I don’t understand his problem, and I think it might be time to air the laundry. Though not right now. If I piss him off, he won’t bring my nephew over.
Besides, there’s one more possibility I can test tonight—he might think I won’t handle River’s tantrums; he’s a screamer. While that does scare me, considering he can go for an hour without a break, I want to spend time with him.
What kind of a brother would I be if I saidnotoTheo while I sometimes ask Logan to bring Noah over for a playdate just because I miss the kid?
“You sure?” Theo checks in a careful tone. I hear a note of relief there, mixed with uncertainty.
“I’m sure. We’ll be fine, bro. You think Mia woke Nico whenever Logan brought Noah for a sleepover?” I rant, hoping to calm him down as I pace to the bedroom. “Nope, she put him in my room if she needed help or a power nap.”
Noah loves me most, no doubt about it. I’m the favorite uncle by a landslide. We’ve got the same dynamic as Logan and Shawn’s kid, Josh. Everyone else ceases to exist when Josh spots Logan, or Noah spots me. Mia used that to her advantage, sneaking into my room around seven in the morning after being up with Noah for a few hours.
He never liked Nico much—can’t blame the kid; not many people do. Instead of waking him, Mia woke me. She started by casually lying beside me andaccidentallyfalling asleep while Noah crawled over my face.
By the third or fourth time, she walked in, got under the comforter, mutteredyour turn, and we fell into a routine. It’s a good thing Nico trusts me, or I’d have stopped breathing thirty seconds after the first time he found his girl asleep in my bed.
“Okay, thanks, Cody. We’ll drop him off in an hour.”
“Sure. Just hold on a sec,” I say, checking in a box under the bed for toys. “Bring a few toys, alright? I don’t have anything age appropriate here.”
Though if River is anything like Noah, he’ll be happy playing with my car keys or wooden spoons.
I cut the call, falling face-first onto my bed. I love my nephews equally, and I’m excited to spend the evening with River, but... I’d be lying if I said I’m not one bit concerned.
River isn’t as mellow as Noah. Not as easily entertained from what I’ve seen thus far. He’s six months old, almost over the big crying sprees, but still has his moments. I bet my entire portfolio he’ll be ugly crying as soon as Theo and Thalia close the door behind them.
He’s not half as easygoing as Noah was at his age. That kid ate, played, then slept. No tummy aches, no crying. No fussing. Low maintenance, just like Logan. At least, according to Mom.
River, on the other hand, is everything but low maintenance. I’m about to find out just how good I really am with kids.
I grab a quick shower, finish the lasagna from last night, and then my sister-in-law arrives, pushing River in his stroller.
I take it as a good sign that River doesn’t start crying when we’re alone ten minutes later. He grins his two-tooth grin, banging a tiny fist on some colorful sound-making toy before moving to another five minutes later.
“This is going great,” I tell him, then wrinkle my nose at the foul smell. “Oh, come on, man. Our first time together, and this is how we’re starting? Your mommy wasjusthere.”
He giggles at the faces I’m pulling as I grab the things I need out of the bag Thalia packed. It’s not like I’ve never changed a diaper before. I have. Plenty of times.
That doesn’t mean I enjoy it.
“Next time, don’t wait until Mommy leaves, alright? She’s better at this than I am.” I clip his onesie back in place, and he immediately drags his foot up to his mouth. “Don’t chew your toes. That’s not cool. You hungry?”
Since I’m not getting an answer, I haul him into my arms, grabbing the gooey baby food Thalia brought. Twenty minutes of airplanes and...puff,our fun uncle–nephew time ends abruptly with sudden tears.
Five, ten, twenty minutes. My keys, wooden spoons, plastic cars, and anything that passes for a toy litter the living room rug, but none catch River’s attention.
Disappointment fills my stomach. Failing isn’t something I take lightly, but sometimes the only thing left is admitting defeat.
I’m about to wave the white flag and call Theo when someone knocks on the door. It’s probably him and Thalia. I wouldn’t be surprised if they stood outside this whole time, spying.
Shit. I won’t get to babysit the kid ever again.
I fling the door open, my long hair only half in the bun, after River ripped a few strands out. It hurt but kept him entertained, so I let him.
It’s not Theo, Thalia, or any other member of the Hayes family standing at my door. It’s not even Ana whom I’d welcome with open arms if I was given a choice between her and my neighbor straight from hell.
My eyes slide down Blair’s frame, taking in her oversized tee, boyfriend jeans, and bare feet with a cherry-colored pedicure to match her manicure.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen her cover so much skin. She always strolled the school corridors in inappropriate dresses, showcasing her spectacular body.
