T-Bone - L. Wilder Page 0,88
eating department, but we’re hoping that he’ll be released soon.”
“That’s good to hear.” Gus looked over to me as he asked, “And how about you? How are you making it?”
“I’m hanging in there.” I shrugged. “It isn’t easy leaving him here, but it helps to know that he’s in good hands. The nurses and doctors have been really good to us.”
“Any idea how much longer he’ll have to stay?” Samantha asked with concern.
“It’s hard to tell, but we’re thinking it’s going to be a few more days.” I shook my head. “I really wish it would be sooner, but we’ve been using this time to get things ready for him. We’re almost finished with the nursery, and all that.”
“That’s great to hear. I’m sure it looks great.”
“It does.” I glanced over at Beckett as I said, “Beckett has outdone himself.”
“Well, I can’t wait to see it.”
“We won’t keep you. Just wanted to check in.”
“I appreciate it, brother.” A mischievous smile crossed Beckett’s face as he asked, “How’s that cursive writing going?”
“Don’t even start with me, Bone. I can write just fine, thank you.”
“I knew you’d get it.”
We said our goodbyes, and then, Beckett and I went home to finish up the nursery. Two days later, we got the call that it was finally time to bring our boy home. While we couldn’t have been more pleased to have him there with us, it took a little time to get adjusted to the new routine. I’d read all the baby books. I knew as his mother that I should sleep whenever he did, but that simply didn’t work for me. I was too busy hovering over him like a worrywart, checking every few minutes to make sure he was not only breathing, but had a dry diaper and a full belly—all while trying to recover from a C-section. I was wearing myself out, and Beckett knew it. He walked in while I was in the nursery rocking JT, then reached down and took the baby from my arms. Confused, I asked, “What are you doing?”
“I’m taking over baby duty. You’re going to take a hot bath and get in the bed.” He extended his free hand and helped me up. “And before you even think about arguing ... don’t. You need to sleep, and you know it.”
“But—”
“No buts, babe. You’re getting some sleep.” Beckett leaned down and kissed me on the forehead. “Your hot bath is waiting for you.”
“Okay, okay. You win.”
“Yeah, I usually do.” He teased.
“Hey, don’t push it, mister.”
“What?” He sat down with a smirk and started rocking JT. “I’m just telling it like it is.”
“Mm-hmm. Whatever you say, boss.” I was just about to walk out of the nursery when I stopped and glanced over my shoulder. “Hey, Beckett?”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.”
“You got nothing to thank me for, freckles.”
“You’re wrong.” I leaned against the doorframe and yawned. “You moved us into your home and finished the nursery. You’ve been so good with JT, and—”
“Alyssa, I know what you’re doing,” he fussed. “Stop procrastinating and get into the tub before the water gets cold.”
“Fine.” I giggled as I started down the hall. “I’m going.”
When I stepped into the bathroom, I was surprised to find candles scattered around the room and the tub filled with hot water and bubbles. I don’t know why I was so taken aback. Beckett always seemed to know exactly what I needed. With a smile on my face, I slipped off my sweats and dirty t-shirt, and the second I eased into the soothing water, I could feel the tension in my muscles start to subside. I closed my eyes, and it wasn’t long before I was completely relaxed. By the time I was done washing my hair and shaving my legs, I felt like a limp noodle and could barely get out of the tub. After I dried off, I slipped on my pajamas and went into the bedroom. I was just about to crawl into bed when I decided to go check in on Beckett and JT. I started towards the door but quickly stopped when I heard Beckett shout, “To bed, Lyssa!”
“I just wanted to make sure—”
“He’s fine, babe. Just fed him and about to give him a bath.” His tone grew firm as he ordered, “Now stop worrying and get some sleep.”
I giggled as I turned back towards the bed and shouted, “So bossy!” Doing as I was told, I crawled into bed, and for the first time in days, I slept—really slept.
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