Page 91 of Wed to the Devil

"Woohoo!" Solana exclaims, eagerly grabbing the supplies in her arms. Nathan follows with his supplies and we move to an open space on the floor.

"Alright," I say, mixing together some plaster and clay for Solana and Nathan. "Let's press this into your molds."

I guide Solana's hands as she presses down. Beside me, Talia kneels down and does the same for Nathan.

"This is so neat," she tells him. "This will make a really cool souvenir."

"Yeah!" he says, his excitement evident.

As I watch Talia work with Nathan, I can't help but feel a sense of pride. She's so good with children, and it's clear that Nathan trusts her. I'm glad that Talia brought me along today, even though our relationship is so complicated.

After we finish making our fossils, we wander around the museum. Solana and Nathan run ahead, giggling and pointing at the exhibits. Talia and I walk slowly behind them, taking in the displays.

"You know," Talia says, breaking the silence between us. "You're going to be an amazing dad. You have done a really good job today with Solana and Nathan."

I look at her, my brows rising. I'm a little taken aback.

"You think so?"

She nods. "Yes, I do. You have a kind heart and you're great with kids. And I can tell that you care about them."

I feel my chest swell with pride at her words. I never thought of myself as father material, but hearing Talia say that makes me feel like maybe I could be.

"Thanks," I say. I shake my head and shrug. "I have a lot to learn, but I'll do my best."

Talia smiles at me, and her expression softens. It's moments like these that make me forget everything else - the lies, the secrets, the mistrust. It's just Talia and me, and the great unknown expanse of the future.

After hours in the museum, the group heads out back to spend the rest of the day in the park attached to the museum, lounging in the sunshine. Though it's still windy and cool outside, the kids don't seem to know it.

We eat bagged lunches of peanut butter and jelly and apples. The adults have found spots under the dappled shade of the tall pine trees.

Solana and Nathan are running around, giggling and playing tag. Talia and I are lying side by side, soaking up the meager warmth of the afternoon sun.

Suddenly, Solana stops in her tracks and turns around. She runs back towards us and falls to her knees in the grass next to Talia. Talia raises her hands, ready to ask what's going on. But Solana snuggles up to Talia's baby bump, talking to it like it's an old friend.

"Hi baby," she coos. "Guess what? Talia said we can go on a trip to the zoo soon! I can't wait."

Talia laughs softly and strokes Solana's hair. "That's true. I did say that."

Solana looks at Talia, wrinkling her nose.

"How long until the baby gets here? Will it be here when we go to the zoo?"

"Uhh..." Talia stammers.

I sit up. "No, not quite yet. The baby won't be here for a few more months."

Talia flashes me a grateful look. I grab her hand and squeeze it.

"That's not fair." Solana makes a pouting expression. "I want to meet the baby."

"Solana!" a girl bleats from two hundred yards away. "Come play hide and seek with us!"

Fast as lightning, Solana is on her feet and dashing away. I watch her go, shaking my head.

"That kid is crazy."

Talia makes a soft sound and presses her palm against her belly. Her expression is puzzled.