Little B had no idea what she was getting ready to enter into. She couldn’t know that she was about to meet two people that would cherish her every move.
She was about to be spoiled, and I couldn’t wait to watch it happen.
Kat on the other hand needed a stiff drink. She was a ball of nerves while I drove, and as we pulled onto the street I thought she was going to vomit.
“We’re in this together, Kat,” I reminder her as we pulled up.
I helped get B out of the vehicle while I waited for her mother to follow. I half expected to have to carry her the rest of the way since she was being so stubborn. She looked right at me as I put B down and knocked on the door. I watched her taking a step backward and grabbed her hand before she was able to chicken out.
The door opened, and all eyes were on us. My mother pulled Kat into her arms. This was insanely beautiful to watch. It was like everything she’d been scared of was being lifted away. “Katy, oh my God. I can’t believe it’s really you.” They both began crying, not letting go of each other. Then my mother gasped. She slowly removed her hold on Kat and looked up at our little girl. Never once had she noticed that I was holding a child. B clung to the string on my hoodie, hiding her face from the person she didn’t know yet.
“Mom, I think you should let us in.”
She backed up while staring at our daughter. Once we got into the foyer, B turned and began looking around. That’s when she knew, without a doubt, that this little girl was my child. “I’d like you to meet my daughter, Brooklyn.”
My mom lost it, covering her mouth as she began to bawl. I walked up and hugged her. When she pulled away, she just kept looking at her, crying. B swatted at her face. “No cry.”
It was hard to see my mom so shocked. It broke my heart to know she hadn’t ever met her before. I guess I wasn’t even thinking that I’d just met her too. “Hi. I’m your grandma, Brooklyn.”
“We call her B, so she doesn’t get confused when she hears my name,” I explained.
My mom turned her attention to back to Kat. She was so distraught, and I understood why. Everything was coming around full-circle, and although it was something she needed to get through, it still didn’t make it easy. “I’m so sorry.” She managed to get out.
Then my dad walked into the room. He was looking down at his camera. “Sorry, I just needed to replace the batteries.” He looked up and saw us standing there, two women in tears, me with a big smile, and a child completely confused.
“Hey, Dad. Long time no see.” I was trying to break the ice though I don’t think it worked.
It was apparent he didn’t know what to say. The poor man just kept looking at us, as if he were in some kind of dream. “Look, we know we have a lot of explaining to do. Can we get settled for a while first? B needs a fresh diaper and I know she’s probably starving.”
My mom took over as if she knew exactly what to do. “I’ve already made a turkey, and Dad got those sweet rolls you both love.”
I stopped her. “Mom. Breathe. I know it’s a lot to take in, but we’ll be here for a week, so how about we take a breather, go unpack and meet you in the dining room?”
She nodded. “Okay.”
B wanted to get down. I wasn’t about to fight her. I knew she wanted to explore. There were a lot of cool things around the house to get into. She looked up at my mom and started swinging her body from side to side.
My mom bent down to her level. “Do you want something to drink?”
“Chocate mulk.” My little bug knew exactly what she wanted, and she also used her cuteness to make sure she got it.
I watched the woman that raised me smile while tears still ran down her cheeks. “Well, okay. Let’s go see if we can find some of that.” She looked up at Kat. “Is it okay? I can change her if it helps?”
Kat handed her the diaper bag. “Sure. Thank you.”
It was nice to see my dad walk over and pull Kat into a hug. I could tell they were both so happy to see her, with or without our huge surprise. “Welcome home, Katy.”
Kat was still a mess as she clung to the man. “I miss you. I missed you so much.”
When I knew she wasn’t going to let go, I took it upon myself to remind her that we had plenty of time. “Let’s go up and get settled.”
One thing I hadn’t pegged on was my dad tearing up. I couldn’t remember ever seeing it happen. “We really missed you. Both of you.”
I shook his hand out of respect. “I’m sorry it’s been so long, Dad. We just needed time.”
By the time we reached the steps I could tell Kat was a little relieved. I took her hand in mine and smiled. “Yours or mine?”