The table is set for eight, as it has been all month.
I find my sweet man in the corner, surrounded by wooden blocks.
Benson is navigating a small yellow dump truck across Marco's back.
The kids watch in awe as he adds the final bricks to their masterpiece.
“Now our tower reaches all the way up to the stars,” I hear him say. “And if you look through your telescope, you might see a dragon sleeping on the moon.”
My nephew’s eyes grow round with imagination, peering through a cardboard tube.
Ollie runs off to find his favourite book, then sits in Marco's lap.
Backs still turned, they don’t notice me leaning in the doorway.
I listen to every page about dragons who love eating tacos.
The smile on my face almost aches.
I’m so in love with this man.
Soon the tea grows cold in our cups because I forget I’m holding them.
???
Bellies full and sky darkening outside, we nestle onto couches.
The dishwasher hums in the next room.
“Both boys down for the count,” Robbie whispers, closing the door behind him.
“Snoring like sailors,” Talia adds.
The miniature spiral bound sketchbooks and felt pens inside the paper bag were a huge hit.
“Just like Uncle Amos!” Ollie had said with delight.
He’s watched me render designs for clients so many times.
The kids wasted no time lining up all their favourite colours.
Doodling on the page, my nephew shaped magical wings and a burst of fiery breath.
Then, holding Marco's arm steady, he traced an inky replica from paper to skin.
The subtle buzzing sound from his lips made it apparent that he’d been paying close attention during those studio visits. And I couldn’t have been more proud.
Hours later, the colours are still vibrant and unsmudged.
I take a photo.
“For his future portfolio,” Ava smiles.
“He’s gonna have customers lining up around the block,” Talia grins.
I hold the felt-penned wrist closer to the lamp.
“Baby, I'm still a little jealous that you hired someone else for your first tattoo.”
