Page 65 of Their Perfect Daddy

“I might not have,” he says plainly.

Holding back the laughter that wants to fall from my lips is tough. Rather than scold him, I gently tell him what he needs to hear.

“Well now is a perfectly good stopping point to get something to eat. Why don't you take me into the kitchen with you, and we can make a sandwich together?”

I can hear him moving through our shared space as he goes and does as he's told. He doesn’t need to respond verbally for me to know he’s following Daddy’s instruction.

“How long until you get home, Daddy? You could have brought me something instead of me having a sandwich.”

“While it would normally be true, I just got off the phone with my parents and found out they’re already in town. They've asked me to come with them to see Monty.”

“Oh,”he replies.

“Yes,oh.Which means I’ll be delayed for a bit. Would you like me to come get you?”

I already know the answer before he blurts out, “No! No, Daddy.”

My boy would much rather be home alone in comfort than to be in the hospital surrounded by germs and people who don't understand his personal space. Of course he's not much better about personal space, it only happens when he's truly excited about something. For instance, if I were to mention trains, he would be all in my face with a ton of facts and information. Any other time, he can remain distant.

I talk him through making a sandwich and grabbing some chips, then tell him to consider a nap as well after he finishes eating.

“I don't know if I can nap without you,” he says.

“Why don't we try and see if you can? If it doesn't work, then you are welcome to stay awake.”

“Okay, Daddy.” His easy agreement clues me in on how tired he truly is.

We spend the next twenty minutes with him listening to me go over Monty's care plan while he eats. Since he has a personal relationship with my brother, I pressed Skye, no longer Dr. Gellar, for information. My boy listens carefully and asks questions when he can.

By the time he's done, I already know he's going to sleep hard until I can make it home. The sound of his yawn echoes over theline, then his voice softly tells me, “I guess I am kind of sleepy, Daddy.”

This time, I let the laugh free. “It sounds like you are, sweet boy. Go get in bed and cover up with your blankie. I'll tell you a short story until you fall asleep.”

He hums, and I start telling him a tale about a handsome boy and his Daddy. It's similar to others I’ve made up before, but my boy never complains. As long as it's the sound of my voice, he's content to listen.

By the time his soft snores echo across the line, I see my parents climbing out of the back of a car with their luggage. “Good night. Rest peacefully, sweet boy,” I tell him before hanging up.

I hop out of the car and shout, “Mom! Dad!”

They turn to face me quickly. As soon as it registers who I am, they drop the handles of their luggage and run over. They wrap me in a tight hug.

“Oh it's so good to see you,” Mom says.

Dad adds, “Feels like it's been ages, son.”

When they pull away, I have tears in my eyes. No matter how old I get, seeing my parents is still one of those things that catches me by the throat. The two of them raised us as best they could as single parents. But there was something magical about when they came together. They created a family I never imagined yet love all the same.

“Let’s put your luggage in my car. I'll drive you wherever you're staying later. We need to get upstairs. I'm sure Monty's a nervous wreck by now.”

“Why would he be nervous?” Mom asks. “It's us.”

Dad shakes his head from behind her and rolls his eyes. I laugh as I stick her suitcase in the trunk. “No reason, Mom. None at all.”

CHAPTER 21

SKYE

Ihave to admit meeting my boyfriend's parents is an unexpected twist to my day. Then again, this week has been a shit show. With me coming back and being inundated with work and then Monty getting injured, we can’t seem to catch a break.

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