He went inside, poured a mug of coffee and took it into the bathroom with him to shower. When he came out dressed for the day, Kyle was in the kitchen fixing a bottle for Ruthie.
“Hey,” Mitch said. “I can feed her if you want to sleep some more.”
Kyle, a little bleary-eyed, shook his head. “Believe it or not, I feel pretty well-rested. Better than usual, anyway. But you can feed her if you want. She’ll need to be changed, too.”
“I can handle that.”
Kyle shot his dad a strange look, then went to get coffee. “Were you this involved when I was a baby?”
“No, and I regret it. Are you okay with me wanting to help?”
Kyle snorted. “I’ve had three months of no sleep. Not saying I regret taking care of Ruthie inany way, but if you think I’m going to complain about anyone helping me, think again.” He leaned on the counter and drank from the mug he’d filled, sighing after he swallowed.
Mitch set his cup on the counter. “I’ll go get her.”
Ruthie was awake, staring up at the sea life mobile that was one of the numerous things Mitch had purchased yesterday.
“Hello, there, beautiful. Are you ready for some breakfast? How about we change you first?” He picked her up and carried her to the bed, where they’d set up a temporary changing station. He was getting good at this and had it done quickly. Then he cradled her in his arms, kissing her gently on the forehead as he carried her out. “Look, there’s Daddy.”
Kyle’s eyes lit up. “Morning, Ruthie.” His tiredness seemed to vanish. He held his hands out. “Come here, princess.”
Mitch handed her over.
She made happy little noises as Kyle kissed her. “Did you change her?”
“I did,” Mitch said proudly.
Kyle looked at Ruthie. “You want Granddad to give you your breakfast?”
Her little arm stretched out, fingers flexing.
Kyle kissed her again as the bottle warmer beeped softly to say it was done. “All yours again. I’ll grab a shower while I have the chance.”
“Good morning, Ripleys.” Joyce’s voice called out from the stairs. She reached the top, smiling at them. “Isn’t this a pretty picture. I see our little angel is up already.”
Mitch took her from Kyle’s arms. “I’m about to feed her while Kyle showers.”
“Shall I start on breakfast then?”
Mitch laughed. “Aren’t you even going to tell us how your sister is?” He took the bottle from the warmer and gave it to Ruthie. She latched on, eager.
“Oh, she’s grand. She’s having a cup of tea on the balcony right now. Flight was perfect and she’s still talking about that limo you sent to pick her up.”
Ruthie grabbed his hand while she drank. Mitch watched her. “I’m glad she enjoyed it. And that she’s here. When are you going to bring her over and introduce us?”
Joyce went into the kitchen. “Whenever it’s convenient. I figured you’d both be just getting your day started and I didn’t want to interrupt time with Ruthie.”
“Why don’t you make a big breakfast, and we’ll all eat together. Her, too. Invite her over.”
Joyce peered at him. “Are you sure about that? Don’t you have…work to do?”
“Yes, but I have all day to do that. Come on. Text Beryl and ask her over. Kyle won’t mind. Neither will Ruthie.”
Joyce smiled. “All right. I will. I know she’d love to meet you.” She picked up her phone and sent the text. She glanced at Mitchagain. “That’s done, then. What would you like for breakfast? Whatever you please.”
“Something simple. Scrambled eggs and sausage? Toast? Or some of those muffins would be great. Whatever you want to make.”
Joyce’s phone chimed. She glanced at it. “Beryl says thank you for the invitation and she’s on her way.”
