Fifty-Three
Monday, March 29, 4:57 P.M. CST
Parrot Tree Marina
Warmth spread through Thomas’s chest. Nothing compared to welcoming a new healthy baby into the world, and he was grateful for this motley crowd gathered to share in the moment. Taffy was like family to him, and just thinking about baby Chico popping up for a first breath made him smile.
He felt the wrinkles around his eyes crinkle and thought about his toast to Eva. Do I look old to her?
Eva clapped her hands together to get everyone’s attention. “Wait, there’s more! I have something I’ve been saving.”
Eva left the group on the steps and walked to her storage shed. Thomas followed her with his eyes, mostly appraising her backside, which swung slightly when she walked. He stopped only when he caught Mel looking at him wit
