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Banks
That looks about right.
Smiling, I brought my eyes to Rhys’s messy face and said, “It doesn’t seem like Dad minds a mess.”
After his lunch, I got Rhys cleaned up and ready for his afternoon nap. Once he was down, I went about folding his clothes that were finished in the dryer before I cleaned up the kitchen. Then I ate my own lunch after I sent off a text to my sister, letting her know about my first day on the job.
Jolene
I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. Can’t wait to hear more!
While Rhys didn’t nap for an extraordinarily long time, I found the day dragged when he was asleep, and I had nothing else to do. I was going to have to bring something with me to stay entertained when I didn’t have Rhys to focus on.
But eventually, he woke up, and the rest of our afternoon passed in a flash. Before I knew it, Banks was walking through the front door again. He walked into the family room and found me sitting on the couch with Rhys in my lap. Rhys had finished cuddling a little bit ago, and we’d been playing peek-a-boo for the last twenty minutes. He was giggling like crazy, and fortunately, Banks had the chance to witness it.
I looked up at him from the couch and said, “There’s no better sound in the whole world.”
Something warm and sweet stole over Banks’s expression. I recognized the look, but I couldn’t quite place it.
As he moved in our direction, Banks replied, “I have to agree with you. I could be having the worst day ever, and if I hear him laughing like that, it turns it all around for me.”
I had to wonder what could ever make Banks have a bad day when he had this little guy to be with, and suddenly, the thoughts I’d had earlier about the possible separation from his wife popped into my head.
Instantly, I felt bad. Maybe it wasn’t the same as what I had experienced, but it was still loss. And if there was one thing I understood, it was the pain that came along with loss.
So, I offered a nod and said, “I hope you know how lucky you are. This kid is so much fun.”
Something flashed in his eyes briefly, and if I hadn’t been paying attention, I would have missed it. Though I didn’t know what it was about, there was certainly no question it was hurt.
Banks quickly recovered. “He really is the best. I can only assume the two of you had a great day then?”
I nodded. “We did. Didn’t we, Rhys?”
I was holding on to Rhys’s wrists as I asked the question. I brought his hands up to his face, covered his eyes for a moment, and pulled them down quickly. The minute his eyes locked on his dad, and Banks joined in playing peek-a-boo, Rhys’s giggles filled the air.
My heart had melted into a puddle.
After a few minutes, I said, “Well, I should probably get going, unless you need me for something else.”
Banks shook his head. “No. No, we’re good. I do have to thank you, though, for what you did today. Not only just being here with Rhys and taking such good care of him, butsending me those texts throughout the day. It helped to ease my mind, and I appreciate you doing that for me.”
“You’re welcome.” After giving Rhys a kiss on the head and a cuddle, I shifted him in my arms and held him out to his dad. He happily went, allowing Banks to have the chance to kiss and cuddle his son.
Not wanting to monopolize any more of their time, I stood and gathered my things. Before I had the chance to say anything, Banks asked, “Heading home?”
I nodded. “Yep.”
“Is it far?”
Shaking my head, I answered, “Not really. It’s not quite a twenty-minute drive back to my apartment.”
Understanding washed over him as he stood and followed me to the door. “Okay. Well, drive safe.”
“I will. I’ll see the both of you tomorrow morning.”
“Sounds good. Say goodbye, Rhys.”
My eyes went to the little boy in Banks’s arms as I reached up to give his hand a squeeze. “See you tomorrow, little guy.”
