Gone Country

Twenty Two

Laying down next to Lucas in his room I wrapped my arms around him, tucking him in tight.

"Sleep well baby, I hope you have sweet dreams."  I kissed him forehead and he smiled lazily.

"I will ma'am.  But what if I have a nightmare?"  I knelt over and threw one of my legs over the side of the bed like a protective barrier.

"We'll be just out front in the dirt road.  If you have a bad dream baby you come and get me and I'll stay with you till you fall asleep again."  He nodded and started to yawn.  Rolling over he pulled the covers up to his nose.  Mr. Tickles close by.  Caleb and brought him back and gave him over after dinner.  "I love you."  I said again.  I got a tiered love you, and I left him to his dreams.

Entering my room I went over to where Peyton was bouncing up and down in her crib laughing.  It seemed harder and harder to get her to go to sleep every night instead of just playing in there.

"Oh you little girl. You're supposed to be sleeping."  She laughed and reached out for me.  Her fingers straining to touch me.  I went over and picked her up, cuddling her close and placing kisses all over her face.  She laughed and then leaned on me, putting her hands in my loose curls.  "You can't sleep on me love, I gotta celebrate tonight.  We made some pretty good money today."

Sitting down on my mattress I rested her there as she started mumbling in her little baby gibberish.  She loved talking, and I had a feeling that right after her first birthday she would be talking pretty quick.

Peyton first birthday.

I remembered that it wasn't to far away, and knew I had to do something for it.  

"My little girl..you'll be a year here soon."  She yawned then and I heard a light knock on my door.  It was ajar slightly and I saw Caleb peek inside.

"Hey."

"Hey."  I smiled and looked down to Peyton.  "Did you need something?"  He shook his head and walked into my room slowly, taking in the color and minor mess I kept it in.

"Your room?"

"Yeah."  I blushed and turned my head away, but I knew that didn't matter.  He knew the thoughts going through my head.

"I did come up to tell you that the party is starting and that Maggie and Guy are here.  Jason got a call and had to head out to see about a disturbance, but he will be back sense it's his day off.  Wanted me to tell you he'd bring some Jack back."  By now he was sitting on my bed next to me, watching as Peyton drifted slowly.  She watched him and reached out to touch him as well.  She took the finger he held out for her and fell asleep.

"So you did need something."  He chuckled lightly and leaned over so that it was easier on my arm.

"That and I was curious to see your room."  I shook my head laughing lightly, standing and placing Peyton down in her crib.  I brought the blankets up to her chin and watched her a moment to make sure she truly was asleep.

"Your little girl loves you."

"She is my girl."  I said in a small whisper.

"You're a good mother Harper.  I don't know how you do it, working so much.  But you show them so much love."  His statement took me off guard for a moment, and looking into his eyes I could see that he truly meant it.

"Thank you, Caleb, I haven't heard anyone other then my mother say that."  His face grew from serious to charming, taking my breath away.  He truly knew how to work his looks.