What’s that phrase they say—what goes up must come down. After splitting three s’mores with me, much to Jax’s dismay—hey, you’re only young once and get to experience your first s’more… or two or three… one time. And since we split them, he technically only had the equivalent to one or one and a half—Andy is currently dead weight in my arms, snuggled up against my chest. Kelsey took Liam home not long ago, being well past his bedtime, leaving just the five of us.
Jaxon’s gaze met mine several times over the course of the evening, mentally asking me if I wanted him to take Andy, and each time, I shook my head that we were fine.
The light from the fire fakes when Jaxon’s tall form stands over us. He crouches down, resting his elbows on his knees. “Okay, time for bed, kiddo.”
Andy stirs in my arms. He snuggles in closer to me, and the tightness of his grip on me is in no comparison to the vise around my heart. Somehow, without even trying, Andy has wiggled his way in there and held on so tight, I’m not sure I could even let him go if I tried.
“Could’ve fooled me,” Jaxon jokes.
He doesn’t even bother opening his eyes but yawns big, clearly giving up the fight. “Daddy, can Miss Kate put me to bed?”
His gaze bounces back and forth between us, and he looks unsure. Jaxon opens his mouth to say something, but I cut him off.
“I don’t mind. Better than bouncing him around, which might fully wake him up.”
“Are you sure?” Jaxon’s gaze bounces between Andy and me. His eyes have an unspoken conversation.
I narrow my eyes at him. I don’t mind at all. “Yes. Now, get out of my way, you big lug.”
He pushes off his knees to stand, and I carefully hold Andy in my arms while I follow suit.
“I’ll come with you.” Lauren rises from where she was sitting and jogs by my side. She glances over her shoulder. “Give you boys time to gossip.”
Loud chuckles behind me fade as we disappear into the house.