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- Hey, sweetheart… You like it, don't you?
Athena, kneeling in front of the bathtub, scoops up some water. The warm water pours from a yellow duck-shaped cup onto the baby's naked, chubby belly, and the baby reaches out to the thin stream, trying to shield himself from the waterfall and laughing heartily. At seven months old, he is as afraid of being tickled as his father, who is in his fifties.
Wade is spinning from side to side, trying to dodge his mother's attempts (read: torture) to wash him and put him in order after the chaos he left in the dining room.
And Athena knows that after the baby's treatments, she'll need to put him to sleep and then return to the battlefield with the broccoli puree, wiping away the dried-up droplets and splashes from the floor, the high chair, the adult table, and the LAFD T-shirt.
Bobby's T-shirts, which have slowly made their way to his wife since the beginning of their relationship, have become not only a way for her to embrace him and feel his scent while he's on shift, but also a means of protection against the food that flies at her.
During the introduction of complementary foods, through a simple process of trial and error, the new parents discovered that their little son didn't particularly enjoy vegetables, but there were no issues with fruits.
Wade would open his mouth like a little bird when he saw a spoonful of pear puree (or apple, or banana) approaching. He was delighted with fruits, and he could devour an entire plate at once, unlike Bobby.
Oh, my God, that time when they gave him plum puree for the first time, and then all night, literally all night(!) they changed his diapers every hour, Bobby will never forget. And that time he went to take out the trash in the middle of the night because… Well, because he smelled unpleasant.
After losing another battle of broccoli, Athena offered the baby cauliflower, and then carrots, trying to feed the fastidious with at least something so that the floor would not be dirty in vain.
And now, lying in the bathtub with a small amount of water, Wade closes his eyes, which have a fox-like slit like his mother's and a light, honey-colored iris like his father's, and smiles blissfully as his mother runs her hand along his neck, washing the green mashed potatoes out of the folds of his skin.
Athena pours water on him again, scooping it up from the bathtub, but this time she holds the bowl at a slight distance, so that the water glides gently over his delicate, soft skin, which is much lighter in color than her own. And perhaps, if she hadn't seen this baby come out of her a few months ago, she might have doubted the connection herself.
Wade bore a stronger resemblance to Bobby than she could have imagined during her pregnancy. His skin was lighter than May's, and he had his father's nose, his father's eye color, and his father's dimples on his cheeks and chin.
And if you also take into account the size of Wade and his character, probably completely inherited from his father, Athena would say that Bobby is a golden retriever, and Wade is just a small copy of him. Such a restless, but endlessly cute, kind, and affectionate puppy. Straining the muscles of his chubby belly, he succeeded, and the next thing he did was slap his hands on the water, watching in delight as the splashes flew in all directions.
- Hey, do you want to have some more fun, my dear? - Athena leaned over the edge of the bathtub, her nose touching the tip of her son's wet nose.
She silently expressed her hope that the new musical toy would keep her son's attention for long enough for them to leave the bathroom before his father arrived.
Athena checked the suction cups, making sure that the structure of the toy slides and small windmills was securely attached to the wall, and then handed Wade a blue plastic cup, helping him pour water onto the top slide.
- A-ah! - the baby's already large eyes opened even wider as several waterfalls flowed down various slides and mills. – A-ah! Oh!
The pictures on the wall reacted to the contact with the liquid and appeared as small, colorful fish. Wade jumped up in excitement, trying to reach the nearest picture with his hand, and let out a loud, enthusiastic squeak.
The LEDs attached to the mills lit up when they came into motion, and the bathroom looked like a bar party. The lights reflected off the white tiles and danced on the small waves of water as Wade happily moved around in the bathtub, his legs moving rapidly.
- Oh my God! You like it, don't you, baby?
Athena laughed along with him and gently kissed his cheeks, pushing back his long curls. Since their unexpected child was born, everyone who had seen her—friends, colleagues, and family members—had said that she was completely different.
Even May and Harry's adult children noticed these obvious changes. Of course, they knew that she was already a mother. Their mother. Their wonderful, beautiful, and sensitive mother. And because they had already grown up and didn't remember all the moments of their childhood, seeing Athena cooing over their little brother was both unusual and exciting.
And thanks to Bobby, and thanks to the fact that their love had created a shared miracle, she had become more gentle, more soft, and more open to the world. Athena had become more affectionate, more wise, and even more cheerful. This was a slight departure from the way she had been in the past, but now…
Now everyone knew that the real Athena was like a little kitten. She's gentle, affectionate, and tame, but if anyone, anyone at all, threatens her family's life or health, whether physical or emotional, she'll bare her claws and do whatever it takes to protect them.
