“Whatever you say, man.” I looked at the baby I just got diapered and sighed. “I need to get the other one changed, and realized that even talking on speakerphone is a bit too distracting while dealing with these two. I’m gonna let you go and focus on getting them ready for the trip. I promised Charlie we would leave in about an hour. I’ll see you in a few weeks when I return to the station.”
“Sounds good.” Erik chuckled. “Give me a call if you need anything before then. I swear I have babysat before and can give you two small breaks for naps or something.”
“I just might take you up on that offer. Thanks. See you soon.”
Disconnecting the call, I picked up Penelope and carried her over to the playpen, placing her inside. I reached over and picked up her brother, Wilson. “Now, it’s your turn, buddy.”
I made quick work of getting my son changed and dressed in an adorable onesie, talking to him about the plans we had for these two tonight. Penny was playing with a plastic block, quietly listening and gurgling or cooing at what I was saying. They were only six months old but already quite mobile and vocal.
“Are you going to miss this when you go back to work?” Charlie walked into the nursery and picked Penny up.
“I am.” I really would. “I’m lucky that I had saved up enough to afford taking an extended leave from work to help take care of the babies. I got to see so much of their first year, but I really wish I could not work and stay home permanently.”
“You could, you know.” Charlie sat on the rocker, and Penny smiled. She loved rocking in that corner. “I make enough to allow us to live comfortably on one income.”
“I know.” I took Wilson to the bed and sat down with him in my lap. “But I feel like I need to do that job. Like it’s a calling, not just a job. That’s why I’m a bit conflicted. I want to work, but I don’t want to leave my family every day.”
“Sorry, baby.” Charlie cocked his head. “I think you just need to figure out how much you want each. I can’t tell you which will make you happier. I can tell you that if you return to work and realize you want to stop, you can. But even if you don’t, we are going to be right here at home waiting for you. Always.”
“Perhaps I should see if I can just become one of the floaters. Perhaps one of the other guys would like to switch with me and become full-time. I can ask Jason when I get back to the station.”
“That sounds like a plan. Maybe if one of them worked your shifts more often during your leave, they would be willing to take it permanently.” Charlie kissed the baby in his arms and looked back at me. “Are these two ready for the trip?”
We were taking the babies up to the city for the week. I was nearing the end of my leave, and we wanted to spend some time visiting Charlie’s parents before I had to return to the grind. My parents lived nearby and stopped by often; it was about time that the twins met the other set of grandparents. Unfortunately, travel was not something easy for the other couple to do because of their jobs at the city hospital. Their specialties were in high demand, and they were two of the best in the country. It was a lot easier for us to go visit them so they could be available if an emergency popped up.
“They are changed and ready to go. The bags are packed and in the car. I have a cooler bag in the fridge ready to go, with two prepared bottles each and a couple of bottles of water for us. I also snuck in a few granola bars for us in case we get stuck in some traffic. I am ready to head out, whenever you are.” I bent down enough to place a chaste kiss on my mate’s lips. “Is there anything you think I forgot?”
“I have a list on my phone; we can check it off. But honestly, I think you thought of it all.” Charlie handed me his cell, and we went over the list. I had forgotten the phone chargers and the gifts we had gotten for his parents that were in the hall closet. Otherwise, everything was packed and ready.
We got the babies settled in the car, and Charlie adjusted the little mirrors on the headrests that allowed us to check on them while we were sitting up front. It took less than ten minutes to get on the road, headed toward the city.
“Thanks for making this trip happen.” Charlie reached over and grabbed my hand, resting them on the middle console. “It means a lot.”
“Anything for you, baby. Just say the word, and it’s yours.” I flipped the turn signal and merged onto the highway. “I’d buy the world for you if you desired.”
“No. No moon.” Charlie smiled and closed his eyes, ready for his normal road trip nap. “All I need is your love and our little family. That, that is my world.”
