Together.

Twenty-Three.

I'm sorry it's so short. I'm still dealing with slightly poorly baby but I managed to get this written whilst my husband was home for a few days.  I'm not sure if I'll be able to update everyday while he's ill but providing they're okay I'll aim for every second day.

'Are you okay?' Nick asks as Demi rolls onto her side and runs her hands over her face.

'I don't know. I think I'm just tired.' She replies shrugging her shoulders. Sitting on the edge of the bed he leans over and moves some hair out of her face.

'Why don't you for a sleep? I'll take Willow downstairs and give her lunch.' He suggests smiling as the little girl rolls onto her back and stares up at Demi.

'Do you mind? I'm sure if I get an hour I'll be okay.' She asks and he shakes his head.

'Of course I don't mind. You need to rest, Demi. What you're body has been through recently is huge, let yourself recover.' He replies lifting Willow into his arms.

'Did you go get Lanterns this morning?' She asks and he nods his head.

'Yep. I got a pack of four.' He replies and she nods her head.

'Thank you.' She says quietly. Leaning down he kisses the top of her head and smiles at her slightly.

'Get some rest. Willow and I will be downstairs if you need us.' He replies. She nods her head and watches as he leaves the room with Willow balanced on his hip.

'What do you want for lunch, little duck?' He asks carrying Willow downstairs and into the kitchen. He places the little girl in her highchair and fastens a bib around her neck.

'Let's see what's in the fridge.' He says making his way over to the fridge. Opening the fridge he glances about before pulling out a little pot of puréed vegetables.

'How does sweet potato and carrot sound?' He asks smiling.

_____

'That was good, wasn't it?' Nick says as he wipes Willow's mouth with a baby wipe before dropping it in the bin.

'Ah bababababa...' Willow babbles grinning up at her dad as she claps her hands together.

'Let's go play, will we?' He says taking her bib off and lifting her into his arms. Making his way into the living room he places her in her jumperoo as his phone buzzes.

'Uncle Joe's phoning us.' He says smiling as he lifts his phone and hits the answer button.

'Hello?' He says.

'Hey, bro... Merry Christmas! How was your day yesterday?' Joe asks.

'Merry Christmas to you too... It was okay, bit rough with everything going on but we made the most of it for Willow's sake.' Nick replies.

'How's Demi doing?' Joe asks.

'She's okay, well as okay as can be expected. She's in bed at the moment so it's just me and little Willow.' Nick replies.

'Is there anything the two of you need?' Joe asks.

'No I think we're okay right now. I think we're just going to spend the day in the house.' Nick replies.

'Okay. If either of you need anything just let me know.' Joe says.

'I will, thank you Joe.' Nick replies. They both hang up and he places his phone back on the coffee table before making his way over to Willow.

'What are you doing, beautiful girl...' He asks bending down in front of the jumperoo. Smiling he taps his hands against the toys causing the little girl to giggle.

'You are so beautiful just like your mommy.' He says smiling as he gently taps the little girl's nose.

_____

'How do we use them?' Demi asks as Nick opens up the lantern.

'We light this bit and then let it fill with hot air.' He replies reaching for his lighter. It's pitch black outside and as he lights the fuel box it gives off a light glow allowing him to see the tears forming in Demi's eyes. After around a minute he's able to let go off the lantern as it floats off into the sky.

'Hey, come here...' He says pulling her into his arms. Burying her head in the crook of his neck, she clings tightly to him as her body begins to shake with sobs.

'It's okay... I've got you.' He whispers rubbing his hand up and down her back in an attempt to comfort her.