Page 4 of Marshall: The Manny

“Good morning, good morning,” was his greeting, and it made me smile as I turned to face him.

Denver gasped and clapped before yelling, “Mar-cho!”

“Wassup, little man? You ready to have a great day?”

Denver nodded as if he understood exactly what Marshall said. Marshall lifted him from his chair and gave him a warm hug, and my heart expanded when Denny rested his head on his chest. All yesterday, Marshall had a calming effect on my son. I thought it was just a one-off thing, but that seemed to be the natural vibe his spirit gave off. He loved on Denny a little longer before putting him back in his chair and making his way over to me.

As he walked, I told myself to look away, but I couldn’t. Marshall was dressed simply in comparison to his suit yesterday, but even in his button-down, short-sleeved shirt and jeans, he looked very good. Marshall was a big man—tall and wide. Muscles rippled in a sexy and natural way. His skin was the color of my favorite dark chocolate treat. He had a square shaped head and strong chiseled jaw. A medium length beard enclosed around skin colored lips that were pomegranate colored in the center. And he had dark yet expressive eyes.

I couldn’t believe he wasn’t married and single but at least that made me feel better about not being able to take my eyes off him.

Clearing my throat, I shifted slightly to the prepped meal for Denver.

“Good morning. I was just uh getting his breakfast and my coffee together.”

“Don’t worry about that,” he said, covering my hand and sliding the container from underneath it. “That’s what I’m here for. You can make your coffee this morning, but tell me how you like it, and it will be ready for you starting tomorrow.”

“Oh no. You don’t have to worry about me at all.”

His smile was soft as he leaned against the counter in front of me. “I know technically that I work for you but that wasn’t a request. It was a demand.”

Between his relaxed stance and the low tone his deep voice had taken, I had no choice but to slowly nod my head as my mouth partially opened.

As I made my coffee, Marshall got Denver’s breakfast ready. Instead of sitting and babbling with my son like I usually would, I stood back and watched the two of them engage. Denver allowed Marshall to help him eat without throwing a tantrum about wanting to do it himself, which was a surprise. Normally half of his food would be on his tray and on the floor, but he’d ate it all with Marshall’s help.

When my alarm rang, I jumped slightly. I was in such deep thought I didn’t realize how fast time had passed.

“Okay, I have to go,” I said more to myself than them. I walked over to the table and gave Denver three kisses before hugging him and telling him I loved him. When he told me he loved me too and to have a great day, I laughed.

Even though I knew it wasn’t necessary, I went over everything with Marshall again. He remained patient as he nodded and listened, though we’d covered all of this yesterday.

“I know, Demi,” he assured me. “I’ve got this.”

His smile… the way he gently gripped my shoulder and closed the space between us.

“I’m sorry. It’s just, I’ve never left him with anyone outside of my parents.”

“You don’t have to apologize. You can check in as much as you need to and look at the cameras. I got him, and I got you. We’re going to be okay.”

I didn’t realize I needed that assurance until he gave it. Releasing a shaky breath, I nodded my agreement.

“Okay, thank you. I’ll try not to call too much.”

“How about I send you pictures or a video every two hours?”

Relief washed over me as I smiled. “That would be perfect. Thank you.”

“Alright, now go, so you won’t be late,” he said, motioning to my phone as Jessica called.

I was sure she was calling to make sure I’d left for the meeting already, so I didn’t bother answering. After giving Denver another kiss, I told him I loved him, and he told me too. We repeated the mantra until I made it to the foyer and out of the door. My eyes watered and heart cracked a bit. Telling myself this was for the both of us didn’t make me feel any better.

I knew it would take some time to adjust to this new normal, but I felt like my son was safe and would be well cared for with Marshall, so as I wiped continuously flowing tears, I tried to focus on that.

4

Marshall

I couldn’t help but laugh as my phone vibrated. I didn’t have to look to know it was Demi texting me. This would have to be the fifth text, and it was only noon. I understood how the adjustment rattled a parent, so I didn’t mind the incessant check-ins. Most parents got out of that phase after about two weeks.

---