do, reclining until my back rests against the windshield. Millie snuggles between us with a noise that can only be described as content.
Keegan smiles at me over her daughter’s head. “You all good over there?”
I manage to sink a little further for this woman. How screwed that makes me is still up for debate. “Never better.”
Healing Hug #23: When good intentions go sour.
The afternoon sun glints off my aviators as I pull into Keegan’s driveway. Summer is in full swing, testing records in rare bouts of humidity and temperature on a daily basis. With the creek to cool off in, the heat doesn’t bother me. Especially when I have the company of two blondes to lift my spirits in moments of need. Two months ago, I never would’ve thought this could be my normal. Now, I can’t imagine ever returning to my self-imposed isolation.
I hop up Keegan’s front stairs with a bounce in my gait. Millie’s wrapped gift is clutched under my arm. The thrum of good fortune pings off my sternum with every breath. There’s a zest floating on the breeze that reminds me of coming home after a weekend away. But that’s way off base. All of the fresh air is going to my head.
I raise my fist to knock, adding a peppy beat that mixes with the jovial rhythm inside of me. Millie’s face appears in the thin crack she creates. When she sees who’s waiting on the other side, the door flings open wide.
“Hi, Ford!”
“Hey, Peep.” I hold out my free palm and she gives me a high-five, followed by a pattern of slapping and twisting motions that form our exclusive code. Maybe it’s odd to create a special handshake with a child, but Millie’s giggle is worth any gawking sneers from onlookers.
“I love doing that so much. We’re so cool.”
“The coolest.” I nod along with her.
“Are you here to see my mama?”
Keegan appears behind her daughter. Skepticism strains her expression. “Well, hello. Should we have been expecting you?”
“Can’t a guy randomly drop by to visit his…friend?” The labels between us are still a bit fuzzy. Better to be safe than awkward.
“I guess so…” she trails off.
Prickles stab at my nape. “I was going to call, but decided to make this a secret visit.”
Millie bounces in place. “Oh, I love surprises from you.”
“That’s exactly why I didn’t mention stopping over.”
“I see.” Keegan squints at me. “All right, what’s up?”
Millie tugs on her mom’s shirt, pointing at the present I’m carrying. “Look, Mama. He got you something.”
Such a cutie, this little girl. I wink down at her. “Actually, this is for you. I’m always taking your mom out, right? Your turn is overdue. If that’s okay with the boss lady.”
Keegan crosses her arms, popping out a hip for good measure. “If you’re planning on walking. There’s no way she’s going anywhere on your bike.”
I hike a thumb over my shoulder. “Good thing I have alternative transportation.”
She peers around my shoulder, catching sight of the basic sedan in her driveway. “Whose car is that?”
“Mine. Just bought it yesterday.” Did I just puff my chest out a bit? Absolutely.
“Why?”
“So I can take Millie out without having you worry. The same booster you have for her is already strapped in the backseat.”
Keegan drops her jaw, a breathy exhale wheezing out of her. “Wow, that’s incredibly thoughtful. You’ve officially crossed over into the very sweet category.”
I give a little shake to my shoulders and straighten a very imaginary tie. “That’s what I was going for.”
She purses her glossy lips. “Nicely done, Ford.”
“Are you beginning to believe me?”
Her eyes flick over me from ball cap to boots. “Yeah, this definitely helps your case.”
Millie must reach the end of her patience, hopping onto the porch beside me. “Where are we going?”
“That’s up to you, Peep. Why don’t you open this first?” I pass over the box with a massive bow on top.
She rips into the paper, scraps flying in every direction. A squeal bursts from her when she opens the lid. “Oh my gosh, this is amazing!”
Millie whips the pink leather jacket out of the confetti tissue, pressing it to her chest. The beaming smile she flashes at me could melt all of the snow in Antarctica.
“Do you like it? The lady at the store told me this should be your size.”
“I love it!” She slips it on, revealing a perfect fit.
“Looks great on you, Peep. What do you think, Kee?” When I glance at Keegan for approval, she’s pressing a palm over