Page 76 of Because of Them

“I should have told you.”

“You should have asked me,” I snap. I jump up, and am halfway to the kitchen before Michael tries to respond. I cut him off, “I don’t want to talk about this right now. Build your house, go to your meetings, I have enough to worry about without adding more.”

Bottles slam against the counter under my fingers. I spill a scoop of formula, cursing at the loss because that shit is expensive. I force myself to slow down, to breathe, as I carefully measure out the water and drop the bottles into the warmer.

“They’ll need a feed soon,” I say, turning on my heel and pushing my shoulders back. The rushed movement and forcedposture pulls at my scar until I’m forced to hunch over a little. “I’m having a shower.”

I don’t let him answer, instead stalking to the bathroom and slamming the door shut.

I make quick work of turning the shower as hot as it will go, stripping down, and stepping into the steady stream. Scorching water rushes over me, burning away the worst of the rage. A tiny sliver of anger is left when I’m done, softened by the hint of appreciation that tries to push through.

I can be angry and thankful at the same time, right?

MICHAEL

Audrey races around the house, Henry wrapped to her front. His tiny toes poke through the stretchy fabric, one foot either side of her chest. Lately, on our chests has been the only place he will sleep. It’s exhausting, but since Callum’s sister stopped past with a basket of baby wearing accessories, it’s been a little easier.

I haven’t quite mastered how to tie the long stretch of fabric. When it’s my turn—which would be more often if she would let me—Audrey still has to wrap me up while I hold Henry to my chest. Once it’s done though, we’re free to go about the rest of the day with our hands free. No more being trapped on the couch. It’s a start.

William finishes his bottle and I sit him up in my lap. Just as Audrey taught me, one hand supports under his chin while the other pats against his back. After a few gentle taps he grunts, butthe adult sized burp I’m hoping for doesn’t come. I pull a cloth over my shoulder, hoisting him up so his arms dangle down my back. Standing, I continue patting and rubbing his back.

“Audrey, you don’t need to do that.”

She’s got the vacuum out and is steering it towards the hallway that leads to Maisie and the boys’ rooms. Huffing, she turns to glare at me.

“I don’t want your mother to think I can’t keep my house clean.”

William wiggles against my shoulder and burps in my ear.

“Good job buddy,” I whisper to him as I adjust my hold on him. Propping him in one arm so his head nestles into the crook of my elbow, I step around the couch.

“I promise you she will not notice if you don’t vacuum the floor. And if by some odd fluke she trips and lands face to the floor in Maisie’s room to find a tiny crumb hidden in the carpet, she will blame me, not you.”

With my free hand, I take the vacuum from Audrey and step back. She protests, moving towards me but my long strides are too quick for her. I spin on my heel and take the vacuum back to the linen closet off the laundry. The sound of clattering dishes starts up in the kitchen, so I kick the cupboard closed and race out.

Audrey has one hand on the bench supporting her back as she unloads the dishwasher. Thank God she knows how to tie the wrap so tightly, because Henry hasn’t moved an inch off her chest despite the way she leans forward.

Moving behind her, I place my hand around her middle and pull her upright. With William in one arm, I hold Audrey against my side until she drops her head back against my shoulder.

“You do not need to get the house ready for them. You’ve met my mother, she could not care less if the dishwasher is loaded.”

Audrey shakes her head, her messy bun tickling under my chin. “She always finds things though. Dishes to wash or laundry to fold.”

“She isn’t judging you for not having them done, Audrey. She doesn’t do it because she thinks you can’t, she just wants to help.” I squeeze my arm around her and kiss the top of her head. “If you want her to stop, I’ll tell her to stop.”

Audrey twists her head to me. Her mouth forms a thin, straight line, and I tip my head down to rest my forehead on hers.

“It’s really helpful when she does it,” Audrey admits. She frees her lip with a grin and slips out of my loose hold. “You know what else would be really helpful?”

I raise an eyebrow, humming for her to continue.

“If you could hold Henry while I shower?”

She’s already untying the giant knot under Henry’s bum. I stare in wonder as she unwraps the fabric, all while keeping Henry still and secure with her other hand.

“Want me to wrap you up?” she asks once she has successfully untwisted herself.

I reach for Henry, taking him from her arms and holding him on my chest, nestled close to William. The boys reach for each other, linking tiny hands above my heart. I let out a deep satisfied breath. I hope they never lose this connection.

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