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“It is not an intrusion. We’ve been over this. It’s helpful having another set of hands.”
“Yeah, maybe,” I say. “I’ll think about it.”
“Alright. I’ll be back in a bit.” She carefully shuts the door behind her, and I set the bottle onto the side table before carefully bringing Quinn up on my shoulder. I pat her back gently until she burps, a loud eruption from such a tiny body.
Once she’s done, I cradle her in my arms again. When she dozes off, I carefully reach for my phone on the table and snap a few photos of her before adding them to my social media. I rarely post anything, but since Quinn was born, I’ve probably posted more than I have in a year.
The likes and comments roll in, and I start to lock my phone, but the name of one of the commenters catches my attention.
Phoebe Abbott:Oh, she’s the sweetest little thing. Congrats.
Since she’s online, I figure her son may already be asleep, and I send her a quick text.
Me: I’m sorry you’re dealing with so much right now.
She reads it right away and begins typing.
Phoebe: You planned an amazing evening. The best date I’ve ever had. Hopefully everything will calm down soon and we can pick up where we left off.
Me: Sounds like a plan. Good night.
Phoebe: Night.
I set my phone back down and resume rocking, thinking it wouldn’t be so bad to live here and be able to rock Quinn every night. The image of coming home after work to her, seeing her every day without a custody arrangement, is more than tempting. Not that Ashley and Kyler have said I can’t see her whenever I want to, but it would be easier for sure. It’s definitely something to think about.
And something else to decide on is a second date for Phoebe…when she’s ready. I’m not going to push myself into her life right now, with everything else going on. I understand her main focus is her son, and I don’t want to cause any issues with that. I have a feeling she’ll be more than worth the wait. I spend the night getting up and down with Quinn, letting Ashley get some sleep, and by the time I’m up and dressed in a spare outfit I left here after a pool day, every part of me wants to call in.
“I don’t wanna leave her.” I sigh, staring down at Quinn as she snoozes away in the bassinet.
Kyler and Ashley are having breakfast on the couch, both of them well rested and cleaned up after a night of me staying up with the baby. I’m completely exhausted, but I still don’t want to leave and go to work. Unfortunately, I have to, because I have a feeling I’m going to need to save up plenty of money to spoil my girl.
“She’ll be here when you get off,” Kyler points out, her face serious but her tone teasing. “And I’m going to grill out for dinner. It’ll be fun.”
I heave a sigh. “The hamburgers are almost as tempting as the baby. Fine, I’ll go. I’ll see you all tonight, then.” I lean over and press a kiss to Quinn’s forehead and inhale her sweet baby scent. “I’ll see you in a bit, princess. I love you.”
My work partner is waiting for me at the front of the house in our company van. “Welcome back, man.” Drake greets me as I climb into the passenger seat. “How’s it going with the new baby?”
“Oh, it’s perfect.” I sigh. “She’s an absolute angel.”
He pulls onto the road, the GPS already set on our first appointment. “They have a way of wrapping you around their fingers from the get-go,” Drake comments. “It makes you kinda look over the gross stuff and exhaustion.”
“That’s very true,” I agree. “Who cares if they spit up on you, right? They’re cute when they smile afterward.”
“Exactly. Now, let’s get to work. These heat pumps won’t fix themselves, and it’s only a hundred degrees out today.”
We’re halfway through our list when Drake’s phone rings. “Oh shit, it’s daycare. Hang on.” He swipes open the screen. “Hello.” After a pause, he speaks again. “Yes, this is his dad.” Another pause, then, “Okay, I’ll be there soon.”
He hangs up, turning towards me.
“Can you run me back to the office? I’ve got to pick up Andrew. He’s got a fever and sore throat.”
“Sure thing.” I jump out of the van, and we pass each other. When I take the wheel and start driving, my mind goes over the calls I have left to do. It won’t be too terrible. I might even get to leave early.
We reach our main office in record time, and Drake is out of the van before I’ve barely parked.
“Hope he feels better, man.”
“Thanks, me too.” Drake fist-bumps me before closing the door behind him.
