Parenting

Chapter Nine

-Niall's POV-

Yawning, I then heard William cry from his cot as I groaned. "Five more minutes..." This bed was too comfortable to leave at the moment.

"Daddy!" A loud sigh left me as I pushed the blanket away and got go my feet.

"Daddy's comin'." I yawned again walking into William's room. His small hands reached out for me as I pulled his cot side down and pulled him into my arms.

He instantly quieted and buried his face into my neck as I hummed tiredly and sat on the rocking chair close by.

"Daddy's really tired today buddy." I muttered closing my eyes. It was true. All week I've been trying to help put finishing touches to our new album; and it's fucking taken the life out of me.

I just want to sleep all day and forever if I could.

My phone began blaring from my room as I forced myself and William back into the cost warmth.

"Hello?" I didn't exactly have the best voice in the morning.

"Mate, why do you sound so tired?"

"Because I just woke up Harry." I rolled my eyes hearing his chuckle. "So what do you want?"

"Well I have nothing planned and wanted to spend time today."

"That would be amazing."

Because you can babysit while I sleep.

My phone buzzed a message as I told Harry to hold on one second.

Christine: hey :) just reminding you that im dropping maddy off with you today. thank you for doing this niall :)

Shit. That's right. I'm babysitting Maddy while Christine is going to a party or something.

"Mate? You still there?" Harry asked as William began tugging at my hair.

"A-ah, no William. That hurts Daddy." I whispered. "Sorry Harry, I'm still here. And uh, can I ask a massive favor when you come round?"

"Yeah sure, what is it?"

"Would you be happy to do some double babysitting today?"

"What?"

• • •

"Oh my god, you have no idea how grateful I am for this!" Christine thanked me again as I smiled and waved it off.

"It's no big deal." She took out her bag and from that her purse. "Christine, no-"

"This is the least I can do for somebody I've known for less a week." She took my hand and put twenty into it as I sighed.

"I can live without the money Christine."

"Oh I bet you can. But that's not going to stop me from giving it to you." Her sassiness created a smile followed by a light chuckle from me. "Maddy!"

A few seconds later, Maddy cane running to the door as Christine knelt in front of her.

"You have ok Maddy? Niall is going to look after you for a little while so be good." She nodded and looked up at me. "I love you kid. Play nice and be nice." She gave Maddy a hug and kiss before leaving with a final thank you.

I shut the door and looked down at Maddy as she giggled up at me.

"Come on sweetie." We walked back into the lounge room where William was already playing with his cars. Maddy soon joined him.

A few minutes later, another knock came to the door as I walked to it. Maybe Christine forgot something.

"Hey Niall!" Oh, it was just Harry.

"Hey mate." I smiled as we quickly hugged before I let him in.

"Now where's that little William I know?" We heard William giggle and made our way back into the room.

"Har!" He yelled stumbling over before Harry picked him up and swung him round.

"Careful of my child Harold." I joked coming over to the couch. Harry placed a few kisses on William's cheek before his attention was brought to Maddy.

He looked at me strangely and knelt down again. "Is there another child you're not telling me about?" He joked slightly confused.

"Ah, nah I don't think so." I chuckled. "This here is Maddy. I'm just babysitting for a friend today." Maddy looked up at me as I smiled over at her. "Go introduce yourself sweetie."

She blushed nodding and got to her feet. Harry watched her slowly walk over to him as his dimples slowly popped out.

"Hello." She waved and looked up at him. He smiled down at her and waved back as she smiled in return. "I'm Maddy."

"Well hello Maddy, I'm Harry." Harry let go of William and held his hand which she took. He then sneakily pulled her into a hug as she giggled loudly. "You're just a little cutie aren't you?"

William came stumbling over to me as I took him onto my lap.

"I love you." I smiled holding him close. The radio on TV playing the top thirty blasted through the speakers as Harry took both of Maddy's hands and began dancing with her.

I bounced William on my knee and waved his arms as he laughed.

Today was going to be a good day. I knew it.