Dear Elle,

28. Dad Life

Noah POV

Quiet.

That's what surrounded me. Lots of quiet.

We hadn't had quiet in a very long time. There was either the TV going blasting nursery rhymes or Nate playing with his toys or running around the house. Add in Arabella, either crying or babbling away.

Yep. Quiet was a luxury in this house and I was soaking up every minute.

Elle had gone to have a 'Girls Day' with Rachel and Chloe including lunch and massages. She hadn't had a break since Ari was born and that was close to almost three months ago. When she wasn't being 'super mom' she was being 'super wife' and even though I suggested her to go out, even for an hour - she never listened. It didn't take anything to get Chloe in on my plan. Elle could say no to me, but she knew Chloe wouldn't take no for an answer and once Rachel was included, she really couldn't say no.

The TV was on mute, but what was playing on TV I had seen that many times anyway, I could hear the voices and what they were saying in my head. Both kids were napping on and around me. Nate was passed out on his little kids sofa bed with his blanket and best mate/toy that plays lullabies and really is the best thing we ever bought 'Rocky'. He slept EXACTLY like Elle, with his hands above his head.

My little girl was fast asleep on my chest. Her head tucked under my chin. Thankfully Nate was asleep as well, because with Ari in this position, I knew I wasn't going anywhere soon.

I loved my kids, but Ari was definitely a surprise.

***

It had been a pretty productive day at the office. Everyone seemed happy and from what was said at the business dinner - looked like things were finally going my way.

I loosened my tie as I headed through the front door quietly. I knew Nate was probably going to be asleep. I was usually home by 5, but there was the occasional business dinner that happened ever so often that sometimes made me not be home in time for bed time.

The house was dark as I closed the door behind me and headed up the stairs. I quickly snuck a peak at Nate before heading into our bedroom, where I found my wife propped up in bed typing away at her laptop.

She looked up as I walked in, pulling my suit jacket off. I walked over and placed a kiss on her lips, her fingers stilling over the keyboard.

'Hey' I said, as I pulled back placing a kiss on her forehead.

'How was your night?', she asked as she snapped shut her laptop and placed it on the nightstand. I quickly undressed, pulling on a pair of sleep pants and TShirt.

'Same old. Boss is happy' I shrugged as I tossed my clothes in the hamper and headed towards the bathroom.

'Did you speak to your boss?' I called as I turned on the water to wash my face and brush my teeth. It was quiet for a few seconds before she called back.

'About that.....', I frowned as I turned off the water and headed back out into the bedroom. I leaned against the doorframe as I watched her.

'You changed your mind about going back?'

'Not exactly', she said as she but chewed on her bottom lip. 'I really want to increase my days, but I don't think it will be a good idea, especially since I'm going to need time off again so soon'

'What are you talking about?'

She looked up at me as she pulled something out from her bedside and held it out to me.