Hidden

Chapter 29 - Just Us

*It won't let me put in my chapter photo :( rip *
*update: got the photo*

Today was meant to be my first day back to football since I hadn't been on the grounds since Archie was born. As much as I was genuinely looking forward to seeing all my friends and teammates, I really didn't want to leave him and Emily.

Not yet.

We had been living in our perfect bubble for the last two months and leaving it felt like a crime in a lot of ways. But I also knew we'd both be going back to our jobs eventually.

The first thing I opened my eyes to this morning was the smile on my son's face. Emily was holding him up and supporting his back a little, but he was doing most of the work, and his eyes were on me.

"Good morning." I smiled, slowing sitting up and taking Archie in my hands. I laid him down and bent down to kiss his head. "Good morning to you too, monster."

"We thought we'd wake Mommy up for her first day back to work." Emily sat next to me. I felt her lips briefly touch my cheek. "I made you breakfast."

I looked over at her. "Really?"

"Yep." I pecked her lips a few times. "You excited for today?"

I nodded. "Yeah, but...I wish I took more time off. And I know, I know. You're going to say I need to go back and—"

"You want to have a family day? Just the three of us. Get out of the house for a bit and get lunch, find a park to walk in, shop around..."

"What about Arsenal?"

"Do you want to go back today?" I shook my head. "Then we'll spend the day together. Just us three. Go back in a week or two, Le. And if Archie and I are honest, we want you to stay home a little longer too."

"I'll call Jonas and let him know. Thank you, Em."

She kissed me. It was soft and sweet. "What's our number one rule?"

"Family's the most important."

"Family's the most important." She kissed me one more time. "Call Jonas. I'll go get your food then we can talk about what we want to do, okay?"

"Yeah, okay."

I reached for my phone as she left me and Archie. I called Jonas and he answered within the first few rings. I told him the truth, explaining I wasn't ready to come in yet. He understood and sent me through to management, so I could file in the days off again.

Once that was done, Emily had already come back in and taken Archie, who'd become fussy. So, while she changed him, I called Mum.

"Do you want to watch Archie tonight?"

Mum laughed, "When do I not want to spend an evening with my grandson? What time should I come get him?"

"Don't worry about it. I'll come drop him off around five or so."

"Sounds good to me. I'll let your father know. I'll see you later, Bubs."

"I'll see you later, Mum."

"Who was Mommy talking to, huh?" I looked back towards the door to see Emily talking to our son in her newly found baby voice. "Was it your grandma?"

"It was." I chuckled. She sat back down and handed Archie over to me. "I asked her if she'd be willing to watch him this evening." I could tell she wanted me to say more. "I thought I could treat you to an at-home date tonight. I'll make you dinner and I guarantee it'll be romantic."