HOLDEN
I’m worried about Sophie. More than worried. I know she’s been … not herself lately. She’s exhausted more often than normal and gets frustrated more easily. I think it’s because she’s not feeling well. When I see her in the kitchen in the morning, she seems fine.
She kisses me softly. “Thank you for making that appointment, Hold.”
“Of course, baby.” I kiss her again and stroke her back. “Are you excited to see Valerie today?”
“Yes.” She bounces a little. “I know it’s only been six weeks, but that feels like such a long time.”
My smile softens as she tells me about how excited she is to see Valerie and Tristan. She’s excited to catch up, share about Paris and show pictures, and really introduce us to Tristan. Gunner comes out, almost late, kisses Sophie in a show-stopping way, grabs two waffles, and runs for his car.
Sophie looks around. “Nick?”
“You just missed him, Soph. He did leave a note for you.” I hand her the note.
She looks it over and grins. “I don’t know how I got lucky enough to have all four of you. It would be a miracle to have one of you just the way you are.”
I kiss her forehead again, then make myself and Roman some coffee. Roman comes out, looking like he could use a few more hours of sleep, and takes the coffee I offer. He takes a long drink even though it’s scalding, and pushes his hair back.
Sophie rubs his chest. “Sorry. I know I kept tossing and turning.”
Roman just takes another drink. Sophie ducks between her shoulders, but joins me for breakfast. We talk about nothing in particular for a while, but then she forces a swallow. “Do we have a guest room ready for Tristan?”
“Yes,” I assure her, taking her hand. “We always have at least one or two ready.”
She slumps again. “I’m worrying too much, aren’t I? Making mountains out of mole hills again.”
When we wrap up, she starts to do dishes. “Sophie, I can-”
“You guys have put up with all my bullshit lately. Let me do something normal.” She insists.
I grab a towel. “Then I’m drying, and resisting the urge to swat you with this towel.”
She giggles and wiggles at me, like a dare to follow through on my threat. I snap the towel close to her, and she squeals, giggling as she splashes me a little. We get through the dishes while having fun and I feel like everything is going to be okay.
Whatever kind of sickness she’s dealing with will pass and then we’ll be back to the life we all want. One that’s peaceful, fun, happy. And we’re going to get there. I’m sure of it. After another hour or two, I’m not sure how long I put off work to enjoy Sophie’s good mood, Roman comes back out, completely dressed.
“We have people to pick up, Sophia.”
“Yes, amore.” She kisses his cheek when he bends down to meet her lips, then stretches on her toes to kiss mine. She stumbles into me and giggles. “So strong.”
“Be safe on the road. I love you.” I kiss her softly.
She moans and throws her arms around me, kissing me again. She winks at Roman. “You’re getting plenty more later.”
He smiles but rolls his eyes. As she goes to get ready, he refills his coffee. “Something is definitely up. She’s snappy.”
“Of course she is.” Roman agrees. “But if she snaps at Valerie, she’ll snap back.”
“We’ll get everything figured out,” I assure him.
Before we can dive deeper into the Sophie conversation, she hops back downstairs and takes Roman’s hand. “Ready for a mini road trip.”
“I hate airports,” Roman says.
“We’re just doing a pick-up and we can make out in the car until Valerie texts me that she’s outside.”
“That’s a good incentive.” He leaves the coffee on the island and scoops Sophie up, making her giggle as he carries her to the elevator. “I like this good mood,” He tells her.