~Abuse~

Chapter 136

It was a good day for Jay because Hank had taken the reins off him, and he could move back in with Erin.

Erin and Jay were in bed when Erin awoke and saw that Jay was still sleeping.

The room was filled with cries; it was Nadia, resisting her sleep.

Erin rose from the bed and lifted Nadia into her arms.

"Hi, baby girl. It's okay. We have to be quiet; Daddy's still sleeping," Erin whispered.

Nadia continued to fuss, and Erin softly patted her back.

"There, there. Mama's here..." Erin comforted her.

Nadia's cries subsided, and Erin smiled.

"There we go, sweet girl," Erin cooed softly.

She gently placed Nadia in her cot and tucked her in with her baby blanket.

Then, Erin climbed into bed and nestled into Jay's warm embrace.

Erin shut her eyes and drifted back into sleep.

As morning arrived, Erin rose while Jay continued to snore softly.

Erin rose from bed and donned her robe.

Leading Nadia out of the bedroom, Erin descended the stairs and illuminated the house.

"Let's get you some milk!" Erin said with a smile.

She warmed the milk in a saucepan.

"Morning, Mama!" Ashlyn greeted with a smile.

Erin returned the smile and checked the milk's temperature.

"Good morning, sweetie," Erin greeted back.

She filled a bottle with milk and gave it a shake.

"Mom? Where's Dad?" Cassie inquired.

Erin, concerned, knew her husband was usually awake by now.

"He's still sleeping, hon," Erin replied.

Cassie glanced at the clock and responded.

"At 8:00? Isn't that late for him?" she questioned.

Erin nodded, continuing to feed Nadia.

"It is late. Could you continue feeding Nadia? I'll go check on him," Erin proposed.

Cassie agreed, cradling Nadia in her arms. "I'll take care of her!"

Erin smiled and gave a nod.

"I'll be right back," Erin assured.

Cassie fed Nadia as Erin ascended the stairs and entered the bedroom.

Jay was slumbering, his arm tucked under the pillow.

"Jay?" Erin whispered.

She gently pushed his hair back, rousing him.

"What? I'm sleeping!" Jay protested.

Erin showed him the time, eliciting a groan from Jay.

"Can I sleep in for another hour?" He pleaded.

Erin sat beside him, nodding.

"Sure, but is everything alright?" She inquired.

Jay nodded, his voice heavy with fatigue.

"I have an earache. I need another hour of sleep," He mumbled.

Erin kissed the back of his head reassuringly.

"I'll check on you in an hour," She whispered.

Jay nodded and drifted back to sleep.