Page 135 of Rather: The Therapist

“B–bed.”

“Oh, your bed? Is that it?”

He nodded. “Umm hmm.”

“Oh dear, are you sleepy?”

“Umm hmm.”

“Then, let’s get you to bed, yeah?”

“Umm hmmm.”

His little rasp was the most precious sound. Priest slid his chair from the table and met Princeton on the other side.

“I’m going to get him down. I won’t be long.”

“Of course.”

I pulled Princeton in for a hug. His body fits so perfectly in my arms.

“Goodnight.”

His smile was enough to lull me to sleep each and every night. He took his father’s hand as they disappeared down the hall. A quick look around the table assured me everyone had filled their bellies and it was safe to clear.

I trashed the scraps left on the plates. Before piling them into the sink, I started warm dish water and tossed a rag inside. When the temperature was perfect, I drained the towel of most of its water and headed for the table to wipe it down. Sweeping up Princeton’s corn and cleaning the dishes were last on the list of things to do before I shut the kitchen down for the night.

I feel so comfortable with you. The tune was on loop in my head.

Priest’s body surrounded me as I dried the few dishes we’d used. His hands rounded my waist. His chest was against my back. His head was tucked between my neck and shoulder. From side to side, he rocked us both.

“I missed you all fucking day.”

“I promise not to sleep tomorrow away.”

“I won’t let you. I have plans for us.”

“Plans?”

“Um hmm.”

“What kind of plans?”

I turned around in his arms, still holding him closely.

“I want you to meet the horses.”

“I’d love to.”

“And jet ski on the lake.”

“What about Princeton?”

“He’s happiest on the water. That’s why we’re here so often. The jet skis are his favorite–next to the paddle boats.”

“I look forward to it.”

“Stay until Monday evening.”

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