A Hand To Hold | Cglre |

Chapter 10: Ordinary day

Ian's pov:

The journey back home felt effortless, Sophie clutching her new friend Blue tightly. It was like witnessing a complete transformation from the anxious little girl we fetched from the hospital. Even though she didn't nod off, she remained remarkably calm, with just a hint of fussiness at one point. But after a quick feed from Evelyn, she was back to her usual chatty and cheerful self, recounting all our adventures from the day.

Later that night, with Sophie sound asleep, Evelyn and I decided to unwind with a movie, relishing a moment of quiet relaxation after the whirlwind of the past few days.

As the movie played, my mind wandered through the myriad adjustments and challenges awaiting us. We've been navigating so many changes, trying our best to ease Sophie into them gradually. Yet, the enormity of the transition she's undergoing is impossible to ignore.

Sophie's reliance on Evelyn for comfort during the night, evidenced by her seeking breastfeeding and gentle suckling even in her sleep, underscores the depth of her growing attachment to us. The prospect of transitioning her to sleeping independently in her crib looms large, a daunting task given the circumstances.

When Monday morning dawned, I was the first one up, ready to tackle the day ahead. We were so exhausted yesterday that we completely forgot to thank the neighbors who pitched in during the chaos of moving. I made a mental note to discuss inviting them over with Evelyn as a gesture of gratitude - although we'll have to consider the timing carefully, especially since Sophie hasn't had much interaction with others yet.

With the house still enveloped in the early morning quiet, I took it upon myself to whip up a simple breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast. Opting to let Evelyn and Sophie enjoy a bit more rest, I savored the meal in solitude.

Entering Sophie's room, I was struck by the transformation. Evelyn's talent for creating cozy and inviting spaces was evident in the palette of neutral colors she'd chosen - creams and browns that enveloped the room in a sense of serenity. She'd mentioned finding the idea online, believing that these hues would help Sophie feel more at ease. And indeed, the room exuded peace, with just the right pops of color here and there to add a touch of cheerfulness without overwhelming the senses.

Taking a moment to ensure everything was securely fastened and the room was fully baby-proofed, I felt a sense of satisfaction that Sophie's space was safe and welcoming.

With the room set, I headed down to my home office to tackle some work. The backlog of meetings was growing, and with plans to introduce Sophie to our extended families looming, staying on top of my schedule was crucial.

The morning passed in a whirlwind of emails and conference calls until around 11 am, when a soft knock on the door interrupted my focus. Excusing myself from a meeting, I opened the door to find Evelyn, Sophie cradled peacefully in her arms. "Good morning," she greeted, leaning in for a quick kiss. "I need to run to the grocery store; we're running low on lunch options. Could you keep an eye on Sophie until I get back?"

I hesitated, feeling torn. "I'd love to, but I'm in the middle of a meeting with investors for the new project," I explained, a hint of apology in my tone.