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Even though I was on self-granted maternity leave, I missed my coffee shop, so I convinced Ben I could go back, even if it was just to placate my longing. He agreed on it, as long as I wasn’t alone.
So to Beans we went, and I loved how domesticated it felt. As I carried the bag with everything our baby needed, Ben brought the baby seat and Teddy himself. It warmed my heart every time I watched them together.
Teddy was dressed for the winter, complete with a pair of gloves, scarf around his little neck, bonnet, and the blankie Rosie knitted for him. Ben was right, he did look like a pig in a blanket. Such a pretty pig in a blanket.
We walked leisurely down the sidewalk to the coffee shop, while Teddy’s curious eyes took in everything around him. With each store we passed, Ben explained to our baby what it was, who ran the place, and which one our baby would probably like better. From time to time, we were stopped by the store owners, their employees, and other towners who wanted to gush over our baby. I couldn’t blame them. I did that myself every chance I got.
When we finally entered the cafeteria, I was enveloped by the cozy smell of coffee and pastries. I closed my eyes, breathing in deeply, and felt energized. There I was, walking with my family into the place I’d worked so hard to create. A sense of belonging warmed me. Despite everything still so uncertain in our lives, I felt like I was where I was supposed to be, surrounded by people who were meant to be in my life.
I had a family I cherished—beyond Teddy and Ben. I had a thriving business. I had it all. I should’ve anticipated things were just too wonderful.
Some customers looking for hot beverages to warm up were scattered in the shop and greeted us as we got in. Ben and I settled behind the counter, and April came to us to coo over our baby.
“He’s so grown. I can’t believe how much he’s changed since the last time I saw him.”
“He’s growing fast.”
At his father’s proud voice, my boy looked up at Ben and gave him a toothless smile. It didn’t matter that I had to deliver him in a crashed car on the side of the road. Teddy’s smiles were more often directed at his daddy.
“He’ll be one hell of a man. Right, kiddo?”
Realizing Ben was talking to him, Teddy kicked his legs, made a squealy sound, always smiling, and grabbed his father’s chin.
It never ceased to amaze me how much love flowed between them. Whenever they were in the same space, even if Ben was working, he’d find a way to do so with our baby closer to him.
The man who was once scared of committing was finding ways to spend more time with us. Even with all the craziness we endured, he’d always find a way to go home earlier so he could bathe Teddy. Burping time was officially Ben’s whenever he was around. If we couldn’t be together, I was supposed to send updates with every new thing Teddy did and record them.
Letting my two men get their quality time, I proceeded to decorate the place as April took orders and manned the tables. Since Teddy couldn’t sit up yet, Ben turned him forward and leaned on the counter, so our boy could watch the activities while resting on his daddy’s chest.
Every time I looked at them, my heart soared. Either Ben was talking to Teddy about anything, as our baby was hung up on his every word as if he understood what they meant, or I caught Teddy playing with one of his toys as Ben kissed his cheek.
We both needed that moment. Ben and the guys had been working nonstop since the day Mia and I were thrown off the road. I knew they were frustrated with not having gotten whoever did that to us.
I was still surprised they’d decided to take a couple days off, and I couldn’t agree more with that idea. As much as he went above and beyond to stay with me and Teddy, I missed having Ben with us, without thinking about when he needed to leave again. I missed our lazy mornings, our middle-of-the-night kisses, making love to him without worrying that he should be at the company. Having those uninterrupted hours with just our little family was a gift.
I walked to them behind the counter and let Ben nestle me into his side. “The place looks really good, Forest. Let’s see what we can come up with at home.”
“We still need a tree.”
“That we do. Do you wanna look for one today?”
“I wanted to, but I’m not sure Teddy should be out in the cold for so long.”
He squeezed our baby tighter against him. “I think you’re right.” I felt him tense behind me, although I couldn’t understand why. “I could ask Zach to come with me. He’ll probably look for trees for his place, Jackson’s, and Mia’s. Gabe always likes to decorate. We could do it together, if it’s okay with you.”
“Of course. How are they, by the way?”
Sadness took over his features. “Still uncomfortable. I could ask her to stay with you while I look for a tree with Zach.” Ignoring his attempt to change the subject, I agreed. “If you need a few moments to yourself, well, and Mia, I’m sure Rosie and Jackson would be thrilled to have Teddy with them.”
“I don’t wanna bother them.”
“Actually, Rosie offered to babysit. Three times already.”
I giggled. “We’ll need to arrange more space for the toys she’ll send with him.”
“I have no doubts about it. I’ll confirm with her and text Mia. When she gets here, I’ll take Teddy to Rosie’s and meet up with Zach. Who knows? Maybe we could start decorating tonight.” He gave me a soft kiss on the lips, andtonightcouldn’t come fast enough.
Not long afterward, Mia walked into Beans, her red pointy nose indicating how cold it was outside, even though it wasn’t snowing at the moment. She took off her gloves and strode our way, making funny faces at Teddy when she got in his eyesight.
