Adventures In Parenthood. Dawn Atkins

very knowledgeable. One of them told me about a quick way to teach kids to ride a bike. You put them on a slight slope so the momentum keeps them from wobbling, and, boom, they’re cycling. I’ll teach the girls while I’m here.”

      Dixon didn’t react to her words, and she suspected he didn’t think her plan would work. She didn’t want to argue about it, so she was happy when he peeled away the foil from the champagne and popped the cork. A mist of bubbles drifted out.

      “It’s weird to hear that pop and feel sad instead of happy,” she said. “It’s like when someone tells you a joke when you’re crying. It hurts.”

      “Colorful way to put it.” Dixon filled their glasses and handed her one.

      The champagne glowed golden, looking almost magical. “What the hell, it’s still champagne.” She raised her glass. “Cheers.”

      “Cheers,” he repeated, but he sounded sad, too.

      Despite how bittersweet the moment was, Aubrey relished the bubbly sting and the warmth in her stomach.

      “Shall we?” Dixon motioned toward the living room, and they returned to the sofa with their drinks and the bottle.