“Don’t mention it, anyone would do it.” I shove my fists in my pockets, not sure what to do.
“Lili mentioned you’d say something like that.” Her hands go to her hips, “take the complement. Owen would tell you as much.”
I smile and shake my head at her boldness; She’s right, Owen would call me a fucker and tell me to kindly respect his woman’s gratitude. I’m nervous as hell and I know it shows.
“Thanks, Natasha. You are just as much part of my life as Owen was-uh, -still is.” Do not break.
She smiled warmly, her features softening, “Ellie is so excited to be meeting Uncle Zander, she knows who you are, I’ve told her all about you. I remember how much he wanted you in her life.”
“Well, what about Uncle Shark?” Shark pops off from behind me and strides to us, his business suit pressed and hair in place. “Hey Corporal. Good to see you here.” We clasp forearms and give each other the silent recognition only we can understand.
I hear Hank’s little growly howl as the three of them make their way back over.
“Uncle Shark!” Ellie giggles and sprints to the newcomer.
Shark bends down and scoops her up, a laugh as he greets her, “hey, hey, Mini Bear! Happy birthday!”
“I’m four now!” She holds up four chubby little fingers to tell us her age.
“No way!” he beings, tickling her belly and coaxing more giggles from her. “Four already? Wow, that’s a big number.”
“You sure you can count that high, Shark?” Another voice booms from behind me, Ford’s Texas drawl. We turn to inspect the addition.
Ellie doesn’t miss a beat and begins counting ever-so cutely in kid Spanish, “uno, dos, tres, cuatrooo!” She sing-songs.
We break out in laughter at her bubbly antics. The same time a ray of sunshine peeks through the darkened clouds above, casting itself upon the group.
Owen, ever a ray of sunshine.
I know you’re here buddy, I can feel you.
“Mui bien, Leonora. (Very good, Eleonora)”Ford praises then saunters in next to me and mimics my posture of casually placing his hands in his jean pockets. His gaze locks with Natasha’s, his smile budding to life behind his overgrown facial hair, “hey Nat.”
Natasha returns a ghost of smile and a one-word answer, “Ford.”
“You’re just jealous she likes me more, that’s all.” Shark tilts his chin up in a ‘look at me’ way, his tone matching his jesting.
Ford rolls his eyes, “whatever you have to tell yourself, Shark.”
Lili and Hank are on my other side, she’s leaning into me and offering her body heat; It’s keeping me grounded in this moment.
I’m not going to break today.
*Playful Owen* Quit being fuckin’ pussy, man; live your life. Make every day outstanding. Do it, or I’ll kick your ass.
It’s the first time I’ve heard Owen’s voice call to me, the demons have been so overpowering these past few years, I haven’t had a chance to reminisce on all the fun times we shared.
Thunder rumbles above, the better telltale sign that rain is coming.
Shark glances to the girl in his arms as she traces a tiny finger over the scar by his left eye, “We should move this party indoors. Do you want pizza, birthday girl? I have a present for you, too.”
“Yeah, let’s go! Can we gets a pineapple pizza with lots of cheese? *Wistful*I like cheese.”
Shark laughs and pokes her belly, “you know it, Mini Bear. There’s no better pizza topping out there.”
“That’s gross.” Ford mumbles.
“Says the guy who likes shaking Worcestershire all over his pizza. Now that’s gross.” Shark balks.