Page 7 of Wishes at Water's Edge
She made her way back into the kitchen and started to work on the dishes that had piled up in their sink. Although many of the dishes were adult-sized, she laughed when she saw how many tiny baby dishes had stacked up in the sink. There were miniature spoons made of soft plastic, empty bottles, and bowls still half-filled with baby food.
She took out her phone and leaned it against the counter so she could watch the video baby monitor feed while she washed the dishes. Cash was sleeping soundly, looking like a perfect little angel. They had played and cuddled all afternoon, and he’d been sleeping soundly ever since she put him down for the night.
He slept well last night too,she thought with a sigh of relief.I think there’s a good chance that Grayson and I will get to catch up on a little shut-eye tonight.
She couldn’t help grinning at the thought. She remembered when things like parties or going shopping had seemed like the most exciting thing on her schedule—now it was getting a full night of sleep.
She’d just finished washing the dishes when she heard the back door open. She turned around and saw Grayson stepping inside their home. He looked exhausted, but he smiled happily when he saw her.
“Hey, sweetheart,” he said, speaking almost in a whisper as he pulled her into a hug. “How’s our baby?”
“Sound asleep, mercifully,” she replied with a soft laugh. “I think we’ve got the place to ourselves tonight.”
“Sounds nice.” He nuzzled her nose. “What do you want to do? Maybe we could watch a movie, or?—”
“Oh no, I’ve got it all planned out.” Her eyes shone as she squeezed his arms. “You just go ahead and sit down on the couch, and I’ll be there in two minutes. Take your shoes off, get comfy.”
Grayson’s eyebrows rose curiously. “Yeah? How comfy? Like I should go upstairs and change into sweatpants and a sweater?”
“Oh definitely.”
“Perfect.” He set down his briefcase carefully and began to tiptoe upstairs, as if he was so worried about waking the baby that even when he was downstairs, he wanted to be nearly silent.
She laughed as she watched him go and then hurried to finish preparing their date. She took the charcuterie board from the refrigerator and set it down on the coffee table in the living room. Then she microwaved two plates of lasagna that her mother had made them and carried them into the living room. She was just setting them down next to the wine when Grayson came back down the stairs.
“He’s sleeping like an angel,” he whispered, and then his jaw dropped when he saw everything that Alexis had spread out on the coffee table. “Oh, wow! This looks so nice.”
She bowed. “Ta da! I figured we needed a nice, relaxing date. What do you say?”
“I say you are an amazing wife and I love you so much.” He gave her a big hug and was just about to kiss her when a yawn overtook him.
She laughed. “Sit yourself down there, Mr. Bennett, and we’re going to have a lovely, relaxing evening together.”
They settled down comfortably on the couch and snuggled down underneath the blankets. They turned on their favorite show and poured themselves some of the wine.
“Oh, this is good,” Grayson said, setting his glass down after taking a sip.
“It’s your favorite,” she said, turning the bottle around so he could see the label.
“Sweetheart.” He kissed her, managing to not yawn that time. “Thank you.”
They ate the delicious lasagna while they laughed over the show. Once they were finished with dinner, they began to snack on the charcuterie board.
Grayson grunted happily as he popped a chocolate-covered strawberry in his mouth. “I can’t remember the last time food tasted this great. I guess fatigue can do that to your tastebuds.”
She laughed. “I know what you mean. But I think it all tastes so good because I’m so happy to be resting here with you.”
“Awww.”
They nuzzled noses and went back to snacking. She took deep breaths as they snuggled, enjoying the scent of the candle and the feeling of being so warm and cozy. Beside her, Grayson yawned again. A deep contentment and relaxation swept over her, and she thought to herself that she was having a wonderful time…
The next thing she knew, she had jolted awake.Friendswas still playing on the TV, but the candle had burned down low. Beside her, Grayson was snoring, sound asleep.
We fell asleep,she realized groggily.
She looked over at her husband and chuckled when she saw the way his mouth was hanging open like a fish, and the way his hair was mussed up around his forehead. She stroked it back gently.
A few years ago, she never would have pictured that something like this would be her life. She’d expected to stay in the glitz and glamour of L.A., going to parties with their rich friends and dining at expensive restaurants and nightclubs.
