“It feels strange without Melody yelling from her room, Grace asking for a cookie, or Derek crying,” Leo chuckled. “Strangely enough, I miss it.”
“Give it another day or two and I will,” she said, smiling. “I love them, but it’s nice to have a break.”
“Maybe we can hire the night nanny again and a morning helper,” Leo suggested. “I can take on some of the night shifts if you decide to pump.”
“Leo,” she warned. “We know you’ll get called in to work. We don’t even have room for another baby unless we move Grace and Derek together. I finally got her sleeping in her big girl bed,” she said, sighing.
“We’ll manage,” he said. “You know, the first few months, this one will most likely sleep in our room while you breastfeed. We can set up a changing table, and you can use the rocking chair.”
“I’m not sure I can do it,” she confessed. “I talked to Kassie and Mom. I’m tired, Leo. The sleepless nights, the crying, the diapers, and the school runs. We discussed this before, and it’s the reason why you got the vasectomy. I didn’t want another child. You’re barely around, and when you’re here, work consumes you. Don’t get me wrong, you’re an incredible dad. I don’t think you understand what happens during those times.”
“Do you want to abort the baby?” he asked, surprised but he’d abide by her decision.
“Her hand moved to her stomach. “If something ever happened to you, I’d be raising these three hooligans all on my own. Yeah, I know my mom offers to help, Kassie works around my hours, and the team will help. But they’re ultimately my responsibility. Your mistake adds to it, and I didn’t get a say,” she cried. “Why did you put me in this position?”
“I’m sorry, Kit Kat. I intended to follow through. If I knew the pain this caused you, I’d have told Matthew to wait another day or have the team leave me behind,” he said, wiping her tears with his thumb.
“It’s not the baby’s fault. He or she came from our love despite the fact I’m a walking zombie these days. I barely recall having sex,” she said, chuckling. “Don’t take it personally. You’re very memorable.”
“Damn right, I am,” he grumbled, teasing.
The movie ended, and Leo helped her into the bathroom.
“Did the spotting stop?” he asked, worried.
“It seems like it has,” she assured him. “I’m sure the extra fluids and the iron helped. Even after lying in bed today, I’m exhausted. I’ll probably sleep like the dead.”
“Don’t ignore your body’s needs. I have no idea when we’ll spin up, but I’m determined to show you I’m taking responsibilities seriously,” he informed her as she came out of the bathroom, changed into pajamas, and headed toward the bed. He lifted the covers and helped her get comfortable.
“Won’t you stay with me?” she asked.
“I’m taking care of the laundry first, and then I’ll come to bed,” he said, grabbing a basket to fold the clean clothes.
“Thanks. Grace decided to break her record for the number of outfit changes she needed per day. I’m packing three for Avie for daycare. Your child has taken after you,” she said, yawning.
“Like you have room to talk, Melody has turned into a miniature version of you. She’s bossy, controlling, and has a temper like a?—"
“Watch it,” Kit Kat warned him, laughing.
Leo smiled, feeling more relaxed with his wife than he had in weeks. “I’ll be right back.”
A few minutes later, he stripped and climbed into their bed. Sighing, he appreciated the incredible mattress beneath him. A few weeks on his office couch or one of the bunks made him appreciate the finer things. Soon, he’d be sleeping in a tent on the hard ground or a cot.
Turning, he pulled her over on his shoulder. Her arm went around his waist as she closed her eyes. He kissed her forehead and murmured, “Goodnight, Kit Kat. I love you.”
He closed his eyes and let the scent of her lavender shampoo lull him to sleep. Between having his wife’s warm body snuggled against him and the comfortable bed, he counted his blessings. Starting tomorrow, he’d make some headway by preparing breakfast, getting the laundry and house cleaned, and then starting on his wife’s heart. He left a gaping hole with his lack of attention and care. It seemed like a good time to make up for it.
CHAPTER 18
“We don’t haveto do this, Addy,” Liam said as she drove them into Seattle.
“It’s only fair. You helped me find my vehicle. I’m helping you find yours,” she insisted. “Besides, you know you liked the green one.”
Chuckling, Laim reached for her hand, his thumb caressing her skin.
“Touché. Since you know where we’re going, it won’t take us all day to sign paperwork. What do you want to do?” he asked.
She smiled widely as she glanced at him.
