Page 29 of Saving Little Clark

Will smiled, soft and fond, and leaned down to press a kiss to Alex's lips. "Just remember to be good, okay? No monkey business or mischief-making while I'm gone."

As Will headed out the door with a final wave and a promise to be back soon, I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy mingled with joy. As I watched Brody scoop Alex up and swing him around in a dizzying, giggling circle, I wondered if such happiness was in the cards for me too.

The next hour passed in a blur of laughter and mischief. Brody was a natural with Alex. He knew just how to hold the sippy cup to avoid spills, the perfect angle to tilt it so Alex could drink without dribbling. He cut the crusts off the sandwiches without being asked, arranging the bite-sized pieces into smiley faces and goofy shapes that made Alex clap his hands in delight.

And when the inevitable crash of disaster struck, when Alex toppled a towering stack of my old college textbooks and sent them sprawling across the bedroom floor, Brody was right there to soothe and comfort, to chase away the fears with gentle words and warm hugs.

"Hey, it's okay, buddy," he murmured, rubbing Alex's back in slow, calming circles. "Accidents happen, yeah?”

"But I made a mess," Alex said, his lower lip trembling pitifully. "I was bad, Uncle Brody. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

"Shh, none of that now," Brody said firmly, tipping Alex's chin up to meet his gaze. "You're a good boy, and nothing is ever going to change that. Not even a little spilled milk, or a lotta spilled books, in this case."

Alex giggled, swiping at his cheek with the back of his hand. "Silly Uncle Brody. Books can't spill. They're not liquid."

"Oh yeah?" Brody challenged, a playful glint in his eye. "Then how do you explain all these words and letters, huh? Look at 'em, just spilled out all over the floor like a big ol' alphabet soup."

Together, the three of us made quick work of the fallen books, stacking them back up into neat piles and tucking them away on the shelves. Alex insisted on helping, on being a "big, strong boy" who could carry the heavy hardcovers all by himself.

And Brody, bless him, played along with a solemn nod and a flex of his biceps. "You sure are, champ," he said, a proud grin on his face. "With muscles like those, I bet you could lift a whole library if you wanted to."

Alex beamed, throwing his arms around Brody's neck and squeezing with all his might. "I love you, Uncle Brody," he mumbled into the soft fabric of Brody's shirt. "You're the best uncle ever."

"I love you too, buddy," Brody whispered.

I met Brody's gaze over Alex's shoulder, saw the tenderness and devotion and quiet understanding shining in those ocean-blue eyes.

Just then, the front door swung open with a bang, and Will's booming voice filled the apartment.

"Honey, I'm home!" he called out, a teasing lilt to his words. "Where's my favorite little monster at? I've got a surprise for him."

"Daddy!" Alex squealed, wriggling out of Brody's arms and racing towards the sound of Will's voice like a puppy chasing a favorite toy. "You're back!"

I heard Will's answering laugh. And then they were rounding the corner into the bedroom, Alex perched proudly on Will's shoulders like a pint-sized king surveying his kingdom.

"There's my boys," Will grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he took in the sight of us - Brody kneeling on the floor, me leaning against the bookshelf with a sappy smile on my face. "Looks like you had quite the adventure while I was gone, huh?"

"We did, Daddy, we did!" Alex babbled excitedly, bouncing in place and nearly toppling off his lofty perch. "We played dinos, and had sammiches, and built a big tower of books, and then I accidentally knocked it over and made a big mess, but it's okay because Uncle Brody said accidents happen and I'm still a good boy and-"

"Whoa, slow down there, champ," Will laughed, reaching up to steady Alex with a gentle hand. "Take a breath before you pass out on me, yeah? You can tell me all about your day, but maybe at a slightly less supersonic speed, hmm?"

Alex giggled with a sheepish grin. "Sorry, Daddy. I just got really excited."

"I know you did, baby boy," Will said fondly, pressing a kiss to Alex's lips.

"So," Brody said, pushing himself to his feet with a groan. "I should probably get going. I don't want to overstay my welcome."

I frowned, my heart sinking at the thought of him leaving. "You could never do that," I said softly, taking a step towards him. "You're always welcome here."

"I know," he murmured, reaching out to tuck a stray curl behind my ear with gentle fingers. "But Will and Alex needthis time together. Need to reconnect and recharge after being apart."

He was right, of course. This was about giving Alex and Will the space they needed to nurture the bond that was still so new and precious between them.

"Okay," I said slowly.

His eyes softened, his hand coming up to cup my cheek with tenderness. And then he was turning away, crossing the room to where Will and Alex were watching us.

"Alright, little man," he said, holding out his arms for a hug. "I gotta head out now. But I had the best time with you today, you hear? The absolute best."

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