Remember When ↠ l.p.

If there were any other way

"I'm really sorry to do this to you," Liam frowns unhappily "but I don't think that there is anything else to be done. Sophia's leaving tomorrow and with how often I'm needed at work I just can't quite make it. Are you sure it's alright? I can see if anyone else can, if you want." he shifts Tessie who is leaning into his side as he holds her.

"No, no" I wave him off "it's fine, we'll have dinner all together and then I'll bring her over to your house. It's not much trouble at all and I completely understand. You both have busy jobs and sometimes can't manage." Liam has been increasingly stubborn with me when I want to go a little bit out of my way for Theresa. When I bought a new type of cereal she wanted I noticed that my paycheck that week had spiked slightly. Just little things. I'm beginning to think it's some sort of parental guilt. He feels bad that he's not the one buying her special cereal and driving her around. I wouldn't be surprised, I felt awful when I had to get Cailyn looked after, even temporarily.  "There's no shame in asking for and accepting help Liam."

"I know that," he rubs a hand through his hair, which is already messy "yet I can't help still feeling terrible about. I'll reimburse you for the extra food as well."

"Liam James! Honestly, Tessie doesn't eat that much and it will be the same meals I would fix for myself and Cailyn. You will not pay me extra." I'm frowning now and I cross my arms, daring him to test me.

He shrugs and takes a step back. "Alright then. I won't, if you feel so strongly about it." Tessie yawns in his arms and bounces her gently.

"I do, now you better get that one home. Goodbye you two," I squeeze his arm and then give his shoulder a push out the door.

"Do know," he turns back around as I'm closing the door "that if I had any other option I would take it. I don't want to-"

"-inconvenience me, I know. And I don't mind. Now get out of here Payne. Your daughter is going to be hungry when she comes out of her post-nap haze." I shoo him away and he laughs and turns around to walk away again. I close the door behind him and find Cailyn standing behind me, arms crossed. Thus far she's been a lovely five year old and even prone to saying things like "I'm five now, I'm really big and amateur so I don't mind eating my veggies" or "I'm a big girl and I can clean up my toys right away mommy" and then she'll give my arm a reassuring pat and walk off to do whatever chore or activity she used to whine about doing. I have no idea how long this will last but for as long as it does I'm very grateful.  

"What's happening mommy?" she asks as we walk into the kitchen to prepare our own supper. 

"Mrs. Sophia is going to have to out of town to visit someone. She's going to be gone for several days and Liam can't pick up Tessie on time. So instead of Tessie being picked up after nap time is over, she'll eat dinner with us and then we'll drive her home. How does that sound?"

"It sounds fine mommy." she sits down at the table and swings her legs from her perch. "Will we be missing bedtime when we take Tessie home?" I pause for a minute and then realize she must think that we'll be getting home at the same time as we might coming back home after having one of our weekly or every other week dinners with the Paynes. They've become less frequent as things have become more and more hectic. We had the party and then I was entertaining my parents for a few days and showing them around town. And now it seems that both Sophia and Liam's work schedules have begun stretching their free time to its limits too.

"No, we should get back in plenty of time, don't worry."

"Oh, I'm not worried. I'm a big girl, I know things mommy. You don't have to worry. Besides, I like missing my bedtime. It's fun!" she grins up at me cheekily as I roll my eyes.

"Of course you do," I tease and we laugh together.

So it's been a few days since I've updated. I got very sick and was throwing up for nearly an entire day and spent the past couple recovering. Sorry and Happy belated Valentine's Day to you all!