Okay, his heart was just going to explode.“Thank you, Peter.That’s a really big help.”
These babies were so forgiving, so eager to love and to connect.That was all on Ian.
He rocked with Peter for a bit, letting his eyes close, letting that little body and Peter’s care help heal him, just a little.
Tori moved the blocks, then frowned and stood.“Where did Daddy go?I need a drink.”
“You can wait ‘til he gets back, eh?”He didn’t think five minutes was going to kill her.
“Okay!I make a house.”
That…worked.
Weird.
“Is it our house?”he asked, still rocking with Peter.He thought he could go to sleep right here like this.There was something about a warm child lying trustingly in your arms…
“Uh-huh.We gotted my room and Petey’s room and Daddy’s room and Dad’s room.”
“What about the kitchen?”
“And the potty!”Peter added.
He chuckled.“Don’t forget that.It might be the most important room in the house.”
“Uh-huh.”Peter’s expression was so very serious.“Bafs and pooping in the potty.”
“Yeah.Very important.”He kissed the top of Peter’s head, pleased that he was sticking around while his sister built the ‘house’ with the blocks.
“Uh-huh.Very ‘portant.”Peter lifted his face and kissed his cheek.
He was so pleased that all seemed to be forgiven.This little guy and his sister were becoming more and more important to him every day.
Ian came in from the bathroom, his skin a touch gray.
“Daddy, can I have a drink?”
“Sure, baby.Anyone else?”
“As you’re going in there, I’ll have some water, please.Then I think you need to sit for a while.Maybe even go lie down.We’ll order supper tonight.”Frankly he was worried Ian was going to pass out.
“Chickies and taters?”Tori asked.
“Or s’ghettis?”That was Peter.
“Can we each get what we want?”JP asked Ian.He didn’t want to say no to either of them.
“Love, I don’t care.I just want to sit for a minute.”
“Of course, sit.You look like you’re going to pass out.Maybe I should call Mike.”He would know what to do.
“Give me a minute for the meds to work, and I’ll be fine.”The kids got their sippy cups, he got a bottle of water, then Ian settled back down on the sofa.
“Close your eyes and go to sleep for a while.‘K, Chou?”
“Yeah.Yeah, I can do that.I’ll be right here, if you need me.”
Oh, he definitely needed Ian, but he just said, “Okay.”
