A Hand To Hold | Cglre |

Chapter 15: Without Him

Evelyn's POV

After breakfast and our morning shower, Sophie and I settled in the living room for some coloring. She was thrilled, her little face lighting up with excitement as I spread out the crayons and coloring books on the coffee table. I chose a book with simple shapes and animals, perfect for her tiny hands to color.

"Which color do you want to start with, Sophie?" I asked, holding up a red and a blue crayon.

"Blue!" she exclaimed, reaching for the crayon with an eager smile.

"Good choice," I said, smiling back at her.

We spent the next half hour immersed in our art, Sophie's giggles filling the room as she scribbled with enthusiasm. Her masterpiece was a colorful array of scribbles, each one a testament to her budding creativity.

"How about we watch a movie now?" I suggested, noticing her attention starting to wane. "A Disney princess movie, maybe?"

"Yes! Princess!" Sophie clapped her hands in delight.

I set up the TV and selected one of her favorites, "Tangled." Sophie snuggled next to me on the couch, her eyes wide with anticipation as the movie began. Watching her enchantment with the story was heartwarming, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for these precious moments.

As the movie progressed, Sophie's eyelids grew heavy. By the time Rapunzel and Flynn were floating the lanterns, she was fighting to keep her eyes open. I gently lifted her and placed her in the bassinet we had set up in the living room, tucking her in with her beloved Blue. I took a moment to watch her sleep, her tiny chest rising and falling with each breath. Then, I quietly stepped away and picked up my phone to call Ian. He should have arrived at his hotel by now.

The phone rang twice before Ian answered. "Hi, love," he greeted, his voice warm despite the distance.

"Hey, how was the flight?" I asked, sinking into the couch.

"It was fine. I just got to the hotel near our property. Everything seems to be under control, but it's a bit chaotic," he replied, a hint of exhaustion in his voice.

"I'm glad you're there to handle it," I said, relieved. "Everything is going well here. Sophie had a good morning. We did some coloring, and now she's down for her nap."

"That's great to hear," Ian said. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm doing okay. I don't think Sophie fully understands you'll be gone for a few days, but I hope everything stays as it is. I want to go to the supermarket for some groceries and to the mall to get everything we need for our visit to the family next weekend," I explained. "The stroller won't be practical in the supermarket, so I'm going to try the baby carrier. I just hope Sophie likes it."

Ian chuckled softly. "She'll be fine. Maybe take advantage of her nap now so she's more sleepy and might fall asleep in the carrier at the supermarket."

"Good idea," I agreed. "I'll get everything ready now so we can head out."