When Reeve got up, I was already feeding Kenji. He managed to say "Good morning" with a sheepish smile. He went to the bathroom right after and then approached Kenji who was busy sucking his milk bottle.
"Hello little one!" He caressed Kenji's cheek with his right point finger. He looked to me and said, "I'll come back later. I stink." Then he laughed a little and I felt myself blushed upon remembering our sleeping position a while ago. He doesn't stink that's for sure since I was snuggling with him and his scent was intoxicating. Since he acted like he normally did then I guess he wasn't aware of what happened. So I better not make a big deal out of it.
When Reeve came back I was preparing Kenji's bath. I guess I should handover Christie's keys to him. Should I? Or should I not? We've been taking turns for more than a month in terms of taking care of Kenji. I mean he sleeps here after work and he already transferred some of his things here especially those that are related to his work. So I guess it wouldn't be strange right? I'll just need to find the proper timing before Monday starts.
He was playing with Kenji on the couch when I told him to bring in the baby. I took the baby from him and placed him on his tub. Kenji likes bath time. I think he likes the water. We'll go for swimming as soon as he grows older. I saw Reeve looking intently on what I'm doing like he wanted to try.
"Would you like to give Kenji a bath?" He looked at me with excitement.
"Can I? I mean every time I come here he's already freshened up." I always made sure that every time he took over, everything should be taken cared of. He's helping me raise a baby that aren't blood related to us but still he is giving too much time and effort.
"Here. Put your hand here. Support his neck and torso with your arm and then use your ring finger and your thumb making the outer part of his ear as a covering. So no water will enter his ears" my student was a quick learner. I can still remember how did a lot of research in bathing a baby. I was excited and anxious at the same time. But thank the heavens that it went well.
He poured some water using his free hand onto Kenji's head. "Is this correct?" As he continued to wet Kenji's body. I nodded as a sign of agreement. Watching him made me think that Reeve would be a good dad in the future. I feel envious for the lucky girl that would snatch this man away from me, away from us. Snatch? As if he was ours to begin with so I now pushed aside that idea. Now is not the proper time for that. Upon seeing him almost done I handed him the towel.
"You are freshened up little one. Let's get you dressed." He brought Kenji to his room together with the clothes. I cleaned up everything and started looking at the fridge to prepare something for lunch. I decided to cook Beef Steak. By the time I finished cooking, Reeve and Kenji were still inside the room. After preparing the table for two people, I headed for their room and softly knocked.
When I opened the door I found the two sleeping peacefully. Reeve was sleeping a little upright with two pillows on his back while Kenji was sleeping on his chest. I took a picture of them using my phone and then closed the door gently.
I covered that food that was on the table since I'm not that hungry yet. I sat on the couch and turned the television on. I scanned the cable and stopped on the HBO channel. After the movie, I checked on them again and saw Kenji was trying to lift his head. I was taken aback. I was torn between getting my phone on the living room or waking up Reeve. This is a milestone for Kenji so I decided to get my phone and took some video before finally deciding to wake up Reeve.
I tapped his shoulder repeatedly by the time he opened his eyes I said, "Reeve! Look!" He was looking at me with puzzled expression. I felt sorry for waking him up but he needs to see this. I pointed Kenji using my lips. As he turned his gaze towards Kenji, the look on his face was so amusing. It's like his telling me without a sound that our baby did something amazing and I was nodding at the same time. I totally forgot that I was on camera mode and captured everything especially his reaction.
As our eyes met. I saw happiness. I saw excitement. I saw a proud father. It's like I saw a glimpse of us, our growing family. A family... Yes, a family that I always wanted. I was brought back to reality when a tear suddenly escaped my eye. I wiped it immediately using my free hand. He got up right away while holding Kenji carefully and then he took hold of my hand.
"What's wrong Sachie?" His worried face makes me want to cry more. His grip tightened as soon as tears fell one by one. I shook my head and the next thing I knew, I was engulfed in his embrace with Kenji looking at me while smiling.
His warmth feels like home... My home... Our home...
And I hope nothing will take it away from us.
09-30-2018