Epilogue
LEO
Three years later…
Early morning sunlight pushes through the autumn leaves of the large maple trees that line our street. Mia shifts in the baby sling, and I wrap a hand around the front of it, giving her a soothing rub and silently praying that she doesn’t wake up.
Stifling a yawn, I hum to myself as we continue around the block for the third time this morning.
Hardly anyone else is out at this time of the morning, only a few joggers and dog walkers. Despite the lack of sleep, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I love these early morning walks with my baby girl. It gives Amy a chance to get some sleep, and I get to go out and enjoy the fresh morning air.
A large figure is jogging toward us, and I hold up a hand in greeting as I recognize Tony. He slows down when he reaches us, but I keep walking.
“Sorry, man. If I stop, she’ll wake up.”
He falls into step with us, a warm look on his face as he peers at his granddaughter.
“How’s my girl doing?”
He wiggles his finger at Mia, his voice going all gooey. In all the year’s I’ve known Tony, I’ve never seen him like this.
He’s crazy about his granddaughter, the tough man having been brought to his knees by this tiny human.
“She’s good. Still not sleeping through.” I envy those parents whose babies sleep through the night at just a few weeks old. Our little girl still can’t manage more than about four hours at a time.
I stifle a yawn and Tony chuckles.
“You look rough, man.”
“Thanks.”
I know he’s right. There’s more gray hair than there was three months ago, dark smudges permanently under my eyes, and I’m already getting a soft dad bod. If it wasn’t for these morning walks, I wouldn’t get any exercise.
Tony slaps me on the back. “Rather you than me, man.”
He’s got the smug look of a man who wisely had his children when he was young and had the energy for it.
“Gotta go. I’ll stop by later if you two want a break.”
“Appreciate that, man.”
Tony jogs off, and I watch him go before turning onto our street.
I quietly let myself into the house, feeling like a ninja when Mia doesn’t wake up.
I tiptoe upstairs and poke my head around the bedroom door.
Amy’s sprawled out on the bed, her hair fanned across the pillow and her mouth dropped open. Her hair’s unwashed, there’re milk stains on her top, and she’s making soft snoring noises. But she’s never looked more beautiful.
Motherhood suits my wife, and as soon as she’s ready, I’ll put another baby in her belly.
I’m addicted to the milky smell of Mia’s head, the feel of her tiny body pressed against mine, and the way she settles against me, taking comfort from the fact that I’m here for her.
With one last look at Amy, I quietly close the door and head downstairs.
I’ll let her sleep while she can, and since I need to keep moving or Mia will wake up, I get started on the housework, cleaning up the dinner dishes from last night.
Yeah, the house is a mess, my wife is exhausted, and I haven’t had time to keep myself in shape since Mia arrived. I’m permanently tired, and we’re eating takeout far more than we should. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Tony may feel smug that this isn’t his life, but I feel lucky. I have an incredible wife and a beautiful daughter. I wouldn’t swap it for the world.