EVERGLOW

XVII. When she improvises

Wang Cai Hong was an angel.

There was never any doubt of that fact in Dylan and Yue's minds. She looked like one. And without fail she behaved like one at all times.

In fact, if angels had stuffed noses, strep throats and feverish skins, both of them would bet the whole house that angels would be just as fussy as little Cai Hong. If they had to swallow nasty antibiotics, they would raise hell, too. If they had trouble breathing while feeding on bottles, they would scream in between mouthfuls, too. And if they had to sleep in cold beds instead of warm arms, they would wake up and demand to be returned to that warm cocoon they blissfully fell asleep in, too.

The next couple of days flew by in a blur of wails, cold compresses, and sleeplessness. Yue had never been more thankful Dylan had thoughtfully made sure their walls were soundproof, and that the nearest neighbor was more than a stone throw away.

On the third day, way before daylight broke, Dylan was draped on the couch, holding Cai Hong in his arms. She had just fallen asleep after what felt like another eternity of crying. His eyes were closed, a foot propped on the coffee table in front of him. He was already dressed, his carry-on waiting for him by the front door beside his sneakers.

Yue watched them for a moment, wondering how many nights he had spent like this. How many nights he'd done it alone or with little help. She felt the now familiar wave of regret wash over her. But it didn't hurt as much now. He'd had the baby for a little over a month. She wondered if he still hurt, too.

Cai favored him, fussing in her arms when she heard his voice, falling asleep faster when he rocked her. She did her best to do her part but the bond between father and daughter was simply cemented way before she existed in the child's reality.

She let her fingers graze his forearm to rouse him. Slowly, his gaze focused on her. She placed the warm bottle of formula on the table and held out her arms. Hao Ge would pick him up soon. They were taking an early morning flight to Beijing for his auditions. If his schedule held, he'd be back by midnight. She hoped he would get some sleep on the plane.

He let out a sigh and stood. As gently as he could, he handed Cai into Yue's waiting arms, his hands grazing her body unintentionally. He didn't step back even when the baby was settled comfortably.

Yue was thankful Cai remained asleep. Probably too spent with her latest bout of crying to even notice the switch. Despite her own lack of sleep, Yue was suddenly too aware of her husband's freshly showered form right beside her. If he noticed her reaction, she hoped he would blame it on nerves.

"Call Mama if you need anything. Anything." He muttered, careful not to wake Cai.

She nodded. "I'll take care of her. Stop worrying."

His hand went up to scratch the back of his head. "I know. I just... I wish I'd gotten a different schedule. I hate leaving you both when she's like this."

"It's just one day. We'll manage."

He frowned. "I could ask Hao Ge to reschedule."

"Dylan," she whispered. "If you go on like this, you'll wake her. I watched over Yang when he was a baby too, you know."

"I didn't mean it like that," he rushed to explain. "I feel like I'm abandoning you during hard times."

Silence fell as what he said sank in.

Yue cleared her throat. "How about you bring dessert home as payback?"

He smiled hesitantly, relieved that she graciously let it go. "Okay."