“Oh no!” I shout. “Where did my boy go? He’s disappeared!”
Eddie giggles from where he’s fallen. It’s the sweetest sound in the entire world.
I quickly trudge over to where he’s at, eager to see him again, but also wanting to make sure the snow doesn’t seep through the layers. Unlikely, I’m sure. Still, you can never be too sure.
“Found you.” I lean over him, my body blocking the sun as it peeks through the clouds. “Let’s get out of this and get to building.”
“Otay, Daddy. Build! Build!”
After he’s back on his feet, it’s like he’s on a mission to get the snowman up as quickly as possible. He doesn’t argue with me one bit as I guide him through the process of gathering snow for each piece.
Once we have the framework in place, I decide it’s safe enough to relieve him of his scarf for the sake of our snowman. I take off my hat as well to donate to the cause.
The finished product looks like something out of a cartoon. He’s a touch lopsided, though I think my boy likes it all the more because of the imperfection.
“Swnowy is perfect, Daddy.”
I nod along with his assessment. “He sure is. And now I think it’s time we get inside to warm up. How about some hot chocolate? I saw some in the back of the cabinet earlier.”
His eyes light up as he nods. “Pwease!”
Leading him back into the cabin, I make sure he scuffs his boots at the door. I do the same, then proceed to strip away the many layers covering him. It moves much quicker coming off than it did going on.
As soon as he’s free, my boy shivers. I frown as worry seeps through me.
“Cold?” I question.
He tips his head to the side. “A little.”
“Let me start a fire then while I get the milk heated up for the cocoa. Have a seat on the couch. It won’t take long.”
Despite my words telling him what to do, I still move with him around the space with a hand on his lower back. If he were to become unsteady on his feet, I want to be there to catch him. We played a lot outside. He has to be exhausted.
I get him on the couch and under a blanket, then I turn to the fireplace. It takes a few minutes to get the kindling to catch. After it’s ready, I rush into the kitchen to get the milk going. I’d told him I’d start it before the fire; however, I didn’t want him to be cold for any longer than necessary.
While gorgeous and comfortable, this cabin doesn’t have the best insulation against the cold this storm brought. Lighting the fire takes priority over a sweet treat.
A few more minutes and two mugs later I settle beside my boy on the couch. “Careful, Eddie Baby. It’s hot.”
He nods, taking the mug between his hands and blowing over the top. Part of me wishes I had a sippy cup for him to use, but I couldn’t find one insulated enough to keep his drink warm. I make a mental note to purchase some as soon as we’re back home.
“What do you say we take a nap after our drinks and then we can play inside after we wake up? Then I’ll make us a late lunch,” I glance at the clock. “Or rather an early dinner.”
My boy snorts. “Yes, pwease. Sweepy.”
“I’m sure. You played hard out there.”
We don’t talk much more as we warm up together. As soon as his eyes begin drooping, I take away his mug and place it on the coffee table.
“Nap time, baby. You’re falling asleep already.”
Eddie shakes his head. “Daddyyyyy,” he whines.
“I know. You can finish your drink later. Right now, it’s more important that you recover.”
Lifting him in my arms, I carry him to the bedroom. An idea sparks as I ease him onto the mattress. I slip my phone from my pocket and pull up the texts from Davies that spoke about the ‘special’ section of the cabin.
“I’ll be right back,” I tell the sleepy boy in my bed.
