Page 57 of Keepsake

“If you mentionthebook one more time, I’ll think you’re my mother.”

I opened my mouth to complain but ended up giggling at his bible reference. Lachlan kicked again and reminded me he wasn’t amused. I reeled back, trying to avoid a hit, and Alvaro tsked “That’s enough,” he said to Lachlan.

Without waiting for a reply, he took the boy and scooped him out of the bed. The child, with hopes things were going to work his way, quieted down at the same second.

“They said he needs to fall asleep in his own bed.”

“Are you saying “they” so you don’t say “the book” again?”

Guilty, I closed my mouth. Alvaro chuckled while Lachlan took up residence in those arms.

I hated to admit it, but there was something about a big man like Alvaro holding a child. Lachlan was even tall for his age, but in Alvaro’s arms he looked tiny. His uncle’s arm stretched as he held Lachlan against his barrel chest, all that ink in perfect contrast with Lachlan’s yellow pjs.

Alvaro kissed Lachlan’s temple. “Déjame mostrarte algo,” he whispered to his nephew and took him out of the room.

I groaned to myself but followed them. Of course I did. Passing by Vienna’s room, she was already in bed, with a book in her hand.

“Everything ok?” I asked.

“Yes.” She smiled.

“You brushed your teeth?”

She nodded. And I nodded too. “Good.”

I was letting myself out when she called, “Logan?”

“Yeah?” I turned.

“Can you give me a goodnight kiss?”

I didn’t know why that destroyed me, but it did. I went inside, even a little nervous when she lowered in the bed, leaving her book on the bedside table.

I tucked her in, something I never did for another human in my life, and then planted a kiss on her forehead.

“Have a good night, Vi,” I said.

She beamed when I called her by her nickname, it again stabbed my heart.

Before I started bawling, I moved toward the door, turning off the lights before closing it softly.

The house was silent, so it meant Lachlan never went back to crying. Even without invitation, I stepped into Alvaro’s room.

Alvaro had Lachlan in his arms, both of them at the window, and he was pointing to things at a distance.

“Can you see the lake?”

I crossed my arms and leaned on the doorframe, watching. Lachlan said nothing, but he nodded when his uncle showed him something new in the distance. I had no idea how many minutes had passed since I stopped to watch them, but eventually Lachlan rested his head on Alvaro’s shoulders and started drifting off.

Even as he did, Alvaro kept talking in Spanish, the soothing rumble of his deep voice enough to put the boy asleep.

Turning finally from the window, he caught me.

“He’s asleep.”

Alvaro moved quickly, putting Lachlan in his bed. He stirred a little, but never fully woke up. I closed in, my eyes on the boy and my face scrunched in question. Being careful, I sat down on the bed, my hand edging closer to his little hand.

“You’re overthinking this,” Alvaro said, almost like he was disappointed in me for doing so.

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