Page 3 of Light in the Dark (Heaven and Hell Duet 2)

My worst fear comes to life when I hear a wail from one of the bedrooms FC disappeared to first. After panicking for two seconds, in which FC doesn’t leave his bedroom, I get up and walk to Sawyer’s room.

He stands in his crib, crying, stopping when he sees me.

“Hey, Sawyer,” I say softly as I slowly approach him. “Your daddy isn’t available at the moment, so I’m all you’ve got.”

“DaDa,” he hiccups.

What am I supposed to do with this kid? I’ve never been around kids. Not that much, at least. And as a nurse, I worked mostly with elderly folks. The closer I get to Sawyer, he lifts his arms. He wants me to pick him up? He doesn’t even know me!

With a deep, shaky breath, I pick him up and rest him on my hip. Sawyer stares at me, both of us wondering what’s next. A door creaks and we swivel. Thank goodness. FC appears in the doorway, wearing only a towel around his waist.

“I thought I heard him. Are you okay, Idaline?”

“I feel out of my element.”

He smiles easily. “Come sit in here.” FC grabs a nearby book and I follow him into his bedroom. My eyes stick on his back and all the scars there. My heart breaks, thinking about the pain he endured for so long due to such a hateful woman. He directs me to sit on his bed, handing Sawyer the book, which makes a crinkling sound with his every touch. “Shout if you need me,” FC says before he disappears into his bathroom.

Sawyer holds the book up to me.

“Do you want me to read to you?” I ask.

He pushes the tiny book closer to my face, so I take it and read it. It’s not very entertaining. It’s a counting book with animals and it only goes up to five. When I finish, Sawyer looks at me expectantly, so I begin again. This time, I add the noises the animals make. Mostly to make it more appealing to myself, but Sawyer giggles and claps, so he’s enjoying it too. By the end of the third read, I also get an ovation from FC.

He grins from his stance by the door frame. “We’ll be fine, Idaline.”

I’m still not so sure.

FC walks over and takes Sawyer from me. “Sawyer, this is Idaline.” He points to me. “Can you say Idaline?” Sawyer puts his book in his mouth instead, causing FC to laugh. “We’ll try again another time, son.” Watching FC kiss his forehead is ridiculously sweet. FC holds out his hand, which I take, and we leave his bedroom. “He didn’t sleep as long as I thought he would. His afternoon naps are at least an hour.” FC sits on the floor with Sawyer, dragging a basket of toys close to them. “He may get cranky at some point.” FC pats the space next to him and waits for me to take my seat.

I, of course, sit down as expected. “He looks so much like you.”

FC smiles and I swear his chest swells with pride. “Best compliment ever.”

Sawyer goes from toy to toy before standing and walking around the couch. When he seems to head toward the hallway, FC chuckles softly. “Son?” Sawyer turns around. “Where do you think you’re going? Get back over here.” He waves a toy in the air, but Sawyer laughs and takes his little legs wobbling faster down the hall. FC laughs and runs after him.

The squeal and peal of laughter lets me know Sawyer was caught. Sawyer hangs down FC’s back when they reappear. “I’m going to eat your feet since you ran away,” FC threatens right before he nibbles and tickles his feet with his free hand. Sawyer laughs, an

d it’s such a beautiful little laugh. “You better ask Idaline to help you.” FC winks before turning so Sawyer can see me. “Tell her. Say help. Help!”

He does talk, but nothing comes out sounding like help.

I laugh, stand, and go over. Sawyer holds his arms out and I grab him. “I’ll save you.” FC releases his hold once he realizes I have him. He whirls around and I twist my chest to keep Sawyer away.

I don’t even have to encourage him before he says, “DaDa!” and a bunch of other nonsense when FC holds his hands up as if he’s about to issue a tickle assault.

“No? Are you sure you don’t want the tickle monster to come see you? Maybe Idaline does?” His grin is wicked.

“FC, I’m holding your son,” I remind him.

He rolls his eyes. “Fine.” He holds out his arms for Sawyer, who eyes him with suspicion. “Let’s play.” Those must be the magic words because he leans toward FC with that.

We return to the floor and do our best to entertain Sawyer.

I glance over at Idaline, who seems a bit lost. She stares down at her hands. It’s as if she’s zoned out on us and doesn’t even hear all the noise Sawyer makes right now. I reach over and take her hand, startling her.

“You okay?”

“It’s a bit overwhelming,” she admits with a small smile.

---