Page 36 of Dreams Do Come True

Lyric falls asleep in the car, but by the time we get home, River is starting to grumble.

“I’ll take River and get him sorted. Do you want to put Lyric to bed?” I ask as we get out of the car.

“I can do that. Hopefully, he’ll stay asleep as I change him,” Kean says, gently lifting Lyric out of the car and collecting his bag.

I get River and his bag, but leave the other bits; we can get them later.

We carry the boys inside, and Kean takes Lyric straight to our bedroom. I take River out of the baby carrier and carry him into the kitchen to make a bottle.

I’m sat at the table feeding him when Kean walks in and sits at the table with me.

“He didn’t stir,” Kean pauses and wipes a hand over his face. “He’s not spoken since he woke up this afternoon.”

“I know. I’m not worried, though, he’ll be talking about bad ass soon enough,” I try and assure him.

“But what if he doesn’t?”

“Then we’ll find him some professional help. Handsome, don’t borrow trouble; tomorrow is another day. Let’s see what it brings.”

“You’re right, I know you are.”

“It’s only been a couple of days,” I remind him, taking the now-empty bottle away from River and putting it on the table. I sit River up and gently rub his back.

Kean gives a quick grin and hands me a burp cloth. “It feels much longer. I like it here, but I can’t wait to go home tomorrow.”

“Me either. I’ll send a message to the others later, letting them know we’re still alive, but I won’t mention coming home tomorrow.” River burps. “Good boy.” I pass River over to Kean.

Kean gently cradles him and kisses his little head. “You just want to see the look of shock and surprise on everyone’s faces.”

I laugh. “I really do.”

We sit in silence for a moment, just gazing at River. I could still pinch myself that we now have two children. My heartbreak from a few days ago is almost gone; now my heartbreak is over Reggie and Doris missing out on watching their children grow up.

We get River ready for bed and settle him in his box before Kean and I get ready for bed, practically falling into it. It’s been an emotional day for all of us.

We’re up a few times for River, but Lyric sleeps through the night.

He’s sitting up in his crib, babbling happily to his teddy when I wake up.

I leave Kean sleeping and walk over to Lyric. “Hey, little man.”

He gives me a giant smile. “Tus,” he says, holding his arms out.

I pick him up and kiss his head. “Shall we change your stinky nappy, then feed you?”

Lyric nods, then looks at the bed, pointing. “Clean?”

“No, little man. Kean’s sleeping.”

Lyric shakes his head. “Clean,” he yells, quite loudly and by my ear.

“Don’t wake him or your brother. Use your indoor voice.”

“Clean,” he says, pointing to him again.

I hear the bed sheets move and look towards Kean, who is now awake and sitting up. “I’m awake.”

“Clean,” he says happily.