The water park is big and colorful. Everywhere I look there’s something different to do. They have the water slides on either side of the structure for kids to go down. On top of the structure is what Shiloh has been hoping for the most.
A giant bucket that collects water. It swings back and forth as it fills and when the water reaches the top it sloshes over. Careening the water down a slide that lands over the main area in front of the structure. Shiloh has done it a handful of times already, bringing in a new person each time he wants to do it.
Currently up to bat is Harper, who’s eyes are wide as saucers as she watches the bucket in anticipation. Shiloh is running circles around her, kicking water around. “Are you ready for this Aunty Harper!” grabbing her arm and jumping up and down just as the bucket tips over.
Harper’s body tenses as the water sloshes down the slide before dumping on the both of them. A screech comes from Harper as this addictivelaughter spills from Shiloh. Lighting up so much affection for the child I have grown to care too much about.
A vision of a child with my blonde locks, and freckled cheeks running around this water park alongside Shiloh as they take on the water slides, splashing around the park. The melodic sounds of children’s laughter fill my body with joy and love.
A dull ache follows that vision, blanketing me in sadness for a moment. Until Shiloh’s wet curls and toothy grin are in my face and he’s telling me it’s my turn to get under the bucket.
ChapterEighteen
Josie
Six Months Postpartum
LeaningbackintoMonty’schest, I watch everyone enjoy the beautiful day before us. Monty’s arms tighten around my center, pulling me in closer to him. Heaving out a content sigh, I watch as my mom plays in the baby splash pad area with Hayes. He’s loving every minute of the water, using his feet and his hands to make as big of splashes as he can muster.
Harper was just the latest victim of Shiloh’s bucket challenge since we arrived. Monty and Xavier have been taking the brunt of it, and us girls thought we managed to get out of it.
We were wrong. Now as Harper comes back sopping from head to toe, she wraps herself and sits on the lounge beside me.
“That wasn’t too bad was it?” I inquire, because I know my time is coming.
Harper’s body visibly shakes. “The water itself wasn’t terrible, it was the anticipation of the bucket flipping over and waiting for the water to hit that sucked. A cold shock to the system.” Xavier puts another towel around her before pulling her into his lap.
Glancing over, I notice Evie is quiet. She looks like she’s off in another world, there’s a look of anguish that radiates off her. Causing my chest to constrict with the need to comfort. The moment quickly changes as Shiloh jumps in front of her.
“Come on Evie! It’s your turn!” He grabs her hand and begins to pull on her. Her body language changes from somber to bright. A warm smile spreads on her face as she stands up.
“It’s my turn? Well alright, let me just take this off.” Standing she unties the tie of her dress. Shrugging the material off her shoulders, letting it drop to her chair. Monty’s grip on my stomach tightens, and he adjusts himself while simultaneously dragging me closer to him. Placing a kiss on the crook of my neck, I tilt my head to allow him more access.
My eyes stay on Evie as I take in the sage green of her bikini. The shade complementing her olive skin. The top criss crosses on the top and then wraps around her torso twice. Monty’s lips trace back up my neck, before stopping at my ear.
“Fuck, she looks stunning.” He whispers in my ear. Nodding my head in agreement, I continue to follow her as they head toward the water.
Watching Evie and Shiloh is something magical. She doesn’t just follow along, but she makes sure she’s at his eye level. She actively listens to him no matter what he talks about, even if he’s told her the same story countless times.
Something settles in my stomach as I watch how effortless it is when it comes to Evie. She’s the best thing that could have come into our lives. I mean more than just her being the nanny. I have found a friend. Someone who is there consistently, where I can be my most authentic self. She understands my need to care for people, and Monty’s goofy antics. Hell, sometimes she joins in on those antics.
I don’t know what Monty’s take on things are. We’ve talked about our attraction, we also talked about the complications that could destroy the flawless dynamic that has developed in our everyday routines. If we move forward with anything and it isn’t received well then it could be catastrophic. Not only to us, but to our boys who have grown accustomed to her presence.
We spend the rest of the afternoon taking turns in the park with Shiloh. I make sure everyone keeps up with sunscreen and water. I don’t wantanyone to be burned or have heat stroke and be out for the count. Hayes spent his time in the baby section and is currently sleeping in the shade.
Shiloh approaches me, putting my book down, I prepare for him to declare it’s my turn to go back into the park with him. Instead he crawls into my lap, wrapping his little arms around my neck and burrows his face in the crook.
This boy is wiped out, giving us our sign that it’s time to head back.
“I think it’s time we head back for supper, yeah?” my voice is not too loud, but enough for him to hear me. I don’t get a reply but just a nod of his head. I look over to where Monty, Xavier, Harper and Evie are sitting at a table playing a round of cards. Our parents had made their way back to the rentals about an hour ago, telling us they were going to get supper started.
As if sensing me, Monty looks up and sees Shiloh curled up in my arms.
A soft smile touches his lips, and we communicate without speaking. He looks back to the group and says something that I can’t quite hear but know he’s stating it’s time to go. The rest of the group begins to pack up and bring things to the cars.
Evie walks over to me and smiles, “Do you want me to pack up Hayes and his stuff for you?” she asks me, but already begins to collect the items that were laid out into the diaper bag.
“Thank you.” I respond, thankful that I can soak up a few more minutes with my tired boy.
