Be My Shelter (Book II)

Chapter 25

The next week, Gavin and Ethan came over.

“So, where’s Alexis?” I asked, yawning slightly.

“She didn’t feel terrific this morning.  She didn’t want to get the baby sick.” Gavin shrugged.

“Do you have any food?” Ethan asked, rummaging through the fridge.

“We haven’t had time to go grocery shopping.” Nolan replied from the kitchen table.  He was drinking his fourth cup of coffee.

“Man…you two look exhausted.” Gavin observed.

“This child…I swear he’s nocturnal.” I sighed, shaking my head.

“You should put him on a sleep schedule.”  Gavin said.  “Don’t look at me like that.  Alexis is really set on having a baby soon.  She keeps bringing home baby books and stuff.”

“Gavin…is Alexis sick like…throwing up sick, or sick like…she has a cold, sick?”

“She woke up in the middle of the night coughing.”

“Oh….well why aren’t you at home taking care of her?” I asked, hitting him on the back of the head.

“Ow!” He shouted.

“Shh! The baby is sleeping!” I whisper-yelled.

“Whoops.  Sorry.”

“Why aren’t you taking care of her?” I asked again.

“Dad is there.  He said there was no use in me getting sick as well.” He shrugged. “Seriously, you should try to sleep.  We can leave if you want…or we can watch the baby for you while you sleep.” He said and I shook my head.  I didn’t need anyone’s help…well, other than Nolan’s.

“We’re fine, but…the sleep does sound pretty good.”  I laughed weakly.

“Hint taken.” He grinned.  “Let’s go, fatty.” He called to his younger brother.

“Coming!”  Ethan said, shutting the fridge.

“Thanks for stopping by.”  I said, walking them out and shutting the door after them.

“Can we sleep now? I’m beat” Nolan said and I nodded, yawning widely.

~*~*~

“Regan.” Nolan croaked in the middle of the night, shaking me awake.

“What?” I mumbled.

“I think I’m sick.” He sniffled.

“What?! How?” I asked, sitting up and turning on the light.  He squinted and rubbed his eyes.

“I don’t know…lack of sleep?” He laughed lightly, coughing.

“It’s cold and flu season, isn’t it?” I groaned.  He couldn’t be sick now, I needed him.

“Yes.” He sighed and I felt his forehead. 

“You don’t have a fever.” I sighed.  “Are you sure you’re sick?” I asked and he nodded.

“I don’t feel well.” He pouted, sniffling.

“You aren’t going anywhere near the baby.” I said, getting up and turning off the baby monitor.  “Try and sleep.” I said, kissing his forehead and walking into Brayden’s room and sitting in the rocking chair.

I drifted in and out of sleep, waking up at four AM when Brayden cried.

“Shh…baby.  Daddy doesn’t feel well.” I cooed in a baby voice, lifting him out of his crib and bringing him to the changing table. “Someone has a messy diaper.” I cooed again.