September 8 2019
It was early afternoon, and sunlight poured through the living room windows. AJ sat on the rug, gently bouncing Mateo in her lap. He was about four months now — his cheeks were full, his lashes long, and he had recently discovered how to giggle. Today, he couldn't stop.
AJ- What's so funny, huh?
(She tapped his nose gently.)
AJ- Is mama your favorite today?
Mateo squealed with laughter, grabbing at her hoodie string and kicking his feet.
AJ (teasing)-Oh, you're a whole mama's boy already, huh? You're not even subtle with it.
She leaned in and blew a raspberry on his chubby neck, earning a loud, joyful baby laugh that echoed through the house.
From the kitchen, Dave peeked around the corner, drying his hands with a dish towel.
Dave- What's going on in here? You laughing without me?
Mateo looked toward his dad... then turned right back to AJ, reaching for her face.
Dave-Wow. So I don't even exist now?
AJ (laughing)-Don't be dramatic. He loves you.
Dave-No, no, it's cool. I just carried your stroller, installed the car seat, and changed the midnight blowout diaper two nights ago. But go off, Mateo. Choose your little favorite.
AJ smirked and bounced Mateo again. He let out another soft giggle and leaned into her chest, settling there.
Dave- He's got your dimples too. It's like I'm just the ride home from the hospital at this point.
AJ-You're the reason he's here at all.
Dave (grinning)- Still feels personal.
He walked over and sat beside them on the rug. Mateo gave him a quick glance, then went right back to tugging on AJ's hoodie string.
Dave-Wow. This man is committed to ignoring me.
AJ (teasing)- Don't be jealous of a baby.
Dave- I'm not jealous of a baby. I'm jealous of you.
She laughed, leaning over to kiss his cheek.
AJ-He's going to grow out of this phase. One day he's going to run straight into your arms, and I'll be the one crying in the background.
Dave looked at Mateo, then reached over and gently lifted him from AJ's lap.
Dave (to Mateo)-Alright, bro. You and me. One-on-one time.
Mateo blinked up at him.
Dave- We're gonna bond. Watch some football highlights, maybe do push-ups.
AJ-He can't even hold his neck steady all the way.
Dave (grinning)-Details.
Dave kissed the top of Mateo's head, who finally gave him a tiny smile.
Dave (gasps)-Did you see that? He smiled at me!
AJ- Because he *loves* you. Always has.
Dave cradled Mateo close, swaying a little.
Dave-You can be a mama's boy. That's cool. But you better believe I'm your favorite hero.
Mateo yawned and snuggled into his dad's chest, fingers gripping Dave's shirt.
AJ- Aww. Look at y'all.
Dave (softly)- Alright... maybe this ain't so bad.
They sat there quietly — the three of them, wrapped in warmth and the quiet knowledge that even through the jokes and tiny jealousies, love was blooming in every small moment.
