birds // hs

12. The Great Persuasion

Harry was over the moon about having another baby, and I was too. Thankfully after a few days, my initial symptoms wore off and I could fully focus on the little miracle growing inside my bloated belly. It was almost too much for me to handle.

"I think I found a job," I called to him as I stirred our tomato soup, James balanced on my hip and playing with his locked phone.

"Oh?"

He pressed his warm lips to my neck and sat down at the kitchen table, letting out a long, tired sigh as I went on to explain that there was an opening for a veterinarian at our local aquarium.

"That's great, darling," Harry mumbled unenthusiastically. "Are you going to apply?"

"Yes, I did it this morning. Are you okay?"

He looked up at me with his weary eyes and sighed again. "No, I'm really not. One of my seniors is in the hospital."

"Oh gosh, I'm so sorry," I frowned slightly as Harry gestured for James. "What happened?"

"Drunk driver."

I kissed his curly hair and sat down in the chair next to him as he hugged James tightly. He really did look sad, and it pained me to see him so morose.

"I could go to the store and get us some ice cream for after dinner," I offered with a hopeful smile.

But I was met with a sad look, and two sleepy eyes. "Thanks, babe, but I'm not really hungry. I'm just going to take a shower and turn in early. But it's very sweet of you to offer."

"Okay."

He placed James on his soft blanket in the middle of the living room and kissed the top of his head, then squeezed my shoulder gently as he breezed past me.

"Goodnight, baby girl. I love you."

"I love you too," I smiled faintly. "I'll be in after James falls asleep."

He rolled his eyes but gave me a grin anyway. "That little chunk will be up all night with those tits. Just come to me when you're done, yeah? I might want a turn too." He winked at me and I couldn't help but groan. What a creep.

After eating dinner and feeding James, we sat on the couch for awhile and played a new numbers game together. He didn't understand it but he liked the bright colors and blinking lights, so I knew it was worth it.

"Hey baby?"

"Yes?"

Harry appeared butt naked and dripping wet in the doorway, his huge hand trying (unsuccessfully, I might add) to cover his junk from view as I gaped at him.

"Do you know where my favorite washcloth went? The one in there now is too scratchy."

I blinked. "Too scratchy?"

"Yeah, you heard me," he grinned. "Now wipe that annoying little smirk off your face and answer my damn question."

"Oh, I think it's in the laundry room. I used it last night and I thought you might want it washed."

"Just because I used it?"

"Um, yeah. I wouldn't want your sweat and other bodily things all over me."

"Uh, darling," he scoffed, rolling his eyes playfully as I stood up to go get it. "You've already had pretty much all my bodily fluids on you." He paused. "Or actually...in you."

"Stop! James is right there," I gushed, shoving him aside with all the strength I could manage. "He's learning more words now and I do not want him inheriting your potty mouth."