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He shakes his head and panic washes over us.
The clock says it’s seven.
We both leap, scrambling to her nursery next to our room. I reach it first but halt at the door. Holding my finger over my mouth, I wave Jake forward.
My heart expands so much, I feel it in my throat.
Jay-Jay sways back and forth, staring at his little sister as he hushes her.
“He’s the best big brother,” I whisper.
Jake wraps his arms around my waist and rests his chin on my head as we soak up the scene.
“That’s my boy,” he breathes.
We give it another long minute before Jake leaves my side and creeps in, careful not to wake the sleeping baby.
It’s the first full night’s sleep we’ve had in three months.
“Thanks, buddy.” He takes Ella from Jay-Jay’s arms.
“It’s no problem. I knew you two were tired, and I was up anyway.”
I know he wasn’t. He’s just a great kid.
When he steps outside, I wrap my arms around his waist and squeeze him tight. He’s thirteen, and he’s taller than me.
Handsome, like his father, with a heart as big as his, too.
“Thanks, sweetie. Want some breakfast?”
He throws a hand over my shoulders for a one-arm hug because he’s too cool for two arms now. “Sure.”
“I’ll be down in a sec.”
I have another scene to soak up.
Crossing my arms over my chest, I lean against the door frame and watch as Jake maneuvers a three-month-old and takes his t-shirt off with expertise.
Placing her on the heat of his chest, he paces back and forth. She’s already asleep, but he doesn’t care.
He’s the pro here. He’s done it before—all on his own, and I’m thankful every day that we have each other.
He whispers hushed lullabies against the top of Ella’s head.
The sight makes me drool.
“Careful, Mr. Williams, you’ll make me want another one.”
He winks. “Careful, Mrs. Williams, I’ll enjoy giving you one.”
Smiling, I turn to walk away.
“Claire,” he calls in a whisper.
“Hmm?”
“Happy anniversary, baby.”