- When you laugh, you look even more like your dad, you know? - Wade seemed to have almost figured out how to play with the wall slides, and he focused on them, diligently (if inadvertently) spraying the toy and pictures with water. - And you know how much I'm glad that you look like him?
Athena smiled, resting her chin on the edge of the bathtub and simply watching her son. As much as she wanted Wade to be like her, the fact that he was more like Bobby made her heart warm even more.
It seems that even her genes as a dark-skinned woman (which were certainly more stylish than the genes of white people) took a step back this time and allowed her father's genes to take over. And Athena was happy, truly happy, knowing how much Bobby had missed this. She had seen photos of Bobby's biological children and naturally noticed their resemblance. And after the tragedy, even when May and Harry were able to fill the void, but never take the place of Brooke and Robert Jr., Athena saw the bitterness and pain in Bobby's eyes that still occasionally manifested.
They had never discussed having a child together, but when it happened, Bobby was overjoyed that someone small, someone defenseless and endlessly loved, would be an extension of himself and his beloved woman. This man, who carried a burden in his heart and a heavy weight on his soul, deserved forgiveness, unconditional love, and for their son to truly resemble him.
- Okay, Wade-e, let's wash your gorgeous curls a little and get out of the water before you grow webbed fingers, - Athena chuckled, knowing that the baby loved water in all its forms.
And sometimes she wondered where this love came from. After all, even though she was a big fan of hot baths with foam and aromatic oils, she preferred to sunbathe on the beach rather than go into the ocean.
Bobby, on the other hand, had spent most of his life seeing water in its frozen state as snow and ice, and he usually took quick showers. The scorching sun of Los Angeles was almost unbearable for a white man.
But one day, while looking through a family photo album, Athena noticed that at least half of Harry's photos were either in the bathroom, in the pool, in his swim trunks, or on the beach by the ocean. She chuckled, remembering that even during childbirth, her eldest son was surrounded by the waters of the amniotic sac, and after birth, he could have passed for a fish, as he often enjoyed swimming and bathing.
- Darling, I know you're a bit of a picky eater, but you really need to eat vegetables, - said Athena, washing a few more drops of green puree out of her curls. - You can't just eat delicious and sweet fruits.
- Mo-o-a! – Wade raised his head, looking at his mother with indignation and displeasure.
- Don't. Don't be stubborn. We're trying to take care of your health and nutrition.
- U-u-uh! – the baby frowned and shook his head, as if he completely disagreed with his mother's conclusions.
Well, of course, why would he want this stupid tasteless mashed potatoes, and even from boiled broccoli swamp color without salt and sugar, when still a few months ago, being in his mother's belly, he ate a variety of delicious things! More precisely, the mother ate…
But it's not so important, right?
When they shove a spoonful of vegetable puree into you, and you just want that deep-fried potato that your mom so carefully dipped in vanilla ice cream and washed it all down with peach tapioca tea.
It's such an injustice and absolute meanness towards a little person!
Wade seemed to hide somewhere in the depths of his character and traits of his mother. Otherwise, how to explain his stubbornness and perseverance, which is far from all children at seven months?
It's not that Athena was completely inflexible and uncooperative, but sometimes, when she really wanted something or when she was convinced that she was right, it was very difficult to turn her off that path. She could lie down like a stone and not move until someone (whoever it was) gave in to her, and she would smile blissfully.
So her son was no less strong-willed.
Athena pulled the plug out of the drain so that the water would slowly start to drain, which was sure to upset and at the same time surprise Wade. He watched as if mesmerized as a small whirlpool formed at the hole, and his legs for some reason no longer splashed, but instead unpleasantly banged against the surface of the bathtub.
She turned on the shower to quickly rinse the baby and wash the rest of the foam from him.
- Okay, baby, we're almost done, - Athena turned off the water, unfolded a bright yellow terry towel with an embroidered duck on one corner, and wrapped her arms around Wade, enveloping him in a cozy, soft cocoon.
Wade let out a small squeak, disappointed that the water treatment was over, but he quickly calmed down in his mother's gentle and secure embrace. He lowered his head, resting against her shoulder.
The quiet hum of her chest and the steady beat of her heart made him forget about his adventures in the dining room and the fun in the bathroom. As Wade was gently stroked on the back through the towel, he became lulled into a pleasant state, and his eyes began to close involuntarily.
