“Your baby is such an angel.”

Smiling up at the airline attendant, I said, “Thank you.” Ava curled up against me, her face puckering up as she yawned. I’d found a local seamstress who’d helped me design a sling that I used to carry her, and that was how she’d spent the trip flying across the country, snug against my breasts and sleeping.

It was how she spent a great deal of time, really, especially in car rides. I was trying to figure out the ideal way to keep her safe once she got too big to be protected while riding in the sling. I hadn’t figured out the solution yet, but I would. The brand-new invention called a 'car seat' had been around only a couple years, and I didn't trust them to keep her safe.

“That’s a very clever contraption,” the woman across the aisle said as I rose and stepped aside to let Glenn out. He nodded at her and her husband, but stayed quiet. Glenn had enjoyed being out of the limelight ever since we’d left Hollywood behind months ago, even more so after he’d finished his first book last month—and sold it almost immediately.

“Where did you buy it?”

Tugging my attention away from my soon-to-be husband, I smiled at the woman. “I designed it and had somebody make it for me.”

“Oh.” Her eyebrows shot up into her hairline. “Oh, really.”

She shot her husband an avid look and smacked his shoulder. He was still half asleep, yawning and stretching as the people around the plane hurried to unload their carry-on bags.

Just before I would’ve started down the aisle with Ava, the woman patted my shoulder. “Here. My card. Call me. I’m a designer—not fashion, per se. Things that make life easier for us girls. That wrap there, it would make life much, much easier.”

Slowly, I dropped my eyes to the card, then looked back at her.

She waggled it.

I took it, shifting my attention to Glenn.

He gave a small shrug and smiled.

Curling my fist around the card, I let him lead me off.

* * *

“To the bride and groom!” Florence held Ava in one arm and in her free hand, she held a flute of champagne.

Astor sat in the chair opposite me and smiled, lifting his glass. “To the bride and groom.”

Also present, Harrison, who spoke in unison with his boss.

There wasn’t anybody else.

The preacher had excused himself after a toast and a piece of cake.

We hadn’t wanted anybody who didn’t want to be there, and Glenn had washed his hands of Peter after an incident he still didn't like to talk about. He hadn’t kept in touch with anybody in California save for Astor, Florence, and Harrison, and they were here with us now. They were the only ones who really mattered.

I’d made some friends in Philadelphia, and there were hopes they could become good friends, but for this, we’d just wanted family.

And that was who we had with us.

Florence cuddled Ava closer, nuzzling the baby’s cheek. Astor and Harrison both lifted glasses in our direction once more.

I smiled and sipped the punch we were having in lieu of champagne. Since I was nursing, I couldn’t have any alcohol, and I knew Glenn didn't drink anymore. He hadn’t talked about it at all. But I’d noticed.

When Florence had asked what I’d like to have for the small reception she was planning, I’d told her just that cake and punch would be perfect. She hadn’t asked any questions about it, nor would she, especially since she knew more about Glenn's downward spiral with alcohol than I did. Her quiet, unwavering support for both of us was simply there.

“I will tell you something, Maya,” Astor said. “That baby has got Glenn’s eyes, but the rest of her…I can already tell she’s going to be a beauty just like you.”

I grinned at him. “She’s barely two-months-old. But…I think you’re right.”

Glenn tipped his glass toward Astor. “Same here.”

We talked more as Harrison asked to hold the baby. Soon, she’d made her way back to me and she started rubbing her face against the front of my dress demandingly. “I think it’s time for me to feed her.”

Grabbing the diaper bag, I settled Ava more firmly against me and headed into the house.

“Let’s go get you and your hungry little belly full,” I said.

She cooed up at me.

* * *

Twenty minutes later, she was sound asleep. Turning her over to Glenn, I checked the diaper bag one more time.

Florence came up and hugged me. “You’ve already checked and rechecked everything, honey. Relax…little miss Ava Kathleen is going to be fine.”

I sniffed. “I know that. I just…” Rolling my eyes, I said, “I didn’t think leaving would be so hard.”

“If it gets too hard, just come back.” Florence shrugged.

Nodding, I looked back as Glenn kissed her on the forehead, then went to lower her into the crib Florence and Astor had bought for the nursery. I’d told them they didn’t have to go all out, but Florence loved going all out, especially for her god-daughter.

As I started sniffling again, she hooked her arm through mine.

“I love her name. I’m thinking Kathleen was for Mrs. B.?” She guided me out of the room.

“Yes.” Nodding, I let her distract me. I wanted to go on my honeymoon. It was just a few days, up to Glenn’s cabin in the mountains. It would be good for all for us. I didn’t want to be a mom who hovered and clung. “And Ava…that’s…it was my mother’s name.”

“It’s a lovely name.” Florence squeezed my arm. “Now, not that I’m anxious to play the doting godmother or anything, but I’m going to kick you out now. That way, you can get on with your honeymoon.”

She grinned at me as Glenn came up and wrapped his arm around me.

It wasn’t that hard to smile back. “Thank you.”

A few minutes later, I stood with him outside by the car.

He cupped my face in his hands. “Are you ready, Mrs. Jackson?”

“Absolutely.”

He kissed me then, deep, soft, slow.

“Come on…I’ve been dying to be alone with you.”

I laughed and threw my arms around his neck. “We’ve got the rest of our lives for that.”

“I know.” He cradled the back of my head as he tugged me in closer. “But it’s still not enough. I love you.”

“I know. I love you, too.”