Or it could have been that he had me wrapped up in his arms and was distracted. “I’m in,” I say, because I can see an image in my mind of Baker’s face lighting up when he sees us. Well, sees his son, and I want to give him that. “What time are you leaving?”
“I’m going to leave here around ten. I’ll leave a few minutes early and swing by and pick you all up.”
“I’ll just meet you there. He’ll need his car seat.”
“We can just put his car seat in my car. Be ready at ten. This is going to be so much fun. Baker is going to be stoked. They both will be. See you soon,” she says and ends the call.
“Hey, Cam.”
He climbs to his feet and toddles over to me. “Swide?”
“How about we go watch Daddy play football?” I ask him.
“Daddy, ball!” He throws his little arms in the air and cheers.
“Let’s go get ready.” Scooping him up in my arms, I take him up to his room to get dressed. I put him in his number 32 Sinclair jersey and a pair of athletic shorts. He’s cute as hell, sporting his dad’s miniature jersey. I pack the diaper bag with diapers, wipes, a thin blanket, toys, and extra clothes just in case, and then carry it all to my room, with Camden hot on my heels.
I change into a Rampage T-shirt and cutoff jean shorts, pull my hair up in a ponytail, as it’s going to be hot today, and call it good. “Now, we need snacks,” I tell Camden.
“Smacks.” He nods his agreement.
“Come on, you.” I lift him back into my arms, toss the diaper bag over my shoulder, and head back downstairs. Camden plays while I pack some snacks and two insulated water bottles—one full of water and one with milk—into a separate pouch with ice packs in the diaper bag. I grab another insulated water bottle for me and slide it into the side pocket, before grabbing a clean sippy cup and a few snack options for him while we’re there. I’m probably overdoing it, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.
I put his sandals on him and hear Bellamy’s car pull up. “Time to go, bud.”
“Bye-bye,” he says, and I can’t help but smile. He’s the cutest kid ever. With Camden on my hip, I make my way outside. Bellamy rolls down the passenger window and waves.
“Hey, you two.”
“Baby!” Camden shouts with glee.
“That’s right.” She smiles. “Put him in here with me, while you get the car seat.”
“Thank you.” Opening the passenger door, I place him in the seat, and he immediately turns to stand and looks in the back seat for Coral. “I need to run in and get his diaper bag and lock up the house.”
“I’ve got him,” Bellamy assures me.
After rushing back into the house, I grab my purse, making sure I have my phone, the house keys, and the diaper bag. I lock the front door and leave through the garage. I’m sweating by the time I open the back driver’s side door to Bellamy’s SUV to install Camden’s car seat. “Ugh, it’s so hot,” I complain.
“It’s going to be a hot one,” Bellamy agrees.
“All right, kiddo, let’s get you strapped in,” I tell Camden.
He reaches for me, and I help him climb into the back seat, much to his delight. He insists on giving Coral no less than three kisses before I can get him wrangled into his car seat and strapped in.
“Ready,” I say, sliding into the passenger seat, closing the door, and pointing the air conditioner vents in my direction.
“Kids take a lot,” Bellamy says. “I started getting ready an hour sooner than I normally would have just to get her ready and make sure I had everything packed up that I needed.”
“Right? And she’s still a baby, so she needs more than Cam, but it’s a lot. I know I overpacked, but I’d rather have what we need than not have it. Oh, wait. The stroller. Should I get that? Or the wagon?”
“I’d say the wagon. It has a cover over the top, right? And more room for him to move around if needed.”
“Agreed. Be right back.” Jumping back out of her SUV, I go to the garage door, enter the code, and grab the wagon. It folds up, so it’s compact for travel, which is nice. Bellamy already has the back hatch of her SUV open. I place it next to the stroller, hit the button to close the hatch, and slide back into the passenger seat. “Now, I’m ready.” I laugh.
Bellamy chuckles and backs out of the driveway. “So, how was it yesterday?”
“Good. Sad.” I don’t tell her that Levi’s family didn’t know about Camden. It feels wrong to offer that information without Baker’s consent. I’m sure he’ll tell them, but it’s his story to share. “Camden was a trooper. He ended up falling asleep against my chest, and then woke up as we were leaving.”
