3. Christmas Surprise Too Long #2
“Thanks for watching him today, Mom,” I say, my voice filled with gratitude. “And for your advice as well. I really appreciate it.”
With a last wave, I step outside into the cool night air, Liam cradled safely in my arms. Once home, I gently place Liam on the floor for some tummy time, watching as he gurgles happily, his chubby arms flailing about.
Without wasting another minute, I head towards my bedroom, eager to change out of my work clothes and into something more comfortable. The moment I slip into my soft pajamas is pure bliss, the comfort of the familiar fabric a welcome contrast to the stiffness of my work attire.
The sudden wails of Liam reach my ears, interrupting the blissful silence that had embraced the house. Recognizing his distinct cry, I know it’s feeding time. I walk over to his play mat, scooping him up in my arms, and settle ourselves comfortably on the couch.
Luckily for me, Liam latches on quickly and nurses peacefully, his little body relaxing against mine. No sooner does he finish his meal, he falls asleep, his small chest rising and falling rhythmically. Carefully, I get up, gently patting his back to coax a burp from him.
With his burp echoing in the quiet room, I lay him down in his crib, his peaceful face illuminated by the soft glow of his nightlight.
As I trace my finger down his chubby cheek, I can’t help but marvel at his innocence.
Turning off the light, I leave the room, the soft click of the door echoing in the silence.
In the solitude of my bedroom, I pick up my phone, its screen illuminating the dim room.
I swipe through the notifications, my heart skipping a beat at the absence of Reid’s name.
He hasn’t called or texted. A mix of relief and disappointment washes over me; his silence is both a blessing and a curse.
Unsure of what to feel or think, I force the thoughts out of my mind. With a last glance at my phone, I place it on the bedside table and turn off my lamp. As I lay in the darkness, the quiet whispers of the night lull me to sleep, the weight of the day slowly fading away.
The pounding on my door jolts me awake, the sudden noise piercing through the tranquil silence of the early morning. Groggily, I glance at my phone, the bright digits showing it’s just after six. Who the hell could be banging on my door at this ungodly hour?
The pounding persists, each knock a jarring interruption to the peaceful morning. I hurry out of bed, trying to make as little noise as possible in hopes of not waking Liam. The cold floor under my bare feet sends chills up my spine, but I press on, my mind focused on the task at hand.
As I reach the door, I peer through the peephole, preparing myself to give the intruder a piece of my mind for their uninvited disruption.
But as I lay my eyes on the figure on the other side of my door, my heart skips a beat, then races uncontrollably.
The sight of the familiar face sends a wave of emotions through me, my mind struggling to process this unexpected visitor.
“I know you’re there, Amelia. Open the door, baby,” comes Reid’s voice, a voice I would recognize anywhere, even amidst the deafening chaos of a storm.
For a moment, I stand frozen, my hand suspended in mid-air, inches away from the doorknob. My breath hitches as I grapple with my emotions. Surprise, anticipation, and an inexplicable wave of relief. My heart beats against my chest like a wild drum, matching the incessant pounding on the door.
Slowly, as if in a trance, I reach for the doorknob, its cool metal a stark contrast to the warmth of Reid’s voice that still lingers in the air.
I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the confrontation that awaits me.
With one last glance over my shoulder towards Liam’s room, I unlock the door and pull it open to face Reid.
“Reid?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m on winter break,” he replies as he steps inside, his gaze never leaving mine.
“But I thought you were staying at school...” I start, my confusion clear in my voice.
Without a word, Reid reaches out, pulling me into his arms and closing the door behind him. His hands wrap around my waist, his touch warm and familiar.
“Baby,” he begins, his voice low and soothing, “do you really think I could hear the sadness and anger in your voice and just leave it at that? I realize that while I’m trying to make myself better for you and Liam, I also have to be there for you.”
“How did you get here so fast?” I ask, my voice shaky, filled with a mix of relief and confusion.
“I couldn’t handle you ignoring me, Amelia,” Reid responds, his words hitting me like a ton of bricks. “It was breaking my heart. We’ve always been able to communicate openly with each other, and our last conversation...it didn’t end on a pleasant note.”
His arms tighten around me, the warmth of his body engulfing me like a comforting blanket.
“I got on the first flight I could find. I decided that I’d rather spend my time with my family,” he continues, his voice barely above a whisper, “than be lonely with my nose in a book. It didn’t really need to be there.
I just wanted it there.” His last words linger in the air, an unspoken admission of his inner turmoil and his longing for home.
A smile tugs at my lips as I look up at Reid. “I’m glad you’re home,” I say, my heart fluttering at the sight of him. But then I remember my work schedule, and my smile fades into a frown. “I have to work for the next two days. But I have Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off.”
“That’s fine,” Reid quickly assures me, his smile never faltering. “I’ll spend time with Liam.” He looks around the living room, then back at me, his eyebrows furrowed. “Where’s our baby boy?”
“Liam’s sleeping,” I say, my gaze softening at the mention of our son. Sliding out of Reid’s arms, I take his hand in mine, interlocking our fingers. “Come on, let me show you.” I lead him towards Liam’s room, the sound of our synchronized footsteps echoing in the quiet house.
As we enter Liam’s room, Reid’s gaze instantly falls on the crib where our son is peacefully sleeping. His already softened features seem to soften further, his eyes glimmering with love.
“I’ve missed him so much,” he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion.
With careful steps, Reid approaches the crib, his gaze never leaving our son. With the same tenderness he has always shown, Reid reaches into the crib, gently pulling our sleeping son into his arms. Liam stirs for a moment, but does not wake, comforted by the familiar touch of his father.
“Look at him, Amelia,” Reid says, his gaze focused on our son. “He’s grown so much in the few weeks I’ve been away.”
His voice is soft, almost reverential, as he carefully runs a finger down Liam’s cheek. I can see the guilt in his eyes about his absence, but I also see the love he has for our son, a love that is deep and unwavering.
And in this quiet moment, watching the two most important people in my life together, my heart feels full with an indescribable love and gratitude.
Liam stirs in Reid’s arms, his small whimpering sounds slowly escalating into louder cries.
I instinctively take Liam from Reid, my maternal instincts kicking into high gear as I soothe him.
I settle us into the rocking chair, preparing to feed him as his cries slowly subside.
“Reid,” I say, glancing over at him, “you can go shower and relax. I’ll take care of Liam.”
But Reid shakes his head, his gaze never leaving our son. “I’m right where I want to be,” he whispers, his voice filled with such emotion that it nearly brings me to tears.
As I feed Liam, Reid stays by my side, his presence comforting and reassuring.
This is our family, and right here, in this moment, everything feels just right.
Reid’s gaze locks onto me, the intensity of it heating me up from the inside out.
It’s a look I know all too well, one that creates a need that only Reid can satisfy.
I can feel myself blush as I chide him, “Reid, stop looking at me like you’re going to eat me up.”