- Oh, my God… - Athena slowly rose from her knees, grateful for Maddie's advice to place a pillow on the hard floor to prevent her legs from going crazy.
Twenty years ago, she didn't have this problem.
However, 20 years ago, almost everything was a little easier for her. Long sleepless nights, playing with children and running fast through the backyard of the house for a ball, and the pursuit of suspects and long hours of ambush and surveillance were also simpler…
- Come on, - she winced a little, feeling the heaviness in the lower back, and the way her knees creaked loudly. – I know that I'm getting old, but it doesn't have to be so vividly reminded me of it.
Straightening up, Athena shook her legs slightly, trying to get them back into shape, before heading to her and Bobby's bedroom.
Wade's new teeth seemed to be growing at the speed of light, preventing them from getting a good night's sleep, and their perfect plan to move their son into his own room once he turned six months was a complete failure.
So the baby was still enjoying his sleep, close to his parents, who were still jumping up at the slightest whimper or grunt, but who, according to Wade, were less likely to be swayed by his manipulations and preferred to lie in bed for a minute before coming over to rock him methodically for the next hour.
Athena closed the bedroom door behind her and carefully placed the baby on the changing table. She unfolded the towel, making sure to leave one corner over the baby's groin, as experience had taught her that length and height (which allowed him to pee in the air while lying on his back) could surprise even the most seasoned family members.
Wade spread his arms out and wiggled his legs, trying to push the fabric off, but his mother was not to be fooled.
- Well, since we had to take a bath now, instead of leaving it to your dad tonight, as we had planned, - Athena spoke and conversed with her son without any hesitation or unnecessary thoughts, even if his only response was a series of sounds and exclamations. – Then we need to perform some hygiene procedures, don't you agree?
- Na-ah! – Wade fidgeted on the towel, reaching up with his hands to grab his mother's loose hair.
- Let's assume that yes!
No… Oh, no…
Wade knew that look, his mother's sly, narrow-eyed look that didn't bode well. It usually meant that he, again, in his own independent opinion, was about to be subjected to the cruel torture of having his nails clipped and his ears cleaned.
And his little protest was the pitiful expression on his round face, his nose wrinkled, his lips pursed and trembling, and his eyebrows furrowed. His entire being was ready to resist and express his displeasure, if only…
Oh… Oh…
Athena grinned, turning on the spinning carousel on the table, which immediately drew the baby's attention. As she took baby ear cotton swabs from a transparent jar, the baby's gaze followed her, focusing on the elephant's long trunk and the giraffe's elongated spots.
- It always works, - she said with a satisfied nod and a chuckle. Of course, Athena doesn't want to constantly distract his attention with extraneous objects, but it can be challenging to both soothe him and provide the necessary care.
- Okay, Wade-e, I'll just quickly remove any excess water from your ears to make you feel nice and comfortable, - the narrow tip of the cotton swab delicately brushed over one earlobe, absorbing the remaining droplets, and then gently cleaned the other ear. - You're doing so well, my dear!
Wade tensed slightly when the sticks touched him, but less than a minute later, the discomfort disappeared, and he focused back on the green crocodile. Athena took a cotton pad from another clear jar and dabbed at the remaining moisture on the crocodile's neck and behind its ears.
- That's it, baby, just a little more massage and lotion, and I promise I'll put you to sleep, - Athena leaned over the table, bringing her face closer to Wade's.
He smiled widely, showing the proud tips of his two snow-white teeth, which felt like the fangs of a saber-toothed tiger on her nipples when she was breastfeeding. Wade let out a soft babble, with a few syllables of «Mo» and «Da» slipping through.
- Oh, I love you so much, my dear… - Athena gently stroked his hands, and she sniffed as tears welled up in the corners of her eyes once again. She didn't mean to cry, but it happened every time.
She was filled with boundless tenderness and unconditional love for her baby.
Leaving a few short and quick kisses all over his face, which Wade was giving up with the same pleasure that Athena was taking Bobby's kisses, she sat up, satisfied with her efforts.
Wade lay completely happy on his duck towel and burst into that baby laugh that all children laugh when they get the most attention from their parents.
- You know… - Athena suddenly said, clicking the lid of the baby lotion and squeezing a few drops on his shoulders and tummy. – You're really a rich man…
Athena bit her lip, genuinely contemplating her thought. Her palms rubbed the fragrant vanilla lotion over her light brown skin, making it glow and shine.
- And it's not just about money, baby.
