A Walk to Eden

12

I'm washing dishes and I hear Eden and the boys laughing in the other room. Swaying to the music, i smile. The dream of having a happy home full of love and laughter is happening. I've always wanted this. Humming the song, I feel arms snake around me. I giggle and turn my head and see Josh staring at me.

"Yes?" I ask.

"Nothing. Just watching." He smiles. I laugh and continue. I feel comfortable around him. He stands there and helps me finish putting dishes away. Laughing and singing together. I look over to him and see him staring.

"Why do you always stare?" I ask.

"I refuse to answer." He grins. Lord. I laugh and put the food away from dinner. "Go out with me." He asks. I stop and turn to him.

"What?" I ask.

"Go out with me. On a date. We've never spent time together just us." He says.

"Who would watch Eden?"

"Sam." He says. Not a bad idea.

"Would he want to?" I ask.

"Of course he would." He chuckles.

"Has he watched kids before?"

"Yes and no. But he's good with kids and even better with Eden." He says. Hm.

"Well, if it's okay with her and him." I say.

"Good." He answers. "Sam!" He yells. Sam comes running in holding Eden upside down in his arms, her laughing.

"Sammy! Put me down!" She belly laughs.

"Nope. Not until you give me my nose back!" He laughs.

"Fine! I will! Just put me down!" Sam sets her down and she punches him in the gut and takes off running.

"Hey!" He yells after her.

"Sam, we've got a question for you." Josh says, Sam turning to us again.

"What's up?" Sam asks.

"We need someone to watch Eden tomorrow." Josh says.

"Alright." Sam answers.

"That's it?" I ask.

"Yeah." Sam says. "No big deal. We can just watch movies and build forts." He laughs.

"Alrighty then." I giggle. Sam smiles. Josh and him go to find Eden again. Lordy. These people are a handful.

An hour or so goes by, and I'm sitting in the living room reading. Sam walks in and sits next to me.

"So. Question." He says.

"Yes?"

"Are you okay with me watching Eden?" He asks.

"I am. But I'm just a little worried after what happened yesterday. I just don't want something to happen again." I say.

"I get that. I will watch her carefully though." He looks down at his hands. "Ya know, I was really scared too."

"I know you were Sam." I say.

"That's my buddy. I couldn't even walk into the room this morning because I hated seeing her not okay." He sniffs. My heart breaks. Oh Sam. "We've only known you guys for a bit, but, I care a lot. About both of you." He says looking at me.

"Thank you Sam." I lean in for a hug and he reciprocates. "She loves you." I say pulling away. He smiles.

"I hope so." He says. "I'll be here tomorrow to watch her. I told her bye already, but gotta head out."

"See you Sam. Be careful." I walk him to the door. He waves bye and leaves. I hear quiet talking in Eden's room. As I walk in I see her curled up next to Josh falling asleep. He's running his hands through her hair and reading a book to her. So sweet. I pull out my phone and take a quick picture. I slide my phone away and quietly walk in and lay on the other side of her. Josh smiles at me and I smile back.

"She asleep?" He whispers. I nod my head. "Good."

"Thank you." I say.

"What for?" He asks.

"For everything. Being here. For her and for me." I smile. He stares at me. "What?" I giggle.

"Your beautiful." He sighs. I shake my head. "Don't do that."

"Don't do what?" I ask.

"Don't dismiss the truth." He says. "You and Eden are the two most beautiful things to ever exist and you just dismiss it. Why?"

"I don't know." I look down at Eden her softy snoring. He was right. She was the most beautiful thing to exist.  "Eden's dad never talked to me like this. I guess I'm not used to it."

"Well. Get used to it." He says. I look back up at him and see him grinning. I softly laugh. This man. I get up quietly and kiss Eden's cheek.

"Good night love. Sleep well." I whisper to Eden. Josh gets up and pulls the blanket over her. We walk out and walk to the front door.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow, 5:00." He says.

"Do I need to get pretty? I ask. He shakes his head.

"No need. Your already pretty." He smirks. My face gets hot.

"What should I wear?" I ask.

"Anything. It's just dinner and maybe a couple of drinks. I just want you to be comfortable." He says. I nod my head. "Goodnight." He kisses my cheek and turns to leave. I grab his sleeve and pull him in. I really should kiss this man more often. He wraps his arms around me and he deepens the kiss. Jesus. I feel him smile. We pull apart and I kiss his cheek goodbye.

"I'll see you tomorrow." I smile. His face gets red.

"Bye mama." He winks. I giggle and watch him walk out to his car. He opens the door and pauses. I look at him confused. He blows me a kiss and waves. I blow one back and wave too. He drives off and I close the door. My cheeks hurt from smiling.