July 6 2019
The smell of cinnamon and maple syrup drifted through the house.
AJ stood at the stove in fuzzy socks and one of Dave's hoodies, flipping golden brown pancakes while humming softly to herself. Mateo was asleep in a little bassinet in the corner of the kitchen, bundled and peaceful.
Dave walked in holding two mugs of coffee, setting one by the stove.
Dave- For the chef. Black with honey—don't say I don't know you.
AJ (smiling)- You're learning.
They shared a quiet moment, just as the sound of a car pulling up out front broke the peace.
AJ- Bet you ten dollars that's Tony.
Dave- Nah, my ma drives faster than him. That's her.
Seconds later, the front door opened with a familiar voice echoing:
Carla- Smells like breakfast and babies!
Tony (following)- Where the pancakes at?
David Sr.- Morning, lovebirds.
AJ grinned and turned down the stove.
AJ- Welcome! We got pancakes, eggs, turkey bacon, and juice in the fridge. Help yourselves.
Carla immediately headed over to Mateo, who had just started to stir.
Carla (softly)- Let me get my hands on my grandbaby before y'all fight over him.
Tony (rolling his eyes)- You already won.
David Sr. (to Dave)- You grilling outside later?
Dave- Might be. Depends if Mateo lets me nap.
Everyone laughed as Carla cradled the baby, rocking gently and whispering little sweet nothings.
---
**At the Table**
They gathered around the kitchen table—plates full, laughter spilling between bites.
Tony- You know, I wasn't expecting to love this little guy so much, but now I'd square up with anyone who even looks at him wrong.
AJ- Welcome to the club.
David Sr.:He's calm like AJ but got Dave's face. That combo is dangerous.
Dave - thanks pops your the first person to say he looks like me
Carla (rocking Mateo)- And spoiled already.
Dave- That's AJ's fault.
AJ (grinning)-Blame the mama who carried him? Real brave.
Tony stood and began cutting Mateo's tiny nails with extreme focus.
Tony-Don't move little guy... we don't want you growing up with knife hands.
AJ (laughing)-He is not Wolverine!
They all laughed again, the room glowing with warmth, food, and love.
---
### **Later That Morning**
Mateo was back in his bassinet, full and content. The adults lingered at the table with second cups of coffee and stories from the past.
David Sr.-This house feels like home now. You guys did good.
Carla (to AJ)-You're glowing. Motherhood suits you.
AJ-I feel tired, but happy. Mateo's peaceful energy makes everything easier.
Dave (wrapping an arm around her)-She's incredible. Hasn't missed a beat.
Tony-Y'all sappy.
Dave-You cried when he sneezed, relax.
Tony- That was one time—!
The whole table burst out laughing again.
---
As the morning sun poured through the windows, the house buzzed with life, love, and family. Mateo stirred once, then fell right back to sleep.