She was silent for a moment, no more than half a minute, but then a smile lit up her face, the kind of smile that comes from a sudden realization of something important.
- You actually have such a big family… You have a dad and a mom who love you more than anything in the world and will always protect you, always come to your aid, always support and help you… A dad and a mom who consider you the most beautiful unexpected miracle, Wade-e… Yes, I won't lie, we didn't plan for you or expect you… But perhaps deep down, neither of us could admit to the other how much we wanted you… How much we wanted to have our own little one.
Athena warmed the gentle texture of the lotion in her hands and allowed it to soak into her son's skin for a while, then began gently stroking his cheeks and neck.
- I wanted to have a child with my beloved man, but I honestly thought that my body was no longer capable of doing so, so I kept quiet with your father. I didn't want to give him hope that we could try to conceive a child, only to be disappointed when it didn't work out… And you know, we've been married for quite some time, and I have to admit that we've never taken any precautions to prevent pregnancy… And when it didn't happen after all these years, and I was already approaching the frightening age of 50, I stopped thinking about it… Until one day, your dad noticed that I was acting strangely.
She laughed, remembering the circumstances under which she had learned that a small life was already living and growing within her body. Athena moved on to the baby's shoulders, rubbing them with circular motions of her thumbs and gently pinching them.
- And your dad… To be honest, I've never been sure if he wanted another child, and I can definitely understand that! Your dad has been through a lot, perhaps too much for someone with his gentle and sensitive soul. He's experienced things that I wouldn't wish on even my worst enemy, and I want to protect him and shield him from everything that has ever hurt him… When we met, I wanted to help him feel that people around him loved him, that people around him needed him… - Athena leaned closer to his face and whispered. – It's a secret, but I fell in love with him the first time I met him… My heart fluttered in a way I hadn't felt in a long time… And your father… At that moment, he was still too wounded, his soul was still too painful… I just wanted to love him so that he could get back on his feet and start living again…
When Athena stopped massaging and began to work on Wade's arms with simple exercises, he easily submitted to her manipulations and enjoyed the small workout that would help his small muscles become stronger.
- It wasn't easy to build a relationship after everything we've been through… There were ups and downs… It felt like we were both broken and couldn't put the pieces back together, but… - she smiled, trying to push away the dark thoughts. - Look at where we are now! We've been married for almost seven years, and we've got a baby!
Wade echoed her relaxed laughter as Athena laughed at the realization of her current situation. She placed his hands on the table, carefully massaging each finger and palm, training his grasping movement and the strength of his grip.
- So yes, you have a mom and a dad who love each other and you very much! - she touched her fingertips to his sides, tickling him and eliciting more carefree laughter from him.
- And you also have grandparents… Grandma Beatrice can be a bit stern and when you grow up she might even seem mean, but she's not. She's just really worried about all her loved ones and sometimes that comes out as something bad… But she loves you! And so does Grandpa Samuel! Oh, Grandpa just adores you! You know, he even told me once that he'd been waiting a long time for your dad and me to have a baby. He says that a love as pure as ours must have a continuation.
- And then there's Grandma Ann… She's such a beautiful and elegant woman. And to be honest, I'm a little bit afraid of her, - Athena said conspiratorially to Wade. - I guess it's like any daughter-in-law being afraid of her mother-in-law, especially since we've only just met… And even though she hasn't seen your dad in years, I know she loves her youngest son and you, her grandson, very much.
Wade grabbed her finger firmly with his right hand, and while Athena was happy with this small success, he used his left hand to grab a lock of her hair and pull it with all his might, causing his mother to gasp in surprise and look at her son, who had no regrets.
- Wade Noth Nash, - she said in a mock-stern voice, pulling her hair out of his clenched fist. - Did you grab my hair? Me? Your mother? The one who stays up all night with you when you're teething? The one who feeds you breast milk even though you've bitten her to the bone? The one who bathes you, changes your diapers, and puts up with you peeing on her? That's your thanks, isn't it, son?
- Ma-h! – Wade grunted, and the corner of his mouth twitched, as if he had just chuckled in response to her rhetorical questions. Athena had no choice but to laugh and kiss her baby all over again.
- Okay, okay, I give up… With those eyes, you can grab me, and bite me, and even pee on me… After all, you're only seven months old, and I'm your mom, - Athena squeezed some more lotion onto her tummy, massaging it in circular movements so that colic wouldn't bother the baby. - But when you're seven, I definitely won't stand for it.
