11. Childcare Dilemma #2
“Fair enough,” Destiny says, nudging Iris. “Come on, troublemaker. Let’s give the mom squad some space.”
As they retreat to the kitchen, my mom enters, wiping her hands on a dish towel. Her expression softens when she sees me holding Liam.
“How’s my girl?” she asks, pulling me into a brief hug.
“Tired,” I admit. “But hanging in there.”
She nods knowingly before taking a seat next to me. “Amelia, I’ve been doing some research,” she begins, pulling a folded sheet of paper from her pocket. “These are a few daycares I think you should check out. They come highly recommended.”
I take the paper, scanning the names and addresses. “Thanks, Mom. I appreciate this. I know it’s been a lot, asking you to help so much.”
Her hand finds mine, squeezing gently. “Amelia, you’re doing the best you can. And you’re not alone in this. We all love Liam, and we want what’s best for him. But you have to find a solution that works for you and Reid. You can’t do this alone.”
I sigh, the weight of her words settling over me. “I talked to Reid about daycare again,” I say, my voice low. “And, surprise, we argued. He thinks it’s unnecessary, but... you’re right. He’s not here. I am. I need to do what’s best for me and Liam right now, even if Reid doesn’t agree.”
Mom nods, her eyes full of understanding. “You’re a good mom, Amelia. Don’t doubt that for a second.”
“Thanks, Mom,” I whisper, leaning in for another hug. “And I’m sorry for all the stress I’m causing you.”
“Stop that,” she says firmly. “It’s not stress, Amelia. It’s family. And we’re here for you, always.”
After a few more minutes of conversation, I gather Liam’s things, thanking Mom again before heading out. Destiny and Iris wave dramatically from the doorway as I buckle Liam into his car seat.
Once home, I settle into the familiar rhythm of the evening. Liam babbles happily as I feed him his dinner, his tiny hands smacking the highchair tray. Afterward, I carry him to the bathroom, his laughter echoing as I gently lower him into the warm water.
“Bath time, little man,” I say, washing his tiny hands and feet. He splashes gleefully, soaking my shirt, but I can’t help but laugh.
After his bath, I dress him in soft pajamas and settle into the rocking chair with his bottle. As his eyelids grow heavy, I grab my phone and dial Reid. The call connects on the second ring.
“Hey,” Reid says, his voice clipped.
“Hey,” I reply, keeping my tone light. “Liam wants to say goodnight.”
I hold the phone to Liam’s ear, and his face lights up at the sound of Reid’s voice. He babbles in response, and I can hear Reid laughing softly on the other end.
“Hey, buddy,” Reid says warmly. “You being good for your mom?”
Liam coos in response, and I can’t help but smile. For a moment, it feels almost normal—like the distance between us doesn’t exist. But then Reid’s tone shifts.
“I’ve got to get back to studying,” he says abruptly. “Goodnight, Amelia.”
“Goodnight,” I reply, my voice barely a whisper as the line goes dead.
As I sit there, the silence in the room feels heavier than before. I press a kiss to Liam’s forehead before laying him down in his crib. His peaceful breathing fills the space, a soothing rhythm against the storm inside me.
I crawl into bed, but sleep doesn’t come easily. My thoughts circle back to Reid—his curt goodbye, the growing distance between us, and the uncertainty of what comes next. My heart aches with the weight of it all, and as I close my eyes, a single tear slips down my cheek.
For the first time, I wonder if love is enough to keep us together. The next morning, the conference is a flurry of activity. Eric is already waiting when I arrive at the venue, his polished demeanor as impeccable as always.
“Morning, Amelia,” he says, flashing a smile as he hands me a neatly bound folder. “Everything ready for the presentation?”
“Of course,” I reply, my voice steadier than I feel.
The room is filled with rows of chairs and a sleek stage setup. The conference room buzzes with energy as attendees filter in. As Eric takes the lead, I play a supporting role, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
His confidence fills the space as he talks about Nexus Dynamics’ latest renewable energy project. I stand beside him, fielding questions and adding technical insights where needed. By the time the session ends, the room erupts in polite applause. My shoulders sag with relief as Eric turns to me.
The presentation is a success. Eric’s polished delivery and my well-timed additions earn us nods of approval from the audience. Afterward, the atmosphere shifts to a more casual vibe as attendees mingle over snacks and drinks. I’m nursing a cup of tea when Eric approaches with a wide grin.
“We nailed it, Amelia,” he says. “Couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Thanks,” I say, offering a small smile.
Eric gestures to a photographer who’s been circling the room. “Let’s get some photos for the company’s socials. Show the world our dream team in action.”
I’m reluctant but nod, allowing him to guide me toward the photographer. We pose for a few shots, his arm hovering professionally but close enough to make me slightly uncomfortable. As the camera clicks, I remind myself that this is part of the job.
Eric leans in slightly, his arm brushing mine as he speaks low enough for only me to hear. “You’ve got a knack for this, Amelia. The team is lucky to have you.”
His words catch me off guard, and I force a polite smile. “Thank you. I’m just doing my job.”
As the photographer steps back, Eric’s attention shifts to a group of colleagues, giving me the perfect opportunity to slip away.
I pull out my phone, my thumb hovering over Reid’s name.
For a moment, I consider calling him, but the knot in my chest holds me back.
Instead, I tuck the phone away and head toward the exit.
By the time I get home, exhaustion weighs heavily on me.
Liam is asleep in his crib, and the house is quiet.