The Promise of Forever

Chapter Four

"Oh my gosh, Bree, he's adorable!" Tara cooed as she looked down at Daniel who was laying happily in her arms. 

"Hmm, isn't he," I chuckled as I poured a cup of tea for myself, her and her girlfriend, April. 

Deciding that I need to get my shit together now to ensure that I'd have a reliable au pair for when I go back to work, I asked Tara to look into some agencies for me but instead, she came back with April who, admittedly, is the ideal au pair. 

I had no worries about April being able to take care of my little boy. With her degree in Special Education from Harvard, au pairing experience and extensive first aid training, I knew I'd be leaving Daniel in good hands when I eventually went back to work. 

Today's meeting with April was merely a formality because I'd already offered her the job through Tara. Tara just came through with her because it was her lunch hour and she hasn't met Daniel yet. 

After the two women had oohed and aahed at Daniel enough for his liking, he fell asleep again which gave April and I the opportunity to discuss the formalities of the job such as her working hours, her responsibilities and her monthly salary as well as her hourly rate for when I'd need her to look after Daniel in the evenings sometimes. All in all, I got a pretty great deal with April. 

"Alright, little man, I'll see you soon, okay?" April cooed at Daniel who was still snoozing soundly while clutching the blankie Oliver had gifted him. 

"I miss you at work so come back soon," Tara said to me as she hugged me goodbye. 

"What? Valerie not doing it for you?" I teased her.

"No way, she's great," She laughed. "But I miss our shithousery in the office."

"Fear not, Tar. I'll be back in May," I assured her and then gave her another tight hug. 

After she and April left, I spent a few hours responding to a few important emails and then wrapping up any loose ends for my sisters funeral that would be happening in Greenwich tomorrow afternoon. It wasn't going to be a big service, just me, Oliver, Daniel and Ivy's family. 

While I busied myself with making a bottle for Daniel for when he woke up, I heard my phone chime quietly with a Whatsapp message from Oliver.

Hey! Are you and Dan up for a walk around Central Park in a bit?

16.34

I smiled as I sent my reply and agreed to the little outing.

After giving Daniel his bottle, I dressed him in an adorable fluffy onesie and wrapped him in his favourite blankie (at least I assume it's his favourite because it's the one he always sleeps with) and put a little beanie on his head before quickly dressing myself in warmer clothing. Just as I'd finished strapping Daniel into his stroller, I heard my front door open.

"Sab?" Oliver identified himself.

"In here!" I called back and a few moments later he appeared in the living room

"Hey," He grinned at me as he pulled me into a hug and then crouched down so that he was at eye level with Daniel. "Hey, buddy! Look at you! You've grown since I last saw you!"

I snorted. "You literally saw him two nights ago, you dweeb."

"You're so rude," He chided me with a laugh. "And he has grown!"

"Okay sure," I laughed as I made sure I had everything I could possibly need in case of an emergency in Daniel's diaper bag that sat in the little compartment at the bottom of the stroller and then wrapped my crossbody bag across my chest before we left the apartment.