It Takes Two

I Love My Life

Avery was sitting on the couch, curled into Andy's side as she watched the show playing on the television, not really paying attention to it.

"When is daddy coming home?" Avery asked, rubbing her eyes. it was past her bedtime so she was tired.

Andy glanced at the young girl before checking his phone for the millionth time to see if Jake had messaged him anymore, but found nothing. He was concerned, but he had texted Jake an hour ago and he said he would be home soon. Andy just didn't know what Jake's definition of soon was.

Andy couldn't help but wonder if part of the reason he was still out was because of the near kiss that occurred earlier. It certainly hasn't left Andy's mind.

"He's still at work, baby." Andy said. "How about we get you ready for bed. It's past your bedtime." He stood up from the couch, and picked Avery up, carrying her to her room.

"I'm not sleepy." She protested around a jaw-cracking yawn. And chuckled at this, shaking his head in amusement. "Yeah, sure." He said. Avery was already in her pajamas and brushed her teeth earlier so all he needed to do was get her tucked into bed.

Andy turned back the covers and sat Avery on the bed before turning around to find a book to read her. "No book." Avery said, making Andy pause.

"Why not?" He asked curiously.

"I want the grandma Carolyn song." She replied, curling up underneath the blankets.

Andy smiled at that and nodded. "Okay, honey. We can do that." He said, sitting down next to her. "Those times in life we learn to try, with one intention. Of learning how and when we'll die, but we can't listen." He sang softly, stroking her soft hair lovingly.

"I wish to God I'd known that I, I didn't stand a chance of looking back and knowing why, or pain of circumstance." Avery yawned, her eyes growing heavier by the second as she hugged the stuffed rabbit that Andy had gotten her. "You're not alone and we'll brave this storm."

"So here's my song I wrote in time, when it was needed. Through pain of heart or loss of mind, your burdens lifted." Andy still found himself shocked at where he found himself in life now. He never in a million years thought he would be in this position. "You aren't alone just know that I can't save our hearts tonight."

"You're not alone and we'll brave this storm, and face today. You're not alone." Avery was nearly asleep so Andy slowly trailed off, turning off her lamp before he started to stand up. "What's another word for daddy?" Avery suddenly asked.

"What do you mean?" Andy asked in confusion.

"I know dad, but are there more?" Avery clarified, barely hanging on to consciousness.

"Well there's dad like you mentioned, papa, pops, father, dada." Andy listed off, unsure why she was asking.

"Okay, I like papa." She hummed.

Andy raised an eyebrow, but nodded. "I do too, it's a good one." He said. Avery closed her eyes, seemingly happy with the response she got.

"Good night, Avery. I love you." Andy said, kissing the top of her head before he stood up and walked to her door.

"Good night, papa. I love you." Avery whispered, but it was loud enough for Andy to hear.

Andy felt tears welling up in his eyes, and sucked in a breath before closing the door behind him. He didn't expect that. He couldn't believe Avery saw him like that. Andy walked into his bedroom and sat down on his bed, picking up Crow to cradle him against his chest as tears slipped down his face.

Andy didn't know how this would end or what Jake would say when they eventually talked about what happened, but he was in too deep now. He couldn't lose that kid.