Athena tucked her hair behind her ears, and the baby only chuckled, and then tensed a little when the tummy was massaged a little more intensively, clearly achieving some result.
- You have a lot of uncles and aunts, unofficial of course, but they are also ready to squeeze you every time you appear in their sight! Uncle Eddie looks at you and constantly remembers how small his Christopher was.
- Uncle Chimney… Yes, don't ask why his name is Chimney, just accept it as a fact… So, Uncle Chimney and Aunt Maddie sometimes take you to practice and see what it's like to raise two children. Oh, Aunt Maddie is going to have a baby soon too! And you'll have a little brother or sister to play with!
- Aunt Hen and Aunt Karen, when they came to visit me on your birthday, held you in their arms longer than your dad did, and they didn't even want to give you back! That's how much and how quickly you charmed them! And even though they also agreed to sit with you a few times while your mom and dad were on a date, they always say that «the beauty of being an aunt is that you can always give the baby back to its parents.» So, they're straightforward but damn cool aunts!
- And then there's young Uncle Ravi, who started dating your little sister May, and I want to handcuff him every time he «accidentally» puts his hand on her waist or hugs her or kisses her… Well, you'll understand me in about 50 years, when you're a dad and your adult daughter is kissing in front of you…
Athena chuckled, then her eyes widened in surprise as Wade's tummy suddenly and unexpectedly released its gas, and he looked relieved and relaxed.
- Oh, is that so? - sometimes it was fun for her and Bobby to joke about it, especially when something really important was going on. For example, when they first tried to introduce solid food to their son, and he was constipated for four long days. His tummy was tight and painful, and he was constantly crying from the discomfort of colic and gas. And then, a few days later, they woke up in the middle of the night to the same sounds and the same smell, and they really laughed with relief.
- And you have brothers and sisters, baby.
Athena bent his legs at the knees several times, pressing them against his belly and helping to relax his muscles, while also stretching his hip joints by turning his legs to the right and left.
- There's my little May, my eldest and only daughter, my firstborn, my first chick, and my first experience that brought me boundless happiness and joy. She's already an adult, and you have a significant age difference… So much so that she could actually be your mother, but honestly, thank God she's not thinking about having children yet… Hey, I'm not much of a grandmother, am I? I've just given birth myself, and I can give anyone a run for their money, - Athena laughed, looking at herself in a small mirror on one of the shelves.
She was completely unmade-up, and her natural, tight curls framed her face like a perfect halo, although they looked a little disheveled and in need of care. Over her loose sweatpants, she wore her husband's oversized T-shirt, which was stained with green mashed potatoes and wet water.
But actually… Actually…
She looked beautiful.
Even though she was tired and a little unkempt, she still radiated beauty. Underneath her shapeless clothes, she had a figure that drove Bobby crazy. Athena had worked hard to get back into shape, even better than before she gave birth. With frequent workouts, gym visits, proper nutrition, and beauty treatments, she had managed to regain her abdominal definition, shed excess weight, and restore her skin's elasticity within seven months.
- May is beautiful. Well, of course she's beautiful, she looks like me. She's smart, she reads a lot, and she studies a lot. You know, Wade, May has already graduated from college and started working at one of the most prestigious law firms, but she wants to pursue an additional degree and take more courses, or even go back to school for another year, can you imagine that? She's a bit stubborn, but her personality is softer and more accommodating than mine. In that way, she's similar to Michael…
- May is strong. Both physically and mentally. She worked as a dispatcher for the emergency services for two years, and it was an invaluable experience for her. She can calm and revive even someone with a panic attack. May also took self-defense classes, and she once asked me to attack her so she could practice her strikes… It was unnecessary… Instinctively, I put her on her stomach and tied her hands behind her back… She seemed a little shocked and upset that she still had a long way to go in learning different fighting techniques…
- Before college, May wrote an essay called «Life with the Enemy», which was me… You know, I was very upset and avoided her for two days… Of course, we later discussed everything and had a very heart-to-heart conversation, so there were no misunderstandings… In short, your sister May is a very diverse and multifaceted person, and she loves you very much, baby! Although she tries to avoid your diapers and often leaves this task to Harry…
Athena moved on to massaging Wade's plump thighs and shins, gently rubbing and pinching his skin. She moved a little lower, carefully stroking the arches of his feet and the soft soles of his heels. Wade fidgeted a bit on the towel and prepared to laugh when his mother's fingers touched the spot that made his toes curl and made him feel incredibly ticklish.
