“Always, love. I wish I didn’t have to go to work, but I’ll be home on my break,” she said to me as I lay there still waiting for a kiss. “Okay, Okay. You want a kiss. I got it.” She leaned down and touched her lips to mine.
“Thank you,” I said to her. “Have a good day at work. I’ll see you on your break.”
“Go back to sleep, handsome. Text me when you’re awake,” she said as she stood, heading for the door.
I closed my eyes and thought about how lucky I was to have Sophia in my life. Where would I have been at that moment without her? I missed work and New Orleans, of course, but I needed Sophia more than anything. I played our time together in my mind until I drifted back to sleep.
I texted Sophia went I woke up, as she asked.
Sophia: You doing okay?
Me: Better than I have in a long time, Sophia. Thank you for bringing me home.
I felt relieved to be away from New Orleans and at home with Sophia. I smelled her pillow, waiting for her reply.
Sophia: No place I’d rather you be than keeping my bed warm. No point in you being alone in New Orleans when we can spend time together. We never seem to have enough of it.
Me: I should’ve come weeks ago.
Sophia: I’m glad you’re happy. We’ll get your work all straightened out, and then you can return to New Orleans. But for now, I’m going to enjoy every moment we have together.
Me: I’m sorry I’ve been such a dick.
I didn’t know what else to say to her—how to express my sorrow for my behavior the last few weeks. The only thing I could do was stay sober. It was easier to do being with Sophia. She had no liquor in the house, maybe by design, and she lived in the middle of nowhere. I had no form of transportation when she worked, and there were no stores within walking distance.
Me: Anyway… I think I’m going to wash our clothes from the weekend. Is that okay?
Sophia: Hell yes. Hang your clothes up in my closet when you’re done. What’s mine is yours, Kayden.
Me: Be back in a bit.
Sophia: I have to get back to the kids anyway.
I washed clothes and cleaned her room while waiting for her. I checked out the pantry and fridge to see what I could make for dinner. At least I could help out around the house and help keep her fed. Thankfully, Sophia didn’t have to work late, giving us hours together in the evening.
Dinner simmered on the stove when Sophia walked through the door a little after three. She walked into her room, dropped her bags, and crawled into bed with me.
“What have you been doing?” she asked.
“Washed all the clothes, cleaned your bathroom, straightened up the room a bit, got dinner started, and waited for you,” I replied.
“Wow, thanks. I’ve been a little preoccupied lately. That leaves more time for just us,” she said, snuggling her face into my neck.
We spent the evening in bed, shutting the world out. Sophia fell asleep early, but I didn’t have the heart to wake her. Her soft breaths and tiny snores made me chuckle. I’d never heard her snore before tonight. I brushed the hair away from her face and stared at her perfection. Holding her closer, I kissed her eyes and smelled her.
A knock sounded at the door, but Sophia didn’t move.
“Come in,” I said quietly.
The door opened slowly, and a ragged Suzy appeared. “I’m so sick. I just wanted to let you know that I’m not going to work tomorrow.”
“Okay, Suzy. If you need anything, just text me. This little one is out for the evening,” I said, looking down at Sophia.
“She sleeps like a rock. I’m going to bed, and I’ll see you in the morning, God willing.” Suzy closed the door.
I picked up my tablet and snapped pictures of Sophia asleep in my arms. I didn’t want a posed picture but something pure and honest. She looked like a child wrapped in my arms. Her innocence drew me to her, the pull stronger now than ever before.
I slowly moved her off of me, but she didn’t even stir. I’d never seen someone sleep so soundly. I turned off the lights and crawled back in bed. I found a peace with Sophia in my arms unlike any other I’ve experienced.
