“Richard,” I began, my voice steadier than I felt, “I overheard part of your phone conversation earlier.”
He lifted his gaze, surprise mixed with something else flickering across his face.
“Oh?” he replied, clearly caught off guard. “What did you hear?”
I paused, choosing my words with care. “I heard you mention that Jennifer might… tell me something and that it’s hard to keep things ‘hidden.’” I locked eyes with him, my heart racing.
“What are you hiding from me?”
For a moment, he just stared, a blend of confusion and concern etched on his face. Then, comprehension dawning upon him, his expression softened. He set aside his papers and leaned closer, reaching for my hand.
“Marla,” he said gently, “I’m not hiding anything bad.
I promise.” His touch was comforting, but it didn’t diminish the unease in my stomach.
“Then what is it?” I asked in a whisper, barely able to meet his gaze. “What do you not want Jennifer to tell me?”
Richard took a deep breath, his face breaking into a sheepish grin. “I didn’t want you to find out because… I was planning a surprise for Jennifer’s birthday.
With my brother’s help.” He squeezed my hand, a little embarrassed. “I wanted it to be a big celebration—a special first birthday with us.”
I blinked, my mind struggling to process his words. “A surprise party?” I asked slowly, the tension in my chest beginning to dissipate.
He nodded.
“I wanted it to be perfect for her. A way to show her how much we care and that she’s part of our family now.” He smiled, appearing relieved. “I knew Jennifer might mention something, and I was worried she’d spoil the surprise.”
A wave of relief washed over me, though I also felt a twinge of guilt.
I had been imagining the worst-case scenario—well, I wasn’t even sure what I had been imagining. “Richard,” I whispered, lowering my head, “I’m so sorry. I just… I thought something was wrong.”
He chuckled softly, stroking my hand with his thumb.
“It’s completely understandable. We are both adjusting.”
I nodded, making an effort to dispel my lingering doubts. “I think Jennifer is just… protective,” I explained.
“She’s unsure of what to expect, and when she told me not to trust you… it struck a chord with me.”
Richard nodded thoughtfully. “She’s a sensitive girl. I think she’s still navigating her way through this.” He looked at me earnestly.
“We’ll just need to ensure she feels safe and loved— all three of us.”
The next morning, as I watched Richard gently guiding Jennifer in choosing her breakfast cereal, my heart felt a bit lighter.
He glanced at her with tremendous patience, and although she barely looked up, I could sense the trust slowly beginning to develop between them.
I joined them at the table, my hand resting on Jennifer’s shoulder.
She looked up at me, her eyes serene, and a small smile appeared on her face, as if acknowledging some newfound peace that had settled among us.
