Borrowed Time

Chapter 189

Juliette was very aware that she had an open-door policy at Danielle's house, but she still got nervous just creaking their door open and walking in. She steeled herself, taking a deep breath as she slipped inside, seeing Ophelia standing in the living room in a worn hoodie and an old pair of flannel pajama pants as she bounced Caleb in her arms.

"Hey." She said, seeing Ophelia start for a moment before she turned around, letting out a breath of relief as she continued to rock Caleb lightly in her arms, looking tired... Juliette wanted to offer to hold him, to help lessen the load but she wasn't sure if she'd be any good at caring for the kid... She wanted to help, but at the same time, how much help could she really be, right?

"Oh, hey!" She moved him to her hip, bouncing him lightly as she walked across the room to pull Juliette into a tight hug, letting out a happy sort of sigh... it was nice to know that she was someone that was wanted in this home. Like, she knew that she was wanted here, but it was really good to be able to see it more. "How are you doing? I didn't even hear you come in." Ophelia asked, brushing some hair from Juliette's face when she pulled out of her arms.

Juliette shrugged, tucking her hands into her pockets as she rocked back on her heels... She had no complaints; she'd just come over because she wanted to see Caleb and wanted to check on the family... That wasn't weird, was it?

It felt a little weird... She wasn't trying to be weird, she wanted to be normal about everything.

"I'm good, how about you?" She asked, and Ophelia sighed, smiling and nodding as she looked down at Caleb. Juliette had no doubt that she was tired, she would be too - dealing with a baby was a lot of work.

That was why part of her felt bad for the fact that Danielle had offered to take Caleb in - a lot of extra work.

"I'm... Exhausted, but that's to be expected when there's a new baby in the house, you know?" She asked, and Juliette grimaced, nodding - she knew that, she could tell from the times that she'd gone over and helped Tegan. Kids really sapped energy from the world.

"I'm really sorry." She said, making Ophelia furrow her brows as she chuckled, shaking her head like the idea of Juliette apologizing was ridiculous, but it wasn't - this was her flesh and blood, and sure it was Ophelia and Wess's little brother too, but it wasn't like...

No. Don't think like that.

"No, it's okay." She reached over, squeezing her hand lightly. "I'm not mad, it's nice to be able to take care of him, I like having another sibling." The warm smile spread to her eyes as she looked knowingly at Juliette. "Well, two more." That made her heart feel like it could fall out of her chest.

She said it like it was a fact - they were family. They were linked now, there was no changing it.

"Do you want me to take him?" She asked, seeing a grateful smile spread across Ophelia's face as she stepped closer, holding Caleb carefully out to her, like he was a fragile package... And he was - babies are durable, but they're also breakable.

"Sure." She took him carefully, not even risking to breathe until he was safely tucked against her chest, until she could feel his heartbeat softly against her own skin... Only then did she breathe out.

"Hey little guy... How're you doing here?" She pressed a kiss to his forehead, hearing him let out a little gurgle as he gripped onto her finger, giving her a look that she was choosing to see as a smile... His eyes were so bright, like sunshine was oozing right out of him. "Aw... Hi sweet boy..." She murmured, feeling Ophelia squeeze her shoulder before resting her chin there as Juliette leaned her head over, resting hers against Ophelia's.