrs. Johnson next door has started this new hobby..."
I force myself to focus on her words, pushing thoughts of Adam to the back of my mind. We haven't really talked since that night, and I'm not ready to face him yet. What would I even say? 'Hey, sorry I snuck out after we had sex. Want to grab coffee?'
I shake my head to get rid of those kinds of thoughts and refocus on my mom, trying to lose myself in the gossip rather than the worries that plague me constantly.
A yawn escapes me and I smile at my mom, who is just about to start getting concerned again.. "Just a little tired. You know how it is with a newborn."
She gives me a knowing look. "I remember those days. Your father and I barely slept for months after you were born."
Dad returns, handing me a baby powder-smelling Avery. His smile is wide. "I still know how to change diapers."
I grin at him and cradle Avery against my chest, inhaling her scent. It grounds me, reminding me of what's truly important.
"So, Mom, you were talking about Mrs. Johnson's new hobby," I say, steering the conversation back to safer territory. "I bet the whole neighborhood's talking about it."
Mom launches into another story, and I let her colorful, excited words wash over me, grateful for the distraction. My phone remains face down on the coffee table, Adam's call unanswered.
Avery relaxes in my arms and I watch happily as her eyes slowly fall shut. It doesn’t take long before she’s fast asleep.
My mom immediately goes quiet, not wanting to wake her grandchild.
I gently lay Avery down in her crib, my fingers lingering on her soft curls. She's out like a light, her tiny chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. The room is bathed in a soft, warm glow from the sun, creating a serene atmosphere.
"Sleep tight, my little angel," I whisper, carefully backing away.
As I close the door, leaving it slightly ajar, I lean against the wall and let out a long sigh. The house is quiet now, save for the muffled voices of my parents chatting in the living room. Their presence is comforting, a slice of normalcy in the chaos my life has become.
I make my way back to the living room, plastering on a smile as I rejoin my parents.
"She down for the count?" Dad asks, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
I nod, sinking into the armchair. "Like a rock. She's got your sleeping genes, Dad."
Mom chuckles. "Thank goodness for that. You were a nightmare as a baby."
"Hey now," I protest weakly, but there's no heat behind it.
Realizing the time, I head to the kitchen, my parents trailing behind me. They’re hungrier than they expected to be.
"How about some sandwiches?" I suggest, pulling out bread and various fillings from the fridge.
Mom nods approvingly. "Sounds perfect, honey. Need any help?"
"I've got it, Mom. You two just relax."
As I assemble the sandwiches, Dad leans against the counter, eyeing the sleek espresso machine on the marble countertop.
"That's quite the setup you've got there, Destiny. Your clothing line must be doing well."
I can't help but smile, a surge of pride warming my chest. "It's been a wild ride, but yeah, we're growing faster than I ever imagined."
"Tell us more about it," Mom urges, her eyes sparkling with interest.
I slide the plates across the kitchen island, joining them as we dig into our lunch. "Well, we just landed a deal with a major department store chain. Our fall collection will be in stores nationwide next month."
Dad whistles, impressed. "That's incredible, sweetheart. You've come so far in such a short time."
"It hasn't been easy," I admit, thinking of the countless late nights and stress-filled days. "But seeing my designs out there, knowing people are wearing them... it makes it all worth it."
Mom reaches out, squeezing my hand. "We're so proud of you, honey. You've built something amazing."
As we finish our sandwiches, the conversation drifts to lighter topics. We move to the living room, settling into the plush couches. The afternoon sun streams through the windows, casting a warm glow across the room.
"So," Dad says, leaning back in his seat, "any exciting plans for the future? New designs in the works?"
I nod, excitement bubbling up despite my exhaustion. "Actually, I've been sketching out ideas for a children's line. Nothing concrete yet, but..."
"Oh, that's wonderful!" Mom exclaims. "I bet Avery's been quite the inspiration."
"She has," I agree, glancing towards the nursery. "It's opened up a whole new world of possibilities."
As they launch into another round of stories from my childhood, my mind wanders. The weight of my phone in my pocket seems to grow heavier with each passing minute. Adam's missed calls loom over me like a storm cloud, impossible to ignore.
I should call him back. I know I should. But what would I say? How do I even begin to explain?
"Destiny?" Dad's concerned voice cuts through my thoughts. "You okay, honey? You seem a million miles away."
I force a smile and fake a yawn. "Yeah, just tired. It's been a long day."
He leans forward, his expression serious. "Is there something you're not telling us, sweetheart? You know you can talk to us about anything, right?"
The concern in their eyes nearly breaks me. I want to spill everything – the night with Adam, the confusion, the fear. But I can't. Not yet. Not when I haven't even figured it out myself.
"I know, Dad," I say, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "I'm just... adjusting. To everything. But I promise, I'm okay."
They exchange a look, and I can tell they don't quite believe me. But they don't push, and for that, I'm grateful.
As the conversation shifts to lighter topics, I try to focus on the present moment. On the warmth of my parents' love, the peace of having Avery sleeping soundly nearby. But in the back of my mind, I know I can't avoid reality forever. Sooner or later, I'll have to face Adam and the mess we've made.
For now, though, I let myself be enveloped in this bubble of family comfort, pushing thoughts of tomorrow to the edges of my mind.