He kicked his legs, trying to pull them out of his mother's strong hands and escape the sensation. Athena just smiled, tickling his heel and little toes with her fingers.
- Okay, okay, I'm done, - she said, putting her feet back on the changing table, and Wade banged them on the surface. - Now let's get dressed.
Athena took a diaper and a blue long-sleeved bodysuit with police lights embroidered on the chest from the changing table drawer. She also had a pair of matching socks, but she didn't have any pants, knowing how much Wade didn't like wearing them.
- Harry is another of your older brothers, and he is my favorite child, even though we had many disagreements and arguments when he was growing up… Harry has grown up to be a wonderful person, despite the impact of my divorce from Michael, his kidnapping, and his life with his father and his new husband in a different state away from his mother… I'll always feel guilty about everything that happened, especially the kidnapping, even though we seem to have worked through it and established communication, - Athena smiled slightly as she fastened the diaper's Velcro straps and pulled the socks over his feet.
- But now… Now your brother is an amazing young man! He's so grown up, so smart, and so responsible. He's so wise, and he only picks up good manners from those around him. Of course, Harry is at that age now… He's 18, and he can take responsibility for himself and make decisions that I'm not always thrilled with…
- You know, I thought that three years of living with his father, especially during his teenage years, would have a strong influence on him and make him want to follow in his father's footsteps… I thought he would choose a safe profession and become an architect like Michael, but he really surprised me and your father by applying to the fire academy…
- You know, I'm worried… I worry about my child every minute of his life… And I can barely tolerate the fact that your father puts himself in danger every day, and now his son wants to do the same… But Harry and I have talked it over and come to a common ground. He's going to college like May and will study at the fire academy. I want him to have a backup plan in case something happens… And at the same time, I pray that nothing ever happens…
Athena carefully put the bodysuit over his head, put his arms in the sleeves and fastened the buttons.
- But you know, Harry loves you very much, and probably was the most shocked when he found out that I was pregnant… Especially after that accident, when they saw the ultrasound with their own eyes and just piled up with your dad questions. But when he had the honor of changing your diaper for the first time, he was not very happy, - Athena laughed, lifting her son in her arms and laying his head on the bend of her elbow. She sighed loudly and went to the window, closing the curtains.
- And then there's Buck. And that's, oh, God… If someone had asked, I would have said that Buck was a street puppy that followed us around with the most pitiful look in his eyes, and you couldn't refuse him. But Buck… Buck is very kind, and he has a big, gentle heart, even though he's had a tough life…
- You know, he was literally born to be a donor for his sick brother… It's cruel, considering that Buck was young when his brother passed away, and he didn't even remember it until a certain age… Buck grew up without love… It makes me want to hug him tightly and hold him close, so he never feels lonely again…
- Buck is sensitive and vulnerable, even when he tries to appear otherwise… Perhaps that's why he became so attached to your father in the beginning and began to emulate him in every way… He found a true father in your father, and I'm honestly very happy about it… Buck is a remarkable young man, and with the proper support and unconditional love that his parents should have provided, he has become one of the best people I know… However, your father is the best. There's no debate about that.
Athena sank into a rocking chair near the window, propped her feet on a footstool, and began to rock slowly, watching as Wade became more and more sleepy.
- But please, my dear, when you grow up, don't listen to Buck's crazy ideas about how great it is to fly a paraglider or zip-line over an open gorge. And don't remember his strange stories about being crushed by a fire truck, surviving a tsunami, and having a blood clot in his lungs. However, you can listen to the story of how the entire team rescued your father and me from a sinking cruise ship by flying in a stolen helicopter. After all, they were awarded a medal for it…
- Sometimes crazy ideas come to his bright head… You know what, he's already bought you a car and a remote-controlled helicopter! Buck says he's felt like an older brother since he became close to May and Harry, but when you were born… And Buck picked you up, he cried with your dad, and the three of them hugged for a very long time… He feels like a part of our big family, and I'm very happy about that! And your dad has been calling him son for a long time.
Athena rocked slowly in her chair, gently patting Wade's back, while her free hand gently caressed his body. Her fingers stroked his growing curls and his chubby cheeks. She traced the dimple on his chin and the small fists clenched in his chest. Her hand gently massaged his restless legs, which had finally stopped twitching and were now relaxed in her comforting embrace.
- You know, - Athena smiled sadly and kissed her son's nose, lowering her voice to a whisper. - Our family doesn't end there… There are others who are no longer with us, but they are forever in our hearts, especially in your father's big and loving heart.
