“The queen requested a royal audience,” he says, tipping his head at Grayce.“I wasn’t about to risk treason.”
“I didn’t hear her this morning,” I say, the guilt in my tone evident.
“Kind of hard to hear her if I turn off the monitor so you can sleep in,” he replies breezily.
I’m shocked he’d do such a thing.What a kind gesture, even if overly high-handed.
I move to the pot so he can’t see the warm blush on my cheeks and pour a cup.A tiny sticky note hangs from the machine.Don’t drink coffee near Grayce.
Heat prickles my eyes for a completely ridiculous reason.Atlas made himself a safety reminder so he wouldn’t risk burning Grayce.
“You made coffee.”It comes out like a known revelation.“I mean… thank you for making coffee.And continuing to play with her for just a bit so I can enjoy it!”
His head tilts my way, eyes shining.“Not just coffee.I scrambled eggs.There was spinach in the fridge that looked a little suspect, but I used it anyway, along with some cheese.”
My eyebrows shoot up, amused.“Impressive.Is this because you won last night?Sweeping in four games turns you into a domestic god?”
He smirks.“Don’t get used to it.I was trying to bribe you into not making me do anything too strenuous today.I’m exhausted.”
Grayce kicks her legs, delighted by nothing and everything.Atlas steadies her again, all big hands and gentle touch.I sip my coffee and the first swallow gives me a zing of energy.
“How late did you get in?”I ask.“I didn’t even hear you.”
“Two, and that’s because I move quiet like a mouse.”He jerks his chin toward the baby monitor on the counter.“She fussed around five, so I checked on her.”
Embarrassment prickles and guilt gnaws at my gut.“I should’ve—”
“Nope.”He cuts me off, firm but kind.“You did everything while I was gone.I can handle a morning.”
My defenses flare on instinct, habit rising like stubborn reflux, and then… they stall.I feel them, acknowledge them, and let them drop.He’s not criticizing my competence.He’s sharing the load.It’s new and it’s nice.It’s also still very weird.Admittedly, a struggle to recognize, but I did it and I pivoted.
“Thank you,” I say, proud of my growth.
“You’re welcome.”His mouth twitches.“Also, the kitchen cabinet remains unharmed.”
“Oh, thank God.”I press a dramatic hand to my chest.“The cabinet and I were deeply concerned.”
He laughs, warm and low, and looks at me longer than he should.My stomach does a treacherous dip and my robe suddenly feels too thin.
“You look… rested,” he says, and surely he must be blind.There are dark circles under my eyes.“How’d it feel to sleep in?”
“Illegal,” I deadpan.Then I can’t help the smile.“Amazing.”
“Hey, check out this trick I learned this morning.”I watch as Atlas pulls Grayce onto his lap, keeping her in a standing position.She grips onto his index fingers, staring at him intently.“Ready to climb the mountain?”he asks.
She grins, blows a bubble, and with just a little encouragement from him by raising his hands up, she starts to move her legs.He leans back and Grayce pumps her legs in a stepping pattern.She climbs right up his torso, all the way to the top of his chest, and lets out a shriek of delight.
“Look at my strong girl,” Atlas praises and helps her reverse back down.His head tilts up to me.“Pretty cool, huh?”
“She’s going to be walking any day,” I say, pride swelling my insides.
Atlas lowers Grayce into a sitting position and she takes hold of the giraffe, gumming the hind leg with vigor.“We have eight full days until the next round of the playoffs.What do we need to accomplish?”
My mind whirls, accessing the mental lists I’ve been compiling.“Accomplish?You make it sound like we’re running a corporation.”
“Feels like it some days,” he says, eyeing Grayce as she gnaws the giraffe.“She’s the CEO.We’re just middle management.”
“True.”I sip my coffee, then tick items off on my fingers.“We need to restock diapers and wipes.I want to reorganize her dresser—she’s already outgrowing half her sleepers.And we still haven’t baby-proofed the outlets.”
