Page 20 of A Lapse in Time

"Daddy!" Nia got up and ran toward me.

I bent down to pick her up and kiss her cheeks. Carsyn's eyes lit up when I looked at her. I placed Nia back on the floor and walked over to Carsyn.

"Good morning." I leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"Good morning. There's breakfast for you in the microwave. I didn't want to wake you. At least I didn't forget how to make some stuff." She gave me a closed-mouthed smile.

"Thank you. If there's something you want to make but can't remember, let me know. I don't have a problem cooking or showing you how to make something."

Since Carsyn couldn't remember anything after the age of seventeen, she had pretty much forgotten how to make most foods. She knew how to make simple things like breakfast and some easier meals, and she remembered baking cookies because she and her sister used to bake all the time.

I typically cooked every day anyway, so I had no problem continuing with that. Instead of just Nia and me, it would be thethree of us cooking together. Nia didn't pay attention most of the time, so it would be fun for me to show Carsyn.

"Okay. I only made sausage and eggs. I didn't want to make the toast because I wasn't sure when you were getting up," Carsyn informed me as she picked up one of Nia's toys.

"That's fine. Thanks again. I'm going to grab my plate and come join y'all."

"Hurry up, Daddy."

I chuckled at Nia rushing me then went into the kitchen. Joy spread through my body when the two of them resumed playing. I knew Nia missed her mom when she trained and when she was in the hospital, so it was good they were getting that time together.

After heating my food, I made my toast and returned to the living room.

I sat on the couch and watched my girls play with Nia's learning blocks. She had gotten better with her numbers, which brought a smile to my face every time she said a number out loud with her mother or me helping her. Carsyn seemed to be just as happy as I was. She would give Nia time to figure it out and only help when Nia asked.

Every moment with them was worth whatever storm Carsyn and I went through. Things had been going pretty smoothly, but I wasn't sure if it would stay that way.

"Are you two going to be okay without me for a little while?" I asked Carsyn after I finished eating.

"Yes. I think my sister is coming over for a few anyway, but either way, we'll be fine."

"Okay. I have no doubts. I just want to make sure you are comfortable."

I had all the confidence in the world in Carsyn, but this would be her first time with Nia completely alone since the accident. I gave her time to bond with Nia on her own, but I was still inthe house if she needed me. This would be my first time going anywhere since Carsyn came home from the hospital. I wasn't doing much besides going to the gym to hang out with my cousin for a little bit.

"We will be fine, Noah." Carsyn smiled.

"Yeah, Daddy," Nia added, even though she didn't know what we were talking about.

Carsyn and I looked at each other and laughed.

"If you say so, Nia. I'm going to get ready to get out of here. Thanks again for breakfast." I got up from the couch and walked over to Carsyn. She looked up at me when I got in front of her.

There was still a little bruising on her face, but it was almost gone. I cupped the side of her face and stared down at her. I felt my heart skip a beat when she peered up at me.

"You feel okay? No headache?" I softly asked.

"No. I feel better than I've felt since I got home. I'm fine, Noah, and so is Nia."

Nia was in her own little world, not paying us any mind.

"I know you are." I leaned down and kissed her lips.

I didn't want Carsyn to think that I didn't trust her with Nia because that wasn't the case. I just knew Nia could be a handful sometimes, and I didn't want Carsyn to end up with a headache. Nia wouldn't understand it if mommy needed some rest. Nia was good at taking naps, so I knew she would rest if Carsyn made her. Still, I worried.

"I know how to call you if we need you," Carsyn assured me.

"Good." I winked, then kissed her again.

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