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“Sorry.” She grins, not looking the least bit sorry.
“I need to change, too,” she says, looking down at her leggings. “I can’t go out like this.”
Huh? “You look great. What’s wrong with what you’re wearing?”
She looks at me questioningly, head cocked to the side. “You won’t be embarrassed to be seen with me dressed like this?”
Her question surprises me. “You can dress in whatever you like. You look gorgeous no matter what you wear.”
She seems pleased with my response, if her pink cheeks are any indication, and busies herself with getting Matthew’s things ready to go.
Once in my room, I quickly change shirts. Then, I take out my cell phone and prepare a text to the bodyguard I hired to watch the building. He’s had a pretty easy job of watching deliveries and hanging out downstairs.
Going out for a walk with Liz and baby. Need you to come with us. Keep at a distance.
Bodyguard
Yes, sir. You won’t even know I’m there.
Be down in twenty.
Satisfied I’ve ensured Liz’s safety, I head back to the living room to help her get the diaper bag ready. She’s already got Matthew tucked into the baby carrier on her chest. She smiles up at me sweetly, and I swear my heart beats a little faster.
“I’m ready if you are,” she says.
We head out the door, and as we get downstairs, I notice the guard off to the side. Though I’d told Liz I hired security for the building, I didn’t tell her he’d be following her everywhere she goes. Knowing Liz, she’d one hundred percent balk at that idea.
The guard gives a quick nod to let me know he’s ready.
I put on my sunglasses, and I hold open the outer glass doors for Liz and Matthew to go through. “I thought we could go to the park.”
“Oh, Ethan, I’d love that.”
The walk to the park is only about twenty minutes. Liz is energetic the entire way, almost bouncing with energy. She hasn’t been out of the condo since Matthew was born and really needs this. The bright sun reflects off the buildings and lights up her upturned face as we walk.
It’s so nice to see her carefree and happy. We should have gotten out of the condo long before now.
As promised, the bodyguard remains several feet behind us. His face and body are focused and alert. I’m able to shrug off some of my worry about our safety, knowing he’ll be with us.
When we get to the park, I take Liz’s hand and pull her over to a bench. I pull out my cell phone and put my arm around her. “Hold up Matthew. I want to get a photo of us all together.”
“He’s sleeping. I don’t think he’ll smile for the camera,” she teases.
“We’ll have to get a smiling one later. Now squeeze together.” I put my arm around her and take a selfie with my phone.
The image shows an almost solemn smile from Liz. That’s not going to do at all. With the arm that’s around her, I reach down to her side and tickle her. She erupts in laughter, and I snap the photo.
“Ethan!” she hits me on my chest. “Let me see that picture.”
I pulled it up, and somehow, I was able to get her in mid-laugh.
Grinning, I show it to her. “See, look how good we look.”
“Hmph, it’s a good thing we look good, or you’d be in big trouble,” she threatens. The laughter in her eyes tells me I’m not in trouble. It feels good to see her happy.
“You know, we haven’t had anything to eat all day. I’m starving. Do you want to go somewhere and get something to eat?”
“I’m starving, too. But the little guy is going to wake up at any moment and want to eat, too.”
