Breaking Point (BWWM)

34. Remission

  Lucy stirs, squinting at the warm sunlight washing through their bedroom. She starts to move, suddenly remembering what that weight on her body is. Braxton sighs sleepily into her neck, giving her body a comforting squeeze.

She rests her head back on the pillow, suddenly not wanting to get up. But just as her eyes are closing, she hears it again, the soft scuffle that woke her in the first place. Lucy blinks, tuning into the sound across the hall.

She could hear their firstborn's excited little feet moving about his room. She smiles at the soft pattering on the floorboards. He isn't very good at staying quiet, murmuring softly to himself.

Braxton moans sleepily, the sound making her skin tingle, He's up so early.

Maybe if we pretend to sleep he'll go back to bed? Lucy wonders hopefully, though she isn't all that confident. Braxton's brows knit skeptically, but he keeps his eyes closed, sinking back into her neck.

The couple stays quiet as they hear Aesir's door creak open across the hallway. They freeze as they listen in, hearing him move to the bathroom further down the hall.

They both let out a soft breath of relief, remaining quiet. I was hoping to sleep a little longer, Braxton admits.

You really should come to bed sooner, Braxton. He wanted to sleep in today, since he decided with the special occasion that he ought not to work. The opportunity is rare, so he wanted to take advantage. Though unfortunately that meant he came to bed rather late last night. Lucy had to leave bed to fetch him, and she found him nodding off at his desk.

I know, I know, he replies begrudgingly. She doesn't want to be a nuisance about it, but she's been suggesting he implement a routine to his work ethic more and more. She hates to find him like she had last night. And it makes him so sluggish come morning.

Sorry if I'm nagging... she starts, but his head shakes.

No, it's fine. I know you just care, he refutes her. Besides, you're my wife, it's your job to nag. Lucy bites her flushing cheek, taking hold of his hand tucked under her. She's sure it's gone numb under her weight. He lets her massage his palm and fingers, hoping to revive the feeling in it. It's also a good excuse to distract herself, having something to fumble with.

They go quiet at the soft footsteps approaching the door, "Mama!" Aesir whisper-shouts behind it, though he isn't very good at whispering. Lucy smiles at the sound, and Braxton tucks his hand back around her.

Don't move, maybe he'll go back if he sees us sleeping, her husband insists. Lucy wants to chuckle, he was eager to catch more sleep, but she doubts it'll work. Aesir is quite persistent, especially today. He was overjoyed with anticipation last night.

He lifts his head and opens one eye to see the handle on the door starting to move. Clearly Aesir was reaching on his toes for it. He peers down at Lucy, a soft chuckle slipping out, Stop smiling, you'll give us away.

Lucy's smile grows more at that, but she pulls their sheet up over her face to conceal it. The door cracks open, and Braxton drops his head back to her pillow.

Aesir tiptoes inside, "Daddy!" Lucy feels the bed dip slightly as Aesir tries to pull himself up on it. She can feel his little fingers desperately trying to grip the edge of their bed to peek at them.

  "Mama," the boy whispers loudly. "It's my birthday."

  Their bed is rather tall, and Aesir isn't. Surely he found something to stand on, and no doubt he was on his toes again. Lucy pretends to stir, squinting at the glow of the morning light as she peers down at Aesir's sweet face. His smile grows as his hazel eyes land on hers.