Aleesa was in her bathroom, sitting on the toilet, a big grin on her face. “I’m done pooping.”
“Good morning to you, too, little one.” I helped her get situated, then we went to her bedroom to find an outfit for the day.
I let her pick out a shirt, found some cute polka-dot leggings and socks, gave her a quick bath, got her dressed, and then worked on her hair. As I brushed it into two pigtails, I noticed a looming silhouette in my periphery.
I gasped and paused, only to realize it was Javier.
“I could have gotten her,” he said, rubbing his sleepy eyes.
“Oh, I got it. Don’t worry.” I forced a smile to calm my racing heart. “You were sleeping. Looks like you could use a little more of it.”
He walked into the bathroom and bent over to place a kiss on Aleesa’s cheek. “I will be okay.”
I side-eyed his reflection in the mirror, finishing up Aleesa’s hair. “I made breakfast.”
“Yes. I could smell it in my dreams.”
I laughed.
“Come on, amor.” He said something else in Spanish to Aleesa before scooping her up and carrying her out of the bathroom. He began making playful growling noises as he nuzzled her cheek and nibbled at her nose.
“Scratchy Daddy!” Aleesa squealed.
“¿Sí?”he asked, looking into her eyes with a lazy smile.
“Sí.” She giggled, running her hands over his shadow of a beard.
“Okay, okay. No more of scratchy Daddy.”
I couldn’t help smiling at their interaction.
I followed him downstairs, and once I made it to the kitchen, I reheated the food before plating it.
“You know I am capable of preparing my own food, right?” he asked in a light tone.
“I know. But I don’t mind.” I really didn’t. It made me feel good to feed others. To know they enjoyed the food I made. Especially him. I placed his plate down on the table in front of him. “Apple or orange juice?”
“There are options?” he asked, and he was so serious that it was kind of cute. Almost like he never had the chance to choose between things as simple as juice flavors in his own home.
“I like having a variety,” I told him.
“Apple, then, please.”
I poured him a cup of apple juice, filled a small cup for Aleesa, and worked on the fruit again. Aleesalovedfruit.
Javier dug right into his French toast, taking massive bites. Aleesa kicked her feet as she nibbled on a slice of kiwi. I made a plate for myself before sitting in the chair next to Aleesa’s and right across from Javier.
“So for the party,” I started, cutting into my syrupy bread. “What theme are you thinking?”
“Oh—right,” he garbled around a mouthful of eggs. He chewed a bit before swallowing. “I asked her a few days ago what she would want, and she told me ‘mermaids.’”
I nodded. “That will be really pretty.”
Aleesa watched the live-action trailer forThe Little Mermaidalmost every day. I knew the melodies and every word of them by heart now. How could anyone not sing along with an angelic voice like Halle Bailey’s? It was going to be a delight to take her to a movie theater and watch the actual film. I could already imagine the stars in her eyes as she gazed at the big screen, hands clasped together, eager for it all.
“Yes. It will be good.” He picked up his glass of apple juice. “My mother is working on invitations, and I am looking into a party planner right now, since it is a little over a month away. I wanted to speak toyou about it because I may need more help than usual with Aleesa so that I can prepare.”
“I’ll be here to assist,” I assured him.
