Page 23 of Dreams Do Come True

This bathroom is stocked with everything, so I use a new sponge and some baby wash and wash Lyric for the first time.

Lyric takes that as it’s time for more splashing and giggling.

“Alright, little water demon. Time to get out and dry, and it’s not just you who needs drying,” I say, standing up and picking up a towel. I bend to pick Lyric up and wrap the towel around him.

He snuggles into me.

“I see, trying to drown me makes you sleepy, does it?” I say, with a smile, walking out of the bathroom. I’m pulled up short when I see Kean is back, and Monica and Justin are with him. River is resting in Monica’s arms as she feeds him.

“Morning,” I say.

Justin laughs. “Who took the bath, you or Lyric?”

“Oh, Lyric took the bath; he made me have a splash shower, didn’t you, little man?”

“Here, honey, let me dress Lyric, and you can dry yourself off.”

I pass Lyric over. “He still needs drying and doesn’t have a nappy on yet.”

“We will get one right on you, won’t we? I don’t need another tinkle shower,” he says, drying Lyric as he walks to the changing table.

“You all look like you’re bonding nicely,” Justin comments.

“About that. Can we take a walk for a minute?” I ask.

“We can, is anything wrong?” Justin replies, looking concerned.

“Oh no. Advice. We need to pick your brains,” I assure him.

“Let’s go and get coffee,” he suggests, the concerned look vanishing.

“Yes, coffee is good, coffee is our friend, a large coffee would go down a treat about now, maybe even a vat of coffee. What do you think, little man?” Kean asks, securing the clean nappy.

“Duce Clean,” Lyric says, holding his arms out to be picked up. Once in Kean’s arms, he holds his hand up. “Five.”

Kean laughs and taps his hand. “High-five.”

“Monica, coffee? Bacon sandwich? Teacake?” I ask her.

“Yes, for the coffee and a lemon muffin if they have one, please.”

“We’ll be back soon,” I say, and Justin and I leave the room.

“Do you not want to dry first?”

I click my fingers and now I’m blissfully dry. “Sorted.”

Justin laughs and shakes his head. “So, what’s up?”

We reach the lifts and he hits the call button. “We were talking about Reggie and Doris’ funerals and if we should take the boys, especially Lyric. Lyric keeps asking for his mum, which is understandable, but would going to the funeral help him?” As we’re talking, the lift arrives and we both get in, Justin hits the button.

“That’s a difficult one. I’ve had a few adopted parents take the children to funerals.” The lift stops, and we get out, headingstraight for the coffee shop. “Only you and Kean can make that decision. Sorry, I know that’s not the answer you wanted. Monica said their funeral won’t be until the week after next at the earliest. That will give you more time to bond with and get to know Lyric, so you can then make an informed decision.”

“That makes sense,” I say, as we walk in and queue up.

“How’s Lyric doing?”

I sigh. “Like I said, he has moments of only wanting his mum, which is understandable. He had a nightmare last night and woke up screaming and crying. Kean settled him down and taught him how to high-five.”