“So are you.”
“All I did was lie here.”
“You trusted me.” His voice has taken on a serious tone. “That means more than you can ever know.”
He pulls the covers over me and hands me the glass of juice. I sip it slowly. All the while, he’s rubbing my arms and shoulders gently, warming my muscles.
“How else would we play?” I ask as I nibble one of the biscuits. It’s very sweet, which, I realise, is exactly what I need.
“Sensory play?”
“That’s what you enjoy, isn’t it?”
He nods. “We could try wax play again, but with a twist.”
“A twist?”
“The warmth of wax contrasted with the cold of ice.”
I shiver. “That sounds…” I lick my lips. “Wow.”
“I could use lots of different sensory toys.”
“I’d like that.” I rest my head against his chest. “I’ll need to go back to Aidan soon.” I close my eyes.
“Soon,” Rory echoes. “I think he’s in good hands. Not that I ever thought I’d say that about Hendrix, but here we are.”
“He’s smitten with Aidan.”
“He is. I’m so used to him being a loud-mouthed brat. It’s nice to see a softer, caring side to him.”
“He makes a good honorary uncle.”
Rory ruffles my hair. “You should tell him that.”
“I will.” I press my hand to my mouth to stifle a yawn.
“Tired?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Why don’t you get some sleep?”
“Aidan needs me.”
“Aidan is fine.”
I curl against Rory. “I expected Niamh to ask for him back by now. I’m going to have to call her and discuss what’s going on.”
“Is that what you want?”
I stiffen. “I’m not sure it matters what I want. Niamh is his mother.”
“And you’re his dad.”
“I know, but kids belong with their mams, don’t they?”
“They belong to whoever is best equipped to care for them.”
