“We’ve discussed it. I want to get married first. I want to ask him this year sometimes.” She smiled at me. “I think we’ll have enough going on with this.”
“I think it’s a good thing for them. I can’t wait to see her.” Her eyes gleamed, and I laughed at her, reaching for my milk.
“I knew you wanted grandchildren.” She shrugged with a bright smile.
“Who doesn’t?”
“Here’s your chance, Gram,” I told her, reaching for another cookie.
Chapter Fourteen
Hayden
Mari called the attorney on Monday, telling her they were ready for Ava. They decided to keep that name since she’d been called it for the last few months of her life.
She asked them to come to her office the following morning to meet Ava. Mari would have access to the inheritance within a few days so that she could prepare for Ava. They already cleaned out the room, renting a storage unit for their furniture for the time being.
They decided to get the big stuff with savings, going out Monday night for a crib and a futon for the nursery. The crib included some drawers and a changing table, so that was a great start. We helped pick everything and set it up late into the night after Hayden got off work.
They met Ava on Tuesday morning, sending us pictures of the dark blonde, blue-eyed baby girl. She was all smiles, not knowing that her family died. It was clear that she loved Mari and Becca, and the attorney told her that a social worker would be bringing Ava over Thursday morning. They signed some paperwork to make everything official, crying in the car as they went to get a few clothes. She was coming with some belongings, but big for her age. The girls dropped by a few thrift stores to pick up larger clothes that suited the gloomy Seattle weather, for the time being, bringing them home to wash in the basement.
We made the crib up with the clean sheets, hanging a mobile with animals on it that played a soothing song. In addition to clothes, the girls bought some things for her room. We set up a screen that played music against the side of the crib to help her through the night.
Everyone was nervous for the next several hours. The girls kept looking at pictures of Ava as they wondered aloud what might work with her versus what might not work. Gram watched them pace after dinner Wednesday night, leaving plates behind half-filled with food.
“Girls, you’ll figure it out,” she told them, smiling. “All babies are different, and you learn through trial and error. She already likes you. She’ll just need to adjust to the apartment and everything new while you adjust to her.”
“You’re so calm, Gram,” Becca said as Gram smiled.
“I had three kids when I was young. I had a lot of bumps in the road. You’ll make it,” she assured them before the girls went running over to hug her. It made me weepy, and Gray wrapped an arm around my waist.
“She’s going to be an amazing grandma to Ava,” he whispered in my ear before kissing my hair.
“I know,” I replied, wiping a tear from my eye.
Each of the girls took maternity time off work due to the adoption for a few weeks. We had Thursday morning free but stayed with Gram in her apartment while the woman carried Ava to the upstairs apartment. They were up there for about an hour before the woman came to collect some things from the car.
“Let us help,” we told her as she walked out to the SUV to open the back. “Hayden and Gray. We’re best friends with the girls.” We shook hands and unloaded a bag of clothes, another bag of toys, and a few packs of diapers to tide them over for a while.
“You live here?” She asked, taking us in as we balanced everything.
“We live downstairs next door to my Gram. My cousin and his girl are moving into the other unit upstairs soon.” She widened her eyes and looked at the building.
“Wow. It’s a real family unit here,” she remarked, her dark eyes warming.
“It is. Ava will be in great hands.” I assured her as she smiled.
“It’s a shame that the accident happened. Another young man was killed in the accident as well. It was a mess all around.” Her face fell, and Hayden looked at me as understanding crossed his face.
“Was the baby in the accident?” I asked as she shook her head.
“She was with a sitter.”
“Thank God,” Gray said, running a hand through his hair. We carried the items upstairs, seeing the girls sitting with Ava between them. There was a mix of happiness and shock on their faces, making us smile as we set the stuff in the corner of the room.
We took a seat on the couch, taking in the new family. The social worker told us that everything looked great, telling the girls she’d be checking in. Other than that, the money would be in their possession soon.
She left, and we watched them with her. Ava looked a lot like her mom, and it made us look back a bit. We thought back to how we met her, and the risk it put our lives in. It was an accident, of course. Another one killed her, and I held Gray’s hand.
The baby seemed oblivious. She crawled around to see her new surroundings, reminding the girls they needed to baby-proof their apartment. We went through the stuff as we kept an eye on her, someone sitting by her at all times. There were some baby toys, stuffed animals, books, and blankets in one of the large bags. The other bag held clothes and shoes, obviously lovingly picked out by Vivian and her mom.
“I have no idea what to do with her tonight,” Becca whispered to me as we sat on the couch. Mari was sitting with Ava who was in her highchair at the table, watching her eat soft chunks of mango and cheese. She insisted on food shopping after some lengthy research, stocking the house with formula as well.
“I don’t think it will be a restful night for any of you,” I told her, looking at the smile on Mari’s face. “We’ll take over tomorrow and let you get some sleep if need be. You’ll get a system going.” I looked around. “Is there a stroller? We can take her for a walk.”
“In the closet. We found a good one,” Becca said, her smile fading. “What do we tell her about her mom?”
“When the time comes, tell her that Vivian loved her very much. Tell her that she died in whatever way you’re comfortable with and what is age-appropriate at the time. Don’t hide things.” I slipped an arm over her shoulder, pulling her close. “You’ve got this.”
“I sure hope so,” Becca sighed as she stood up to help Mari clean up the baby. They left her in her pajamas, taking her to her room to settle down for the night.
Gram told us to come for breakfast the following morning if we were up to it. The baby went to sleep after some music and singing from the girls, and we headed downstairs to get some sleep.
“They have a daughter,” I said once our door was closed.
“She’s a cutie,” Gray told me as I nodded. The baby looked happy and active, and the girls were sure to be exhausted. “I wonder how they’ll do tonight.”
“I’m glad we have floors that don’t share every sound.” Older apartments were good for that, and the walls were thick and floors solid.
“I know. Want to watch a movie for a while?”
“Yes,” I replied, locking the front door before leading him to the bedroom. We turned on the TV, snuggling in bed as we played a familiar movie. We talked through it, kissing and laughing until we went to sleep.