Page 30 of Exposed

My cheeks heat at his compliment.

“We knew you’d be here, so we brought enough dinner for you,” his dad adds.

“Thanks,” I reply sheepishly. What is it with themfeeding people? Welcoming strangers into your home and feeding them isn’t real life, not in my experience, anyway.

“How’s it going so far?” Madilyn asks as she takes Simon again and sways side to side with him in her arms.

“Harder than I thought. When he’s got a full tummy, a clean diaper, toys and a bed, he still cries.”

“Welcome to parenthood. Babies cry, because they’re new humans. Learning to live outside of the womb is hard, but he’ll adjust.”

“Hmm. I didn’t think of that,” Matt responds.

“You’ll get the hang of it. You’re learning to be a parent just like he’s learning to be a little boy,” Madilyn encourages.

It’s hard to believe parents can be this kind and supportive in real life.

“I hate to leave, but I’ve got to get dressed for work. His formula is in the kitchen. There’s a water warmer next to it you can use. His crib is in my room.” Matt motions for them to follow him, and I excuse myself to shower.

Being in this house with Matt’s parents for the next few hours brings all kinds of memories up for me, but not good ones. I never enjoyed being with my parents, and I can’t imagine hanging out with someone else’s parents. Hiding in the guest room is totally acceptable, right?

11

THE “FUCK IT” MOMENT

MATT

Afew hours later, another successful engagement session is in the books, and I’m ready to be back home.

When I open the door, Pepper is sitting on the couch with my dad and mom while the baby monitor rests on the coffee table.

“Welcome home, dear,” my mom greets me.

“Thanks, Mom. How was Simon for you guys?” I ask as I lay my camera equipment down. I’ll put it back in my office after they leave.

“He’s an angel,” my mom beams, clearly in love with Simon already.

I notice Pepper’s silence, and she seems uncomfortable from her stiff posture sitting on the couch.

“Thanks again for watching Simon, you guys.”

“Of course, son,” my dad stands.

He knows I don’t like them driving at night. Grace died in a car wreck at night, and I’m paranoid about my family driving in the dark now.

“I’m sorry it’s late,” I apologize.

“We’re fine. Rush hour is over, and we’ll take our time,” my dad assures me.

“You need us to watch Simon tomorrow evening while you work, right?” My mom asks.

“Yeah. And Saturday and Sunday I work all day and evening.” I grab the back of my neck. Damn, that is asking a lot of my parents. “I realize that’s a huge time commitment.”

“This is the first week you’re a father. We’ll help until you figure out a nanny,” my dad supplies.

Finding a nanny sounds daunting, but they’re right. My parents have a life. I can’t expect them to watch Simon every time I work, especially not when I work long hours Saturdays and Sundays.

“You’re right. I’ll find a nanny.” I feign a confidence I don’t feel. I haven’t the slightest clue where to find a trustworthy nanny who will look after Simon the way my parents and I care for him.

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