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“Amy wanted to keep things simple, but that quickly went out the door the more blogs and websites she visited. Swings, bouncers, teething toys, bathtubs, and toys that change color if the water isn’t the proper temperature, which I admit, that one is pretty bad ass. I’d feel like a shit dad if I had my kid in water that was too hot.”
“I get it, you want your kid safe, and I can’t blame you for that.”
“Exactly. You’ll be in my spot at some point and know firsthand just how overwhelming it all is. Also, the cost of everything associated with babies is fucking ridiculous. The places we’ve looked into for daycare are more than our mortgage every month.”
“Damn, that’s ridiculous., Is Amy going to stay home with him?” I ask.
“We’ve definitely discussed it, but our moms have volunteered to share the responsibility. They’ll come to our house, splitting the weeks, which will also allow both to still travel as long as they coordinate who’s going to be gone when.”
“It’s awesome you guys have family to help.”
“It is. Neither one wants us to pay them, which I’m still not on board with, but that’s probably the least of my worries right now.”
“Probably,” I agree with him as I pull back into the shop’s parking lot. “Thanks again for the help today.”
“Of course, and just let me know about Friday.”
“Will do,” I tell him before we part ways.
* * *
“Hey, Mom,”I greet as I step inside my sister’s house. She’s holding my niece, Ivy, who’s sound asleep. I lean down and place a kiss on my mom’s cheek, before also kissing Ivy’s head. “How’s it going around here, today?”
“Just peachy. I’ve got a baby in my arms, what more can I ask for?” She smiles up at me. Mom loves being a grandmother, and it suits her perfectly.
“How’s Miranda?” I ask.
“She’s good, pulling some supper together in the kitchen,” she tells me.
I kick my shoes off and head for the kitchen. If the smell says anything, it will be another masterpiece recipe of hers.
“Hey, Sis,” I greet as I enter the kitchen, “smells amazing in here, whatcha cooking?”
“Hey, yourself. Just making some fried pork chops, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and I’ll make some pan gravy once the chops are done.”
My mouth is already watering at her menu. “Damn, you are going to ruin me for all other women,” I tease her.
“The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” she reminds me.
“Something like that, but aren’t you supposed to be recovering from having a baby, not cooking for everyone?”
“Eh, Mom’s got Ivy under control and this relaxes me. Josh has been doing most of the cooking, but I wanted to do it today.”
“Good to hear. Do you need me to do anything?” I offer.
“You can set the table, if you want. Josh is going to be a little late, he got held up at a job site this afternoon.”
“No problem,” I tell her as I pull out the plates and silverware. I set it all out and return to the kitchen and sit on a stool.
“What’s on your mind? I can tell you’re mulling something over,” she says.
“What are you, a psychic?” I ask, a little bemused she can read me so well.
“Nope, just been around you almost every day you’ve been alive, and I know how to read all your tells, so spill it, little brother.”
“I met a woman today,” I say, not really sure where to start.
“Okay, go on,” she instructs.
