Time Makes You Bolder (Sequel to No One's A Fool)

Chapter 8

"What would you have done if I had been a boy?" Wrenna asked. She and Stevie were out on the beach watching Amy and Jessi run around with Aurora on the shoreline. Mick had gone to his restaurant to pick up dinner for everyone, and they had taken a break from the story.

"Named you Wren." Stevie shrugged.

"But would you have been bummed out?" She asked.

"No, I don't think so. I wanted a girl, but I could have pictured myself being a mom to a boy too. I was just happy to be pregnant, Wrenna. I was so happy. I didn't care if you were a boy or a girl. Why? Do you want a boy?"

"No, I don't really care. I already have a girl, so another would be fine, and a boy would be fine. I guess I'm just wondering if it would have been harder for you. Like if I had looked like him or something."

"You do look like him. You have his eyes. And the entire time I was pregnant, I said that I hoped you had his eyes and my lips. He has beautiful eyes. So do you. But I don't ever think about him when I look at you. You, Wrenna Lyric, are your own person. The only man I ever think about when I look at you is Mick. I see so many of his mannerisms in you. You make the same face when you're surprised or about to crack a joke. You say 'hello' the same exact way. Your laugh is similar to his."

"But you didn't know he was going to be my dad back then, right?"

"No, but I knew he was going to be in your life even before you were born. I could just tell. Like when we came here to Hawaii and I was pregnant with you. I think that's when I really knew he would be good to you."

1987.

Stevie enjoyed a peaceful three days in Hawaii, ringing in the new year on the beach with Mick and his girls. Sara was suspiciously absent, but Stevie knew better than to ask Mick about this. Their relationship had been up and down since it started, and Stevie guessed this was another bump in the road for the two of them.

Upon arriving to Hawaii, her morning sickness started to dissipate. She threw up once during the trip, but after that barely felt nauseous anymore. She was thankful for this, knowing that studio time would follow.

On the final day of the trip, Stevie waited until the girls were at the beach before telling Mick she needed to talk to him. She looked nervous, which concerned him.

"Are you alright? Everything's okay with the baby?"

"No, the baby is fine. I just... I wanted to ask you a question. I've been thinking about this for a while, and I thought I'd better ask you now so I have time if you say no. It's not like – well, it's not a huge deal, but – you don't have to feel obligated-" She stammered.

"Stevie, spit it out!" He finally exclaimed.

"I want to ask if you'll be the godfather. ...Of my baby." She said, finally meeting his eyes. Mick stared back at her.

"Of course I will." He nodded.

"Really?" She asked.

"Yes. Of course. I'd be honored!"

"You don't really have to do anything. Just maybe show up to birthdays or something?" She shrugged.

"Birthdays, dance recitals, whatever you want. I'll be there." He smiled at her, and she smiled back. It was a sweet way to end a good trip to Hawaii, a respite before they flew back to the mainland and real life hit her again.