How long can a mother keep the father's identity from her child? Not that long if luck isn't on her side.
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If being a mom was all about popping out a baby after 9 months of pregnancy, life would have been ea...
It's still six in the morning but Ashton and I are already sitting in Sophie's kitchen, waiting for Chloe to wake up. After our midnight talk, we decided to hop in his car, drove around, and had some more talk. Well, it was more bantering about what we can or we can not do as parents. Ashton's knowledge about parenting is so much better than the first time she met Chloe at work that day. At least, now he knows that children talk back when he gives them instructions.
"I can't believe that you two haven't got any sleep," Sophie shakes her head as she places two mugs of coffee in front of us which we greedily devour the second she lets go of the handles. She is eyeing us with concern. "Don't you two need to nap before driving back? I don't think it's safe for Chloe."
"Mama?" Chloe croaks as she emerges from the kitchen door and throws herself to me.
"Good morning, sunshine. How did you sleep?" I ask as I wrap my arms around her small figure, burying my face in the crook of her neck under her jaw. The mix of her scent and her night sweats is the best part of my morning routine.
"Good," she replies but her eyes are fixed on the man who is sitting next to me.
"Morning," Ashton greets.
"Morning," Chloe mumbles on my chest. "Is Ashton your Shrek, Mama?"
Ashton raises one eyebrow. "Am I supposed to be Shrek?"
Chloe's eyes trail down to Ashton's torso. "You can, but that's not Shrek's vest."
"Oh. And which one is Shrek again?" Ashton asks.
"Uh oh. Wrong question."
Right after I say it, Chloe jumps off my lap and grabs Ashton's hand before pulling him to the living room. "Come, I'll show you which one."
"Have fun!" I shout at the two as they disappear into the hallway.
Sophie giggles before turning herself to face me. "So, what happened at the party? I thought he had a date, how did you two end up hanging out together?" she asks, half whispering.
"It's a long story, but he broke up with his girlfriend," I reply, mimicking her tone. "I'll tell you the whole story later."
"Can't wait!" she says giddily. "Now, pancake or omelet?"
"Pancake, please," I murmur as I lay my head on the breakfast table. Seems like the coffee fails to do its job this time. The sound of cooking utensils clanking and clinking has turned into a lullaby for me.
I hear Chloe's faint voice not long after, complaining about her dad snoring while the Shrek movie is still playing, followed by Sophie mumbling something to her. The next thing I know, Sophie's hand is on my hair.
"Go to my room, Char."
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Ashton can't stay after he drops us home. There is a situation at work that needs his immediate attention. This is also something Chloe has to get used to. Unlike her mama who is always home with her during weekends, her dad is another species on the planet. His working hours are infinite.
