Page 76 of Griffin
“Now, boulders in that area are common. So we’re going to incorporate it into the build and utilize it as a waterfall feature. Pretty cool, huh?” Griffin smiles as he kisses the top of Tommy's head, my son clearly fed by the look of the empty bottle on the countertop nearby.
Seeing Griffin like this does something to my chest. Warmth spreads through me at how much love my son has and how much this man does for me. We’ve fallen into a routine of sorts. Griffin lets me sleep a little longer in the mornings, and he gets up, grabs Tommy, and feeds him a bottle. The morning routine we now have is one that works for all of us.
Griffin’s a natural. His large hand holds Tommy securely to him. Tommy is content, warm, and safe. Seeing the two of them together makes me think of how far we’ve all come. Griffin’s parenting skills are getting better with every passing day. Mine too.
“Good morning…” I walk into the room, pretending I didn’t watch their entire conversation.
“Mornin’, sweetness.”
I step over to him, kissing my son before I kiss Griffin. His free hand wraps around my middle, the t-shirt I’m wearing lifting a little as his palm settles on my ass and he pulls me close.
“You teaching Tommy how to build?” I grin, and Griffin’s eyes sparkle.
“You creeping up on us again?”
I blush a little a being caught. “I wasn’t creeping…” I tease as his hand squeezes my butt cheek.
“Don’t think I don’t see you standing over there at the doorway, watching us each morning.”
“You knew I was there?” I pull back, shocked. “I thought I was so quiet.” I roll my lips as I step away from them, wanting to start breakfast.
“I always know where you are.” He looks at me over the top of the coffee mug as he takes a sip.
“Eggs today?” I grab a pan and the eggs, ready to start a scramble.
“You know you don’t need to make me breakfast.”
“I know, but I like to.” I like to be kept busy, otherwise my mind wanders too much. I haven’t heard from my family, which unsettles me. They would all know about Tommy by now, that I’m one hundred percent sure of. But since I haven’t seen or heard from them, I feel like something is brewing.
“I left you the crossword today.”
I look over at him and smile as he pushes the newspaper my way. We’ve been taking turns to do the daily crossword, and on the weekends, we do it together.
“A man after my own heart.”
“Mmmmm, you in that t-shirt is killing mine,” he mumbles, and I look down at myself.
“My hair is a mess, I barely slept, and I’m pretty sure I leaked milk on this t-shirt of yours at some point last night,” I scoff playfully as I plate our eggs.
“Your breasts are…” He raises his eyebrows and looks right at my chest.
“Out of control. I had no idea this was going to happen when my milk came in, but here we are. About three sizes bigger than normal.” I throw up my hands in mock exasperation.
“Three sizes bigger, huh?” He smirks. “Tragedy.” Then he taps the counter beside him. “Come eat, sweetness. Before you run off to feed the whole town.”
“Melissa is opening again today, so that helps.” She’s been a godsend, helping with not only the bakery, but with Tommy as well, nearly every day. I was surprised she doesn’t have children with how wonderful she is with him.
I take a seat on the stool next to Griffin and look at the wall clock, knowing the bakery will already be open and some of the pastries I made late last night will sell this morning before I get there and make fresh products.
“Go easy. Tommy is only a few weeks old, and you’re still healing too.” Griffin watches me carefully, concern pinching his brow.
“I know. I feel good, though, and I want to take advantage of that. Besides the lack of sleep and the outrageous milk supply.” I grab my chest, knowing I need to express soon. They’re feeling fuller and heavier than ever this morning.
“Again… such a tragedy…” Griffin clicks his tongue in jest, and I laugh.
“Stop it.” I throw a piece of toast at him. “Here, let’s look at this.” Grabbing the newspaper, I scan the crossword.
“Four-letter word for cereal’s usual companion…”
