Tides and Tidings

Chapter 1

Charlie

“W ren, hurry up!” I yelled from the bottom of the stairs.

“We’ll be down in a minute,” Blythe called back. Whether she would admit it or not, having lived in Georgia for a little over a year, she has picked up a semblance of a Southern accent, and I adore it.

I could hear their giggles coming from the bathroom. Ever since Blythe moved in six months ago, I’ve been replaced in Wren’s morning routine. It’s been the coolest thing seeing my girlfriend and daughter become a dynamic duo. When Blythe and I started dating, she and Wren were already best buds, but once Blythe moved in, they became inseparable.

I made my way back to the stove, where the bacon sizzled. The smoky aroma filled the house, and my stomach growled. No sooner had I pulled the last piece out of the pan than I was met with the most perfect sight—Blythe leaning on the doorframe.

“Are you ready to see the Christmas pageant princess?” She asked, arms folded across her chest.

I wiped my greasy hands on my apron and walked over to her. Today was Wren’s kindergarten Christmas pageant, and both she and Blythe have somehow kept her role a secret. How? I couldn’t tell you. Between the two of them, nothing was a secret. For Wren’s birthday earlier this year, Blythe and I picked out the coolest outdoor swing set. We barely made it in the door before Blythe spilled the beans. “I’m just surprised you both could keep a secret.”

“It’s a secret from you, so it was easy to keep. I can’t keep anything from Wrenny.” Blythe joked, but I knew she was serious. They’ll be ganging up on me in a few short years more than they already do. “Wren, your dad is ready for your costume reveal!” She called.

The six-year-old came barreling down the stairs but paused just before she was in my line of sight. “Daddy, you have to close your eyes!”

I stood there, not closing my eyes quickly enough. Blythe gave my shoulder a small bump, “The kid said to close your eyes. You know how demanding she is.”

I dramatically put my hands over my eyes. “Better?”

Blythe placed a small kiss on my lips, “Much.”

“Are his eyes covered, Birdie?” Wren called from behind the wall.

“They are.” Blythe and I said in unison. That’s something fun we’ve started—saying the same things simultaneously. Either we have a telepathic connection, or we’ve just lived together for a while.

“Drumroll, please!” The small voice behind the wall insisted.

Blythe obliged and lightly tapped the wall. “Introducing…the Angel in the Christmas pageant!”

I uncovered my eyes and my heart melted. My daughter was standing in front of me—and even though she’s only six, I couldn’t help but realize how big she had gotten. She was wearing a white poofy dress and angel wings. Her blonde hair was curled with a little halo on the top of her head. I knelt to her level and opened my arms for a hug. “You look beautiful, Little Bird. You’re the angel? That’s a pretty big responsibility.”

“I know! Isn’t it sooo cool? Mrs. Smith told me I would be the perfect angel.”

“Mrs. Smith clearly knows what she’s talking about.” I swallowed hard; my baby was growing up. “Are you nervous?”

Wren shook her head so vigorously that her halo fell off. “Nope. I’m excited. Birdie told me I would be the best angel there ever was.”

I straightened up, “I couldn’t agree more.” I turned towards the kitchen table, “Ready for breakfast?”

Wren’s eyes went wide as they landed on the table, “Are those pancakes?”

“They sure are. I even added whipped cream and M no heavy jackets were needed. “Let’s go!”

For someone who didn’t like kids and didn’t want any of her own, she sure took on the mother role for Wren. When my ex left me in the middle of the night with a newborn, she gave up any rights to being a mom. When we first started dating, I wasn’t sure how Wren would react to having someone else taking up my attention, but she’s loved having “her Birdie” with us all the time. My mom was a great role model for Wren, but I wanted her to be able to live her own life.

I grabbed the bags and locked up while Blythe got Wren buckled and situated in her car seat. We were off to school, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to this little pageant. This Little Bird of mine is the most outgoing child I’ve ever met, so seeing her in her element on stage today would be cool.

“Wrenny, are you excited to stay with Grammy and Pops this weekend?” Blythe asked, turning around towards the backseat.

“Marshy gets to come too, right?” She clarified.

“Of course. Grammy said she would have you help her decorate the house for Christmas.”

“Oh, good. Then yes, I am.”

Blythe and I looked at each other with smirks on our faces. This kid was too smart for her own good. As we pulled into the parking lot, I looked in the rear-view mirror to find Wren filled with trepidation.

“What’s wrong, Little Bird?”

She shook her head.

“Use your words.”

“I’m nervous.” She admitted.

Blythe held my arm, “You go inside, grab some seats, and find your mom. I’ll handle this.”

I raised an eyebrow, “You sure?”

“Absolutely. I’ve been there before. I’ll try to help.”

I got out and gave Wren a kiss for good luck. “Don’t be nervous, you’re going to be great!” That warranted a small smile. “Birdie is going to walk you into your classroom. I’m going to go find Grammy.”

“Okay, Daddy.”

Blythe crawled into the backseat, so I took that as my cue to head inside.