Tides and Tidings

Chapter 53

Blythe

W ren doubled over in laughter. “This is so cool!”

Charlie had a massive silly grin on his face and it was the happiest I had ever seen him.

When we met, if you had told me that the grumpy ass man who picked me up from the airport would be standing here in lime green pajamas with presents all over them, I would’ve laughed at you because there was no way.

The man standing in front of me was thriving, thanks to a good kick in the ass from yours truly.

I looked behind him and noticed the snacks and pillows on the floor. I nodded towards it. “What’s up?”

“It’s a fort… kind of.”

A smile tugged at my lips. “Did you just set this up?”

He raised a brow seductively and nodded.

This was the most incredible surprise. I’ve seen friends from high school share photos of their families doing this.

“You said you didn’t know where my pillows were.” Wren was unsure as to why her pillows were on the floor.

Charlie stepped to the side, exposing the pillows and blanket. “We’re going to cuddle up on the floor and watch whatever movie you’d like.”

Excitement flooded her eyes. “Really?”

She ran over to the pile of blankets and pillows and threw herself down in the middle. She wrapped herself up in her blankets and lounged against the pillows. “Today is the best day ever.”

I sat down next to her. “What would you like to watch?”

Wren tapped her chin dramatically. “A Christmas movie.”

“Which one?” Charlie reached for the remote.

“The Grinch!” She cheered.

“Did you know it’s one of my favorite movies?” I asked the six-year-old as I brushed her hair out of her face.

She nodded. “That’s why I picked it.”

“You’ve got a really sweet kid.” I directed my comment at Charlie.

“ We’ve got a really sweet kid.” He motioned towards Wren, who was snuggled to his side. “You heard what she said earlier.”

“Yeah, Birdie. I’m yours now.”

My heart filled with pride, and a smile tugged at my lips. I have the opportunity to give Wren the life I wish I had as a kid: a beautiful home with two loving parents and a mom who would give her grace and be an open book for any questions she had. I wanted to be a person she felt comfortable going to for anything. No topic would be off-limits.

Charlie pressed play on the movie and we got lost in the town of Whoville. Memories of watching this as a kid came flooding back because, if we’re honest, it’s been years since I’ve seen it.

I couldn’t help but take in my surroundings. The light from the Christmas tree gave the living room a soft glow. Wren was cuddled up in Charlie’s side while Marsh rested his golden head on my blanketed lap. This was the first time in my life that I felt like I was home. This life was wilder than I could’ve ever imagined, and I was so thankful for it.

“Can I have more popcorn?” Wren piped up.

When I saw her eat the last piece of popcorn, I knew a refill would be necessary. We were only halfway through the movie, and we had already barreled through a bag. According to Wren, I make the better popcorn. Charlie goes the healthy-ish route and leaves it as it is out of the bag. I, however, melt butter and pour it on top. As the kid says, “The more butter, the better!” She’s a modern-day Paula Deen with her love of butter.

“I’ll go get it. Can you pause the movie?” I unwrapped myself from the blankets.

“Are you afraid you’re going to miss somethin’?” Charlie teased, knowing damn well I could recite the movie almost word-for-word.

“I sure am.” I offered a smirk over my shoulder.

I tossed a bag of popcorn in the microwave and let Marsh out in the backyard. I leaned against the counter, zoning out while the popcorn popped and he did his business.

“Daddy, what are you doing?” I heard Wren ask. “It’s pretty!”

“Shh,” Charlie responded.

Those two were up to no good. I was sure of it.

Marsh came in with his muddy paws and sat by the treat jar.

“Do you think you deserve a treat for going potty?”

His tail wagged.

“Okay, but only one cookie.” I handed Marsh a treat and he ran back into the living room.

The bag of popcorn gave me a steam facial as I dumped it into the bowl and added the extra butter.