STEPH
“Daddy’s here, look.” I carry Caleb in my arms as we walk into the kitchen for his breakfast.
Cal’s working on his laptop at the kitchen table and holds his hands out. “Ay-up, mate. You ready for your breakfast?”
“Mammammam.”
“Steph, why didn’t you shout me to get him?” Cal secures him in the highchair next to the table. Then sits back down at his computer.
“My arm is much better now. I’m fine, really.” I rummage through the cupboard for a jar of baby food that he likes.
After finding a jar of mango, I grab a spoon and stand between Cal and Caleb as I feed him the blended mango. His eyes widen, and he waves his hands in the air, excited for the next mouthful.
Large hands grab my arse over the tight denim leggings I’m wearing, then Cal holds on to my hips and pulls me down to sit on his lap. I welcome the interaction and turn to kiss him. He pecks my lips. Holding me around my waist, and I continue to spoon feed Caleb.
“I’m not squashing you, am I?”
“No, baby. Well, you’re squashing my dick, but I like it.” He winks, then clears his throat as Cairen enters the kitchen.
“Mum, can I have pancakes?”
I jump up. “Yes, let me feed Caleb first.”
Cal takes the spoon from me. “I’ll do it.”
I haven’t had a moment alone with Cal since we were intimate the other morning. Hopefully, we can get some alone time tonight when the kids are at their dad’s, and Caleb goes to sleep. We’re both so exhausted at the end of the day, it’s hard to find the time.
We need a night together to talk about where we’re at. I’m so tired of walking on eggshells and not really knowing what this is. Do I let the kids see us together, like me sitting on his lap, or will it confuse them when he doesn’t stick around long enough?
I want to kiss him whenever I please and not hesitate trying to second guess if it’s the right thing to do or not. I want him to be mine. Mine forever.
* * *
CAL
Around midday,the kids are vegging out on the sofa with their tablets.
“Shall we go for a walk?” Steph asks, standing between the living room and kitchen doorway.
“I have work to do.” I’ve been trying to catch up on the freelance work Jerry gave me; work that should be Steph’s. Although she was due to go back to the office next week now her arm is healing nicely, but I told Jerry I don’t want her driving just yet, so she has another two weeks off.
“That’s so lame,” Cassie says.
“We haven’t even got a dog,” Cairen grumbles.
“Well, at least play outside. The sun’s out. Anything but sit on your tablets all day.” She rolls her eyes and steps back into the kitchen, closing the door so I don’t hear the TV. They’re not even watching TV but like to have it on for some bizarre reason.
“What happened to that randy dog of yours?” I kick the baby walker, sending Caleb whizzing across the kitchen floor. I’ve been keeping him entertained like this for the last fifteen minutes while working. Who said men can’t multitask?
“Cal, don’t.” She rolls her sleeves up and places a few empty cups in the dishwasher.
“Don't what? He was rampant. Did Justin get to keep the dog? I still can't believe he didn't let you keep the house.” I huff and carry on typing.
She sighs, dropping her shoulders, and leans back against the counter. “He passed away last year, just before Caleb was born.” Her voice chokes up, and her eyes water.
Fuck. Me and my big mouth. “Shit. Sorry.” I stand from the chair and wrap my arms around her. She covers her face with her hands and her shoulders curl inwards.
"I loved that dog,” she muffles and silently cries into my shoulder.