Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78793 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78793 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
“Let’s get you some breakfast,” I say, lifting him into my arms and carrying him to the changing table.
He babbles, still rubbing his tired eyes as I get his diaper changed, then we head downstairs. After placing him in his highchair, I grab the strawberries from the fridge and slice up a few to get him started, while I pop a waffle into the toaster. We need to be on the road in an hour, so we’re looking for quick options today.
“One waffle,” I tell him, placing his plate on the tray with his cut-up waffle and cinnamon butter. No syrup today, because this boy goes crazy with it, and we don’t have time for a full-blown bath since he sometimes takes his sweet time eating.
“Morning,” Baker says from the doorway of the kitchen. He leans down and pecks a kiss on the top of Camden’s head before his eyes find mine. His eyes take me in, roaming every inch of my body. “You look beautiful,” he says, his voice gruff. “Why are you all dressed up?”
“I was thinking that, if it’s all right with you, I would tag along today. I could help with Cam if he gets fussy or whatever during the memorial.”
Baker swallows hard. “Really?” he asks, his voice cracking.
“I’m here for whatever you need, Baker.”
“This isn’t part of your job,” he counters, but there’s no fight in his tone. He wants me to go today.
I made it sound like it was for Camden, but it’s for him, too. He’s going to be the odd man out, and I want to be there to support him. The guys are all at training camp. Rowan and Corie are, as well. Bellamy has Coral, so I told her not to come, and Amanda couldn’t get the day off work. I’m his only option, since his parents are still traveling. “My job is to take care of this little guy anytime you need me to. I also want to be there for you,” I confess.
“Sloane—” he starts, but Camden interrupts him.
“Daddy, yum!” He holds out a bite of his waffle, and Baker smiles down at him.
“That’s yours, kiddo. Daddy will grab something.” Then he mutters, “Shit,” under his breath.
“What’s wrong?”
“I didn’t think about getting him something nice to wear today. I mean, he has nice clothes, but it should be a little fancier, right? I’m certain anything he has no longer fits him. Fuck,” he says, running his hands through his hair.
“Puck!” Camden says excitedly.
Baker’s eyes find mine, and he looks worried. “Hey, buddy,” I tell Camden. “That’s not a nice word. Daddy didn’t mean to say that.”
Cam furrows his brow. “Daddy, no?”
“That’s right,” Baker says. “Daddy, no.”
“Daddy, bad,” Camden says.
Baker chuckles. “I’ll do better,” he assures his son.
“I took care of his outfit,” I tell him, and he whips his head around to stare at me.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, I took that shiny black card you gave me with my name on it and bought him a new suit for today.” I shrug. “I figured he’d need it because I didn’t see anything in his closet. I thought worst-case scenario, you bought him one, too, and I could return it.”
“I—Thank you, Sloane. I don’t know how I would have gotten through these last few weeks without you.”
I nod. “What do you want for breakfast?” I ask, pretending like my heart isn’t squeezing in my chest at his praise.
“I’m not hungry.”
“That may be, but you need something in your belly.” I get to work making us both a bowl of vanilla yogurt with strawberries and granola. “Eat up,” I say, sliding the bowl toward him.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Once Cam’s finished eating, I’ll get him ready. I’ve already got a diaper bag packed with a change of clothes in case the monkey suit is too much for him, and we can change him on the way home. I also have snacks and anything else we might need. All you have to do is get yourself ready.”
Baker nods and dives back into his breakfast, finishing in just a few bites. He stands, rinses out his bowl, and places it in the dishwasher. His hands land on my shoulders, and he gives them a gentle squeeze. “I’m glad you’re here,” he says, his lips next to my ear. His touch disappears just as quickly as it appeared, and he takes his warmth with him. “I’m going to get dressed,” he calls over his shoulder, taking the stairs two at a time.
I wasn’t sure how he would react when I told him I’m going with them. I was hoping he’d be okay with it, but I wasn’t expecting the relief that crossed his handsome face when he realized that he didn’t have to face this alone.
“Come on, kiddo. Let’s get you cleaned up.” Lifting him from his highchair, I leave the mess for later, careful not to get sticky fingers on my dress. Today is going to be hard, and this little guy has no idea what we’re about to face. My heart aches for both of them. I wish that I could fix this for them. The best I can do is be here for whatever they need—both of them.