She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to recall the images that flashed before her. Small figures, shapes, and the sight of wide smiles.
- You also have a brother and a sister… Brooke and Robert Jr. They're no longer with us… Many years ago, when you weren't even in the plans, and even before your dad and I were acquainted… Many years ago, a tragedy occurred that unfortunately claimed the lives of two little angels and their mother. I believe they are now in a better world, free from pain and fear. They watch over us from the clouds, happy that their dad survived this tragedy. They rejoice that he loves again and is surrounded by love.
- I can't say much about them… I think my father's heart still aches when he thinks about them, but everything he told me about his children was amazing, - Athena said with a frown. She couldn't fully understand Bobby's feelings about their loss, but she could empathize with him and support him.
- I saw a picture of them, and to be honest, they were so beautiful and lovely! They had blonde platinum hair, blue eyes like their mother, Marcy, and they looked very similar to each other. If it weren't for their difference in height, I would have thought they were twins… They had the same cute noses and dimples on their cheeks, just like your father… And just like you, - she said, gently touching his cheek with her finger and then his long, curved eyelashes.
- Your dad said they were amazing kids… He said Bobby Jr. Was into science and experiments, and although the boy loved playing with fire trucks and going on field trips to the fire station in St. Paul, your dad was sure his son would not be a fireman. He said B.J. was a very smart and quick-witted boy, and even participated in school science fairs and made a volcano out of fruit jelly, can you imagine? He probably would have gotten along well with Aunt Karen, - Athena said with a soft laugh, and her vibrating chest only made Wade close his eyes faster.
- On the other hand, Brooke was an athlete, a strong girl, and once she even knocked a guy into a snowdrift when he was bullying her friend. Your dad said he thought she'd want to have an active profession that had something to do with saving people… Brooke loved ice, but instead of figure skating, she played hockey! Your dad also said she was very fond of books, reading, and listening, and that she had a favorite toy, a polar bear with one ear torn off… To be honest, I think she's a bit like Buck… Like, your dad used to say that she loved to find adventures for her little butt.
Athena closed her eyes, feeling a single salty tear roll down her cheek. Although she was grateful to God and the universe for finding each other and falling in love so deeply, she still felt a deep sense of regret that he had to endure such a tragic and guilt-ridden experience.
Maybe in another parallel universe, they would all be alive. Maybe Bobby would just have divorced Marcy, just like she did with Michael, realizing that love, while it existed, had already passed, leaving room for warm memories and new possibilities.
- They both looked like your dad… And you know, I'm sure that if they were here right now… We would all love each other… So much!
Tears flowed even more rapidly, blurring her vision, and Athena sighed noisily, trying to bring herself to a state of calm. She rested her face against her shoulder, allowing the fabric of her shirt to absorb the tears, and then smiled reassuringly.
- I would love them as I love all my children, and I would not separate them from anyone. I am certain that their pure souls would love your father's new family. And especially you, such a sweet baby!
Athena carefully got to her feet and put Wade back in his crib, patting his back a little more for good measure. Wade fell into his deep, baby-like sleep, smacking his lips and spreading his arms out carelessly like the most beautiful starfish.
- When you get older, and you can talk and remember, I'll tell you all of this again, and again, and again. Because we're family, and family doesn't end with blood. We're one and the same. And those who live in the present, and those who were in the past, and those who will come in the future. Your father and I love each other. And we love you, Wade Noth Nash.
Athena took a silent step back, making sure that her son didn't suddenly open his eyes. She moved to the bedroom door and stepped out into the hall, closing it quietly behind her. Taking a deep breath and straightening her messy ponytail and loose front strands, Athena headed towards the dining room, ready to deal with the aftermath of her son's meal.
What she didn't expect to see was that the entire room had already been cleaned. The dishes were in the dishwasher, the mashed potatoes had been wiped off the floor, and the table had been wiped down, with a beautiful bouquet of alstroemerias in the center.
Athena quickly looked around, realizing that this couldn't have happened just because she had dreamed about it. Someone must have helped her clean up, and that someone was undoubtedly her husband.
She saw him slouched over on one of the patio chairs behind the closed sliding doors. Athena smiled happily and, grabbing two cans of cold soda from the fridge, went outside to properly thank her caring husband, who had returned home after a long 24-hour shift and started cleaning without any words or reminders.
- Bobby! - Athena exclaimed, ready to throw her arms around his neck, cover his face with kisses, and tell him how much she'd missed him. She placed the jars on the table between the two chairs and leaned in to give him a proper greeting, but her attention was immediately diverted.
