Page 26 of Dreams Do Come True

I put my phone down and look at Lyric. He is covered in muffin crumbs. “Little man, did you actually eat any muffin, or just crumble it up and drop it all over you?”

Lyric looks up and grins.

“Let me take you to the bathroom and brush you down, then wash your messy hands,” I say, cradling him, so as not to drop crumbs everywhere. “Right, stand here and we can brush these crumbs off you.” I stand him on the vanity, close to the sink and brush the crumbs into the sink. “There, all clean. Now for your hands.”

“Tus five,” he says, holding his hand up.

I laugh and high-five him, then wash our hands and wipe his face. I drop the towel on his head, covering his face.

“Oh no, where’s Lyric?”

I hear a giggle, then he pulls the towel off.

I gasp. “There you are,” I pick him up and carry him back into the bedroom and see the doctor there.

He smiles my way. “Morning. I was just telling Mr Stone that I’m happy to release both boys.”

“Thank goodness. Hear that, little man, we can leave here.”

Lyric frowns and looks at the cot, where Kean has laid River down. “Baby come?”

“He will. You’re both coming with us.” Kean tells him.

CHAPTER 9

We’re just packing everything up when Jess walks in, carrying a large box.

“Dr Glore said he had discharged the boys. This here is a baby box. We give them out to all new parents. This box can be used as a crib. It has a mattress and blankets inside that fit the box. There are clothes, up to the age of six months, scratch mittens, a couple of towels, and a swaddle blanket. Baby shampoo, baby wash, a sponge, and a baby thermometer. A play mat and travel changing mat, a toothbrush, a teething ring, and lots more besides. There is also a QR code inside that links to a baby music site, with calming music and music to help them sleep.”

“Oh wow, thanks, Jess,” I say.

“I figured you wouldn’t be set up for the children. This will help you until you have everything you need,” she says, putting it on the bed. “Good luck to the both of you. I can already tell you’ll be an amazing family.”

“Thanks, Jess, and thanks for your help,” Kean says.

“You’re welcome, good luck.”

We watch Jess leave.

“Can you manage Lyric and both bags if I take the box and River?” Kean asks.

“Yep. I just need to clean the bathroom.” I push my magic out, and the bathroom is now crumb-free and tidy.

As Kean gently un-swaddles River and puts him in the baby carrier, using the swaddle blanket to cover him, I make sure the bags are shut and look at Lyric. “Ready, little man?”

Lyric looks uncertain but nods. I pick him up and stand him on the bed. I put the bags on my shoulders and pick our son up.

Kean picks the box up and then the baby carrier, and we leave the children’s ward and the hospital.

We reach my car, and I'm nervous about Lyric’s reaction. Will he be able to get in the car, or will he be too scared?

Kean puts the baby box in the boot, then puts River in the car. I open the other door and put both bags in the foot well.

I look at Lyric. “Ready?”

He nods, and I put him in the car seat. I lean over and, after a few attempts of trying to figure out how the straps work, with Lyric helping, I get him strapped in, safe and secure. “Thanks, Lyric,” I say, holding my hand up.

He grins and taps my hand. “Five Tus.”