Acknowledging that had been more than half the battle for Sam. After Laura, he hadn’t expected or wanted to love again, and his life had become bitter and empty for that lack within it. Now, he could feel a wholly different love. One no less special than what he’d shared with Laura, but one that was enriched by what both he and Erin had been through, what they’d endured to get where they were today.
Beneath his hands, Sam relished the feel of Riley’s sturdy little body, of the miracle of the cells that had developed and grown and made the whole child. Of the gift that this tiny person was here, in part, because of him. It was an overwhelming responsibility, one Sam looked forward to bearing upon his shoulders for the rest of his life.
He tickled Riley’s tummy and was rewarded with a belly laugh that made him laugh in return.
“You are the most amazing little boy,” he said out loud, picking the baby up and dangling him over him.
Riley laughed again, reaching for Sam’s face, his plump little fingers patting his cheeks as if in agreement with what he’d just said.
Erin came in through the doorway. “Well, you two look like quite the mutual admiration society.”
Sam smiled back, “And the problem is?”
“No problem,” she replied, lowering herself to the floor beside them. “You look good together.”
Which was only right and natural, Sam thought, but she didn’t know that. Not yet, anyway.
Outside they heard the sound of Sasha’s car pulling up and then the back door opening as she let herself in.
“We’re through here,” Erin called.
“Hi, I’m sorry I was running a little late,” Sasha said breathlessly as she came through the door. “One of the girls was a bit under the weather this morning. Tony’s staying home with her. Oh, hello.” She cut off abruptly when she realized Erin wasn’t alone.
“Hi,” he said briefly. “I hope your daughter will be okay.”
“You should have called. I could’ve changed our plans,” Erin protested.
“No, I wouldn’t hear of it. Seriously, she’ll be fine,” Sasha assured them. “There’s a nasty cold going around at the moment. Rest and fluids and her dad’s devoted attention and she’ll be as good as new in no time. Besides, it’ll be good for her dad to play nursemaid for a change.”
Erin laughed. “He’s a great father. You’re very lucky.”
“No, it’s not lucky. Parenting is a two-person job most of the time and it’s all about sharing the load in our house.”
“I agree,” Sam said, straightening up from the floor, now holding Riley against his chest with one arm. “That’s the way it should be.”
He looked forward to when he could openly claim his place as Riley’s father. He planned to be fully hands-on with his care and decisions about his future.
“You two had better get going,” Sasha suggested, “and let me do what I came here to do.” She put her hands out to Riley who happily went into her arms.
“Thanks for coming, Sash,” Erin said. “I do appreciate it.”
“Hey, you know I love it. One kid at a time is such a luxury. Now, get going before the day disappears on you.”
“Come on then.” Erin turned to Sam and gave him a gentle nudge toward the door. “You heard the woman. We’ll see you later, Sasha. Bye, Riley-bear.”
Erin gave Riley a kiss on his cheek then frowned.
“Does he feel a bit warm to you?” she asked her friend.
Sasha felt his forehead and shook her head. “He’s fine. Don’t worry about us. Go and enjoy yourselves.”
“You have my cell number, right? Call me if there are any problems, okay?”
Sam felt a surge of frustration that he didn’t have the right to be consulted as to Riley’s well-being. The emotion was tempered with the knowledge that Erin wouldn’t willingly leave her son if she genuinely thought something was amiss. Even so, it wasn’t easy to just walk away when all he wanted to do was cherish every minute with their boy. Anticipation for whatever surprise Erin had prepared for him was the only thing that propelled him out of the room.
As they reached the kitchen Sam asked, “Is there anything I need to bring?”
“Maybe a light jacket. It can get quite cold out on the water, even on a lovely clear day like this.”
“Okay, I’ll meet you at the end of the pier in a couple of minutes.”
“Good. I’ll go get the motor started up.”
Sam went upstairs as quickly as he could manage and grabbed a windbreaker from his wardrobe. On his way back out, he couldn’t quite rid himself of the urge to see his son one more time before they left. He popped his head into the sitting room where Sasha was seated in one of the deep armchairs, reading to Riley.