"Why is she drooling so much?"
"She's teething."
"When can she eat pizza?"
"When she has more teeth."
"Mamama." Aira slapped Olivia's cheek and laughed. Olivia tickled her feet.
"Peek a boo."
She laughed and rolled over. She was a fast crawler. Things were better six months later. Violet always returned her phone calls, and she came to see Aira at least once a week. She wasn't ready to take her back. She didn't know if she would ever be ready to tackle motherhood without a husband. Fitz and Olivia let her know their home was still her home. She was always welcome. She was still living off her savings, and she had plans to attend graduate school. Olivia was giving her six more months to make her final decision. Violet had already asked if they would keep Aira for a few years. Olivia let her know they were not moving Aira every few years. Violet had to make a decision. If she chose not to parent, Olivia and Fitz would be her legal parents until she turned 18. Violet could come visit as much as she wanted, but she couldn't take Aira anywhere without their approval. They wouldn't let her sign any permanent legal documents until she finished her therapy.
Olivia had to do what was best for Aira. Right now, she wasn't sure if Violet would take Aira and give her back if her new husband didn't want to raise her ex-husband's baby. Violet wasn't dating, but Olivia was always one step ahead.
"Asher go get her bottle and rinse her pacifier."
"When are we going to the park?"
"After breakfast."
"Can Aira get in the baby swing or does she have to stay in her stroller?"
"Not yet Asher. She's too small."
"I'll be glad when she can do more stuff. She's really boring now."
"She's a baby."
"Maybe you should give her back to Violet and get a dog."
"I wouldn't trade my baby for a dog." Olivia cooed.
"Is Aira your baby now mom?"
"No."
"She calls you mama."
"Go eat your cereal before it gets soggy."
"Okay.'"
Olivia lifted Aira off the blanket and held her close. This is what she missed with Violet. This is what she wanted.
"You look so much like my Violet. Yes you do. I've got my sweet little girl again."
