Never Not You

Piscina - Contigo

Aurora carefully manoeuvred the tiny wetsuit onto Mateo, her patience tested as he kicked and wriggled with every attempt to get him dressed. It was as if Mateo had developed a newfound talent for making simple tasks infinitely more challenging. She couldn't help but smile through it all, though—his resistance was as endearing as it was frustrating.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Aurora managed to zip up the wetsuit and adjust it comfortably on his small body. To top it off, she gently placed a floppy sunhat on his head, making sure to cover his delicate skin from the unexpected heat. Mateo, now dressed in his tiny wetsuit and hat, looked absolutely adorable. Aurora couldn't resist capturing the moment, snapping a quick picture and sending it to Alexia and Mapi.

Almost immediately, their responses came in, filled with excitement and plans for future beach trips with their little nephew. Aurora chuckled at their enthusiasm, already imagining how much fun those outings would be.

As she looked out the nursery window, which offered a perfect view of their garden, Aurora spotted Leah struggling with the inflatable pool. Despite her best efforts, the pool seemed determined to defy her, its stubborn edges refusing to stay upright. Aurora smiled and pointed out the window, whispering to Mateo, "Isn't Mama a silly girl, Teo? What's she doing?"

Mateo, oblivious to the humour in the situation, let out a joyful giggle and reached his tiny hands towards the window, clearly wanting to be with Leah. His reaction melted Aurora's heart, and she knew it was time to take him outside to join his mama.

Cradling Mateo gently, Aurora made her way downstairs and out to the garden. As soon as they stepped outside, the warmth of the sun hit them, and Mateo's excitement grew. His little hands waved eagerly as he spotted Leah.

Leah looked up from her battle with the pool, a relieved smile spreading across her face as she saw Aurora approaching with their son. "I think I've almost got it," she called out, laughing at herself.

Aurora approached with a playful smirk. "Good thing Teo's more patient than me," she teased, bouncing Mateo slightly in her arms. "But I think he's ready for his big swim."

Leah walked over to them, taking Mateo into her arms. "You ready, little man?" she cooed, pressing a kiss to his cheek. Mateo gurgled happily in response, making both his mothers smile.

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Leah waded into the shallow pool, the cool water only reaching her knees. Mateo's tiny feet immediately kicked at the water, sending small splashes around them, his laughter echoing through the garden. Aurora stood at the edge, arms crossed and eyebrow raised as she watched Leah.

"Aren't you going to change?" Aurora asked, a playful smirk on her lips.

Leah glanced down at her shorts and shrugged. "Why would I? I've got shorts on, I'm not getting wet like Teo." She paused, then narrowed her eyes at Aurora. "Wait, are you?"

Aurora hummed in agreement, glancing up at the sky. "Yeah, I thought I'd tan a bit. And when little man goes down for his nap, maybe you and I could go in together."

Leah didn't hesitate. The moment Aurora suggested them spending time in the pool together, she immediately stepped out, ready to get changed. Mateo, however, let out a whine of protest as his feet were lifted from the water, his tiny face scrunching up in disappointment.

Aurora laughed softly, reaching out to smooth the hat on Mateo's head. "I'll change first, then we'll switch, and you can get changed after," she said, enjoying how quickly Leah was willing to adapt her plans just to make her happy.