Bobby turned slightly away and quickly wiped his flushed and moist face with the back of his hand. He sniffled noisily, shaking his head to stop his tears, and smiled, a little stiffly, as Athena thought.
- Baby, what's wrong? Bobby?! - she lowered herself to the wooden floor in front of him and put her hands on his knees, tilting her head and catching his melancholic gaze. - Bobby, are you hurt? Are you in pain?! - Athena quickly looked him up and down, and her hands slid over his neck and biceps, searching for possible injuries. - Bobby, tell me, what happened? Heavy shift?.. Did someone die?.. You've been crying, baby. Talk to me.
- No, it's okay, Thena, - Bobby took her hands and pulled her up, sitting her down in the next chair. – I'm healthy, I promise. And no one died. Except for Eddie's dignity when the victim, falling, got caught in the waistband of his pants. The suspenders slipped off her shoulders, and the pants dropped to her ankles…
Athena breathed a sigh of relief and laughed, calming down for a moment and satisfied with this information.
- Well, you'll need some extra protection, or all the pretty victims will be staring at your firm ass, - she chuckled, then reached out to gently stroke his stubbled cheek. - Bobby, now seriously.
- It's… It's because of you, baby, - Bobby blurted out in one breath, his shoulders slumping in embarrassment. Noticing her bewildered and thoughtful expression, he hurried to explain before she could start wondering what she had done wrong. - It's… It's because of what you said… About our family.
- Oh. Oh… - Athena tilted her head back, leaning against the chair, and awkwardly interlaced her fingers. The realization that he had heard her monologue was overwhelming. And she was torn between the thought that he was sad because he was remembering his first family again, or that he was happy and proud at the same time. - When did you get home? I didn't even notice.
- You were bathing Wade,- Bobby smiled. – I wanted to join you, but then I noticed that our son had organized a Farm-style party, so I decided to clean up a bit… And when I was done, I heard you talking to him.
- Are you mad at me? - Athena asked in a barely audible voice, barely looking up at him.
- What? No! Mad? No, of course not! Where did that come from, Thena? - Bobby exclaimed in surprise. - Baby, why would I be mad at you? Why would I be angry about the way you told Wade about our family with love and tenderness?
He turned sideways and reached for her, grasping her hands tightly in his.
- Athena. I was touched… You're such a wonderful mother, you don't miss a single detail… Baby, I was surprised and overwhelmed when you mentioned Brooke and Robert… I knew you had a big heart and a kind soul, and I always knew you supported me in my grief over losing my children… But when you brought them up so openly… I was just… It made me so happy that you remembered every moment of their lives. And I'm incredibly happy to know that Wade already knows that he has a brother and a sister. You know, Thena, sometimes I miss them especially hard, but I'm so happy to be here with you, with our family! I love you, I love Wade, I love May and Harry…
- And Buck.
- And Buck! - Bobby laughed, wiping his tears away with his wrist again. – I am so grateful to God that he did not allow me to sink into the abyss of despair, and brought me here to you, to my team, to our friends. And I am grateful to you that with your love you literally dragged me out into the world. I've learned to breathe again thanks to you. I've learned to love life and every new day thanks to you. Damn it, Thena, thanks to you, I became a father again! Three times!
Athena sobbed with a wide smile on her face, soothingly stroking her thumbs over his hands. Their breathing became ragged and rapid, and their tears, dripping onto the patio floor, mixed together.
- I'm just happy to be here and now, Thena… And I love you so much, baby.
- Oh, God, Bobby, come to me, - she got to her feet and pulled her husband after her, burying herself in his chest and feeling his arms hug her tightly.
They stood there for several minutes. No more words, no more loud and outspoken speeches. Just hugging each other and listening to their hearts beating in unison calms their breathing. Finally, Bobby's hands squeezed her waist one last time, and then he pulled away.
- I love you too, Bobby, - Athena said, standing on her tiptoes to kiss him briefly. - Now… Are you okay, baby?
- More than okay, - they said, standing facing each other, their fingers intertwined, as the world around them slowly returned to normal. - I want to make dinner while you take a bath and recover from spending a day with a baby. Do you have any preferences, baby?
- Chicken curry with rice?
- Oh, I'm all for that.
Bobby's lips touched her temple, and Athena rested her head comfortably on his chest. Just a little longer. There are a few more moments of privacy before they burst into their family life.
A few more minutes to enjoy each other's silent presence.
And that will be enough.