The Good Life

Chapter 36

f Bruno was anything, he was true to his word. Marla wasn’t sure if he would be able to hold still long enough to be with them for more than two weeks. But, she had to remember he said to trust him, so early on in the relationship. Just like the newness of a new house, a new car, a new puppy, the two were left by themselves with Rosalia by the time Easter rolled around - two months after her birth. Although both families and friends popped in from time to time – they were going to raise that baby together – as a family. And they were doing a pretty good job. But it sure made them tired.

On a Thursday evening they had laid the baby down in their upstairs loft next to them.

“I’m going to put on the Kardashians…” Marla said laying down on the couch.

“Ugh. Okay. I’ll go start the laundry.” he decided.

She turned around facing him. “Thank you…”

“You’re welcome.” he smiled at her walking downstairs.

“Mar! Why is it so quiet?” he yelled from downstairs. “Marla?” he didn’t get an answer. She must of fallen asleep. After starting the last load of laundry he wandered up the stairs to see if Marla was just being a brat, not answering her, or if she had fallen asleep. Oh..she totally did crap out. I’ve got this. He picked up Rosalia careful not to wake her up. She better not wake up….He laid her down where he could still see her going to get Marla.

Bruno picked Marla up from the couch walking toward the bedroom. She opened her eyes and looked up at him, “Bruno…where’s the baby?”

“She’s sound asleep…right where she belongs next to the bed. Go back to sleep. I’ve got it covered.” His eyes pointed to the bassinet to the right of them and kissed her on the forehead. “Good night, mama.”

*

A few hours later she heard her baby’s cry from the living room. As much as she tried to go back to sleep, he said he had it taken care of, she couldn’t handle it. She had to make sure the baby wasn’t hungry, wasn’t getting sick, she was okay. Marla stretched out, put on a sweater and walked quietly out into the living room where the cries slowly quieted. She heard Bruno singing My Girl to her as Rosalia’s eyes started to close. She stood at the doorway smiling at her fiancé’s amazing ability to calm both of them. After he finished the verse he kissed her cheek and started to rock her gently walking toward their bedroom. “Oh!” he gasped as Marla took the baby from his arms. “You scared the crap out of me, Mar!”

“Shh! You’ll wake her up!” she laughed continuing to move the baby in the same way he was. He took her by the waist and led them back into the bedroom.

“I told you to sleep, babe…why did you get up?”

“Because I couldn’t sleep.” she lied.

“I don’t believe you.” he looked at her in the eyes knowing she didn’t think he could take care of the baby.

“Number one, don’t forget!” he laughed as he kissed her nose. They fell asleep holding each other.