Page 225 of His Sunshine Baby

My first thought, the next morning, is about how well I’ve slept. For the first time in a while, the sun is already up outside, and I don’t feel like jumping out of bed. I would rather not. Estelle is still sound asleep right next to me, in a curled-up position, so cute I can’t bear it. I slowly recall everything that happened yesterday as if it was a dream. But it’s not, and my daughter is right here.

I observe her for a while until someone slowly opens the door. I frown before realizing it’s James, on his short legs, looking at us with his big blue eyes. Damn, this kid is an energy pill.

Having spotted his newly befriended cousin, he walks up to us with anticipation, but I frown.

“James, if you wake her up…” I whisper.

What time is it anyway? Probably not late, considering we are in July and the sky is still slightly pink. Of course, my nephew decides to play deaf, putting his hands on the bed.

“Nora, Damian, your kid is here.”

I sense my brother’s frustration, while Nora is probably still asleep as well. A few seconds later, my brother walks in, but his sudden arrival makes his kid scream and run away. Damian grabs him before he can get out.

“James, you little…”

“… Daddy?”

Damn it, now she’s awake too. I sigh.

“Sorry, Nate, I didn’t realize he was up,” says my brother.

“Good morning, Uncle Damian. Good morning, James,” says Estelle in her little voice.

“Stella! Up, up!”

She smiles and slides off the bed to walk up to him. Damian gives up and lets his son down, who grabs Estelle and takes her somewhere else in the house. I sigh.

“Ever tried the leash on him?”

“Trust me, I’ve thought about it a couple of times,” admits my brother. “Coffee?”

“Moon Goddess, yes.”

We both head to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for everyone. From the snoring we can hear, Boyan slept on the couch. I check the cupboard to see what I can cook for everyone, and realize they are even fuller than usual. Who the heck eats this much pesto?

“Don’t ask,” sighs Damian, spotting my confused expression. “Nora eats like a dinosaur with this one.”

I chuckle. It’s probably better than being exhausted like she was with James. I finally find enough ingredients to make some pastries and hot chocolate while Damian is in charge of the coffees, which pretty much sums up his culinary skills.

“Daddy? What are you making?”

Estelle just walked in, curious. She climbs up onto one of the kitchen stools.

“Croissants. Do you like them?”

“I don’t know. Can’t you make a magic cake?”

A magic cake? What the heck is a magic cake? I exchange a glance with Damian, but he’s about as clueless as me. I turn to my daughter, with her messy hair and oversized pajamas.

“What is a magic cake, baby star?”

She hesitates then points at one of the hot chocolate cups. Something with hot chocolate?

“A mug cake, honey?”

Nora just walked in, and quickly kisses her husband.

“Damian, I really hope it wasn’t your son I just saw drawing on his bedroom wall.”

---