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“Oh, it’s been lovely, darling,” Mom says. She rests her hand on top of mine for a moment and squeezes. “Honestly. Every moment we get to spend with you and the kids is just wonderful. I wish we could be here all the time.”
“Well…” I hesitate, glancing at Patrick. “You’re both retiring soon, aren’t you?”
“In a few years, yes,” Mom says. “Why?”
“You could come to live here,” I say. Words rush out of me then, tumbling fast. “I mean, it wouldn’t be like living at home, I know. You’d have to give up the townhouse, and you wouldn’t have as much room. And the kids won’t be as young – they’ll be in school already. But, you could think about it. Your pension won’t cover everything, but Nico and I – we could help out with the rent.”
“Oh, we couldn’t ask you to do that,” Mom says, shaking her head quickly.
“You wouldn’t have to. We would volunteer.”
Mom looks back at Patrick, and I see some uncertainty in both of them. Maybe I brought it up too soon, but I wanted them to have the chance to think about it. And they have a few years, after all.
“Anyway, it’s just a thought,” I add quickly, not wanting to ruin the atmosphere that we’ve been enjoying so much. “Dad, the same goes for you, too. If you want to retire out here, we can support you.”
“I’ll think about it,” Dad says, completely distracted still by shaking a rattle at Cal. I laugh, and the conversation goes back to flowing smoothly, no awkwardness between us all.
When we’re settled in the spot where we can stay for a few hours, I go back to join Nico in the cabin area downstairs, making drinks for everyone. It’s a moment to ourselves, while we hear the laughter and conversation of my parents playing with our children up on the deck above.
“I’m looking forward to tomorrow,” Nico says, sighing and rolling his shoulders back.
I smile and rub my hand across his back for a moment. “They aren’t that bad.”
“Not at all,” he says, pouring out a newly-mixed mock-tail. “I just can’t wait for some peace and quiet again. Well, the relative peace of three children. You know what I mean.”
I laugh. “I do. Not having to play the host all the time.”
“That’s it.” Nico sets down the glass and turns to me, encircling me in his arms. “But it’s not that they’re not welcome. I heard your idea, earlier. It’s a good one.”
“You think so?”
“I wouldn’t have to pay for a babysitter ever again,” he says, nibbling on my ear teasingly.
I giggle and push him away – but only far enough so that I can kiss him on the mouth. “You’re silly. But also right.”
He reaches down and pulls me against him by my hips, putting our bodies flush against one another. He gives me a slow and leisurely kiss, taking his time to explore my mouth. “Speaking of babysitters,” he says. “Should we hire one for tomorrow night?”
“Where would we be going?” I ask.
“No, I was thinking they could take the kids somewhere,” Nico says. I feel the curve of his smile against my neck as he nuzzles me. “We could enjoy the house to ourselves for the first time in a couple of weeks.”
I have to admit that it sounds tempting.
“You know, we could just put the kids to bed in the far end of the house,” I tell him with a teasing smile. “Set up a blanket fort and tell them it’s a camping trip. They wouldn’t come out and disturb us.”
Nico makes a face. “Callum would. He’s still not sleeping through the night every time. I bet you he would choose the exact moment to start crying. We need a break.”
I can’t help but laugh. All three of our children have previously displayed a talent for needing our attention right at the most inopportune times.
“Alright,” I agree. “A babysitter. But maybe the day after tomorrow. The first thing I need is a lot of sleep.”
“You’re not wrong there,” Nico sighs. I notice that there are dark smudges under his eyes that aren’t usually present. Playing host to three extra adults, making sure they are entertained day in and day out, and dealing with all their interpersonal politics takes a lot. It’s just one of the reasons I love my husband that he never objects to having my parents visit, even when it takes a lot out of him.
“We can build up our energy,” I tell him, winding my arms around his neck for one more kiss. “Then we can really make the most of the empty house.”
“New plan,” Nico says, nipping lightly at my lower lip before pulling away. “We have a babysitter look after the kids in the house. You and I come out here, to the boat. We don’t have to sail out from the marina, but… we haven’t christened this place yet.”
