“Liar.” William’s eyes were brimming with amusement, and she laughed.
“It hits the spot.”
“Can’t ask for more than that.”
“Exactly.”
Once they’d finished the sandwiches and Billy had eaten some yogurt, Juniper told him it was time to brush his teeth and go to bed. He tried arguing that he wasn’t tired for all of five seconds before he gave a huge yawn.
“William, can you read me my bedtime story?”
Juniper was about to interject, pretty sure William had had enough of childminding for the day, but he stopped her.
“Sure, if your Mum doesn’t mind.”
“I don’t mind if you don’t. I can squeeze in a shower.”
“Let’s go then.”
As Juniper got ready for her shower, she couldn’t help but smile at the exchange between William and Billy.
“This is my favorite book. It’s about farts. Do you like farts?”
“Of course. Who doesn’t?”
“Mum doesn’t.”
“My Mum doesn’t either. Mums usually don’t; They’re weird like that. Don’t put that there, you’ll roll on it in your sleep and hurt yourself.”
“But I want to cuddle it. No one’s ever made me a frog before.”
“Maybe just put it up here on your shelf, then you can get it first thing in the morning. How’s that?”
“Okay,” Billy replied, a mulish note in his voice.
“You gonna sit there looking cranky, or are we gonna read this book?”
“Read the book.”
“Okay then.”
After staying in her pajamas all day, feeling like she’d been run over by a truck, a shower and a change of pajamas, coupled with the cold tablets, had Juniper feeling almost well. She took advantage of the rare luxury of being able to shower without needing to listen out for Billy, taking longer than she usually would. When she got out, the house was surprisingly quiet. Surely, William hadn’t left while she was in the bathroom? She stepped quietly down the short hallway to Billy’s room and the sight that met her eyes melted her heart. They were both asleep, with William lying awkwardly on his side, one arm under the pillow, the other around Billy. Billy was curled against him, his palm resting flat against William’s cheek in a habit familiar to Juniper. He loved to fall asleep touching her face. Well, that was just the cutest sight she’d ever seen, but she had no idea what to do now; She could hardly leave him there, but she hated to wake him. She decided to make a cup of tea and if he hadn’t come out by the time she finished it, she would wake him up.
She was just putting the dinner dishes in the dishwasher when William emerged, looking mussed and gorgeous.
“Jesus, I fell asleep.”
“I know.”
He leaned against the bench, scrubbing his hands over his face, then into his hair.
“Cuppa?”
“Yes, please.”
She turned her back to him to turn the kettle on, vibrantly aware of his gaze on her, feeling the flush of it up her spine. “So, bigday, huh?”
“I wouldn’t have thought so,” he said with a laugh. “I didn’t realize it had taken so much out of me. I really enjoyed it though. He’s a really great kid.”
