“Corinne!” I called out, already tugging Jasper’s arm.
There she was, sitting under the big elm tree with her kids. Kyle was curled against her leg, his fingers clutching her jeans, eyes wide and shy. Astrid giggled from Corinne’s lap, drooling onto her tiny fist. And next to Corinne sat an older woman, silver-haired, hands folded in her lap—probably her mother, or maybe a grandmother. I didn’t know, and I didn’t care—I just wanted to introduce them.
“Come on, Jas, come on!” I half-dragged him over, my heart racing with anticipation.
Corinne turned as I approached, standing slowly, her smile gentle. “Hey, Brittany. You’re out early.”
“Special visit!” I announced proudly, practically bouncing on the balls of my feet. “My brother came. This is Jasper Ashford. My big brother. The boring Ashford.”
Jasper groaned playfully. “Thanks for the intro, Brit.”
I giggled, clapping a hand over my mouth. “Sorry! He’s not that boring. He’s just… responsible. And serious.” I reached up and squeezed his arm. “But he gives good hugs.”
Corinne smiled, extending her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“You too,” Jasper said warmly, shaking her hand. His eyes softened as they exchanged a quiet look, and something flickered between them—something I didn’t quite understand, but it made my chest feel a little funny, like I’d stumbled into the middle of a secret.
“And these—” Corinne gestured to the kids. “Are Kyle and Astrid.”
Kyle peeked out from behind Corinne’s leg, eyes huge and uncertain. I crouched down to his level, resting my elbows on my knees. “Hey, little man,” I whispered conspiratorially. “I like your shoes.”
He blinked, surprised. “They light up when I run.”
My face lit up. “No way! Can I see?”
With a grin, he bolted across the grass, stomping hard so his sneakers flashed red and blue. I clapped and laughed, the sound spilling out of me without warning. For a moment, I felt light. Free.
I sat down beside Corinne on the blanket, waiting quietly. Astrid wriggled in her arms, pudgy hands reaching toward me. I held out my arms without thinking, my chest swelling with a warmth I hadn’t felt in ages.
“You can take her,” Corinne murmured, handing Astrid over.
I cradled the baby against me, brushing a kiss over her downy hair. “She’s so soft,” I whispered, rocking her gently. “Like a marshmallow baby. A tiny, squishy marshmallow.”
Corinne chuckled. “Careful. She’s teething.”
“I don’t mind,” I breathed, pressing my cheek to Astrid’s head. “She can chew on me all she wants.”
Nearby, Jasper was deep in conversation with the older woman. His voice was calm, respectful, his posture relaxed. I loved watching him like that—steady and sure, the exact opposite of the storm always churning in my own head.
Corinne watched me closely. I could feel her gaze, warm but cautious. “You’re good with her.”
I shrugged, eyes fixed on Astrid’s drooling smile. “Babies don’t care about the mess in your head. They just want to be held.”
A quiet beat passed.
“You look different when you smile,” I blurted, glancing up at Corinne. “In a good way.”
Her mouth tilted into a small, surprised smile. “Thank you.”
“You should smile more. It makes your eyes look… less tired.” I traced a finger across Astrid’s cheek, my voice softening. “You have pretty eyes.”
Corinne’s throat worked as she swallowed. “So do you.”
Kyle came running back, out of breath, cheeks flushed. He collapsed beside me, grinning. “Did you see? Did you see?”
I reached over and ruffled his hair. “You’re the fastest superhero I’ve ever met.”
“I practice every day,” he said solemnly. “For when I need to save people.”
