Make You Mine (Book Two)

Chapter 34 (Wynn)

Wynn

"Look at that smile," Colby coos. Lyla gurgles and drools contentedly from where she lays on the floor, kicking her legs while B gives her all the adoration she could desire. One brief glance at my baby girl's face and I know she's duped her aunt.

I sigh. "She's pooping."

Colby grins, her attention never leaving Ly's chubby cheeks. "Well, that's definitely something to smile about, isn't it?" She runs a hand through Lyla's fuzzy dark hair and Lyla kicks harder, reveling in the affection.

I drop my mascara back into my makeup bag and close my compact mirror, tossing it to the side. This is how getting ready looks for me these days. Instead of a leisurely, meticulous process complete with cat eyes and contouring, I now settle for mascara and a bit of concealer to mask the dark circles that have taken up residence on my face, shadowing my eyes for the rest of time.

"Duty calls," I say, making my way toward the two of them.

"No, no, Wynn. Finish getting ready. I can change her." B springs into action, as if I'd actually attempt to stop her.

"By all means." I gesture toward the diaper drawer, grateful for a few extra minutes to myself. "I wouldn't want to deprive you of such a fun time. I suppose it is part of the joy of godmothering."

Bracing herself for impact, Colby quickly ties her hair up into a bun on top of her head, resting on her knees in front of Lyla. Her face crumples in disgust as she begins cleaning the pair of tiny little buns, and I giggle at the scene, only to be struck by the pungent odor myself.

"Not so funny now, is it?" Colby smirks when she sees me cringe.

I shiver, shaking my head. "I'm afraid it's not something I will ever get used to. Gross, Lyly!"

Lyla couldn't care less, of course, as she's too preoccupied with her toes. Colby finishes up, exchanging Lyla's onesie for a Texas A&M cheer uniform, just like we'd planned. I rake my fingers through my mess of hair, trying half-heartedly to relieve the tired locks from their matted nest at the base of my neck. Sleepless nights don't favor beauty, that's for sure. After some effort, I manage to tame it into a presentable ponytail, eager to get moving.

"You look hot, Wynn," Colby chirps, placing Lyla in my arms. "Are you ready?"

"You're too kind, and no," I answer, surprised by my honesty. The words left my mouth before I even had a chance to process them, but it's the truth. "I'm nervous."

"Don't be," Colby says. "He's gonna be so happy to have you there!"

I nod, pressing my lips to Lyla's forehead. "Let's go see Daddy at practice."

********

"Who would've ever guessed that this would be our future?" Colby leans over the metal bar separating the bleachers from the practice field, her white-blond hair tossing in the gentle breeze. The air is still warm, clinging to the bitter end of summer, but I can tell it won't be long before fall moves in.

I shake my head, thinking over the chaos of the past year and the uncertainty I'd felt each day before our lives fell into place. To call it chaos doesn't do it justice, really. This past year was more like madness, yet somehow we've made it.