~𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞~

~𝒲𝒽𝒾𝓈𝓅ℯ𝓇𝓈 ℴ𝒻 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝒲𝒾𝓃𝒹𝓈~

➪ 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭
  ➪𝟏/𝟐𝟒/𝟔𝟎𝟑𝟕
    ➪𝟖:𝟑𝟓 𝐩𝐦

"Okay, sweetness, time to get cleaned up and ready for bed," I said, scooping Evan in a big hug. He squealed in excitement, his little arms wrapping around my neck. "And since you were such a good boy today, we get to read two books!" I added, earning a thrilled giggle from him. He busied himself cleaning up his toys while I headed upstairs to start his bath. Normally, I wouldn't do two baths in one day, but after our outdoor adventures, I wasn't about to have a stinky baby in my bed tonight.

By the time bath time was finished, we were both snug in our pajamas, and Evan was yawning, his eyes heavy. I settled in beside him, opening up his favorite book, and beginning to read. His weight grew heavier against me as he relaxed, his breathing slowing as he drifted off to sleep. I pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, holding him close.

Once he was fully out, I gently extricated myself, and tucked him in, pulling the blankets up to his chin. "I love you," I whispered, earning a soft murmur in response. With that, I padded out of the room to the bathroom to do my nightly routine.

As I soaked in the warm water, I opened up my own book, letting the stress of the day melt away. But as I read, I slowly began to relax, my eyelids growing heavy. Finally, I climbed out, and got ready for bed. finally laying in the bed, I could feel even moving closer, wrapping my arms around him and falling asleep.

➪𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭
  ➪𝟏/𝟐𝟓/𝟔𝟎𝟑𝟕
     ➪𝟖:𝟒𝟓 𝐚𝐦

I woke before the sun, the stillness of the house wrapping around me like a shroud. I knew Evan and I had a busy day ahead, stocking up on groceries and essentials. Since he was sleeping in my bed tonight, I carefully extricated myself, plumping a pillow in my place to keep him from stirring.

The tile floor was a shock of coolness beneath my bare feet as I padded to the shower. I cranked the handle, and the water roared to life, steaming up the bathroom in minutes. I shed my nightclothes, letting them fall in a heap beside the tub, before stepping under the warm spray. It enveloped me, a soothing balm for my sleepy skin.

I squeezed a generous amount of my lavender and oatmeal soap onto my loofah, working it into a rich lather. I smoothed it over every inch of skin, the scent calming, before rinsing off. The air was crisp, so I followed up with some shower oil. I didn't want my skin to dry out in the chill. I worked the oil in, feeling it absorb, leaving me silky smooth.

When I finished, I reached out to grab my towel, wrapping myself snugly. I padded to the sink, my toothbrush waiting in its cup. I squeezed out a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and got to work brushing my teeth, studying myself in the mirror. Once I'd scrubbed every tooth, I rinsed my brush and spat out the toothpaste.

My skin was still damp, so I grabbed my oatmeal body butter, smoothing it over my skin. I absorbed the last of the moisture, before tossing the butter back beside the toothpaste. Next, I made my way to my dresser, pulling out a comfortable outfit. I got dressed, my mind already on Evan's clothes. We had a big day ahead, and I wanted to make sure we were both ready.
'''

I slipped out of the closet and padded down the hall to Evan's room. His closet was a rainbow of tiny clothes, and I scanned through the options, picking out a warm and cozy outfit. It was chilly out, and I wanted to make sure he was comfortable. I didn't need to bathe him, not after his bath last night. I didn't want his pores open, and him catching a cold.

Back in my room, Evan was still fast asleep, a tiny bundle of peacefulness. I smiled, my heart swelling with love. "Evan, I know it's early, but we have to go out, honey," I said softly, gently shaking him awake. I scooped him up, cradling him in my arms, and rocked back and forth to rouse him further.

He stirred, his arms curling around my neck, and I carried him into the bathroom. I set him down on the toilet and waited patiently for him to finish. When he was done, I helped him down, and we made our way to the sink. I turned on the water, and we washed our hands together, his tiny fingers wrapped around mine. Then I handed him his toothbrush, guiding him as he brushed his teeth. I made sure he got every spot before he rinsed, and I cleaned his face off with a damp cloth.

I scooped him up again, feeling him nuzzle into my neck. I carried him to the bed and laid him down. I quickly changed his clothes, making sure to add some lotion to his skin. I worked it in thoroughly, paying extra attention to his hands and feet, making sure to get it all absorbed. I tossed the lotion back in his basket and finished getting him ready. We were finally set to take on the day.

I made quick work of the rest, and we were soon making our way down the stairs. I grabbed my coin purse, and the carrier bags for our haul, and we were set. I had everything I needed, so I locked the door behind us, and we made our way to the barn. The animals all needed tending, and I made sure they were all fed and comfortable. As I walked over to the horse stall, I found my stallion pacing, as if he knew it was time to go.

I strapped on his saddle and bridle, before hopping up, and settling Evan in front of me. I adjusted him until he was secure, and content, his little hands holding the pommel. I sat comfortably, feeling at ease in the saddle, a familiar rhythm. I took the reins in my hand, and with a gentle kick, we were headed out into town.