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TENLEY
“Damn, he’s cute. You sure August is the father?”
“Pretty positive, King. I was there.” I wink.
“Just checking.” He shakes off my comeback like it was nothing. “I was worried for a second the little slugger would come out with a mustache.”
“You know he has a name now, right? Given he’s actually here and a full-fledged human.”
“Slugger just fits, TT. You know it, too. Apollo Slugger Graves. Y’all made a mistake, I gotta say.”
“I think Apollo Levi Graves sounds perfect.”
We chose Levi as Apollo’s middle name not only because he’s August’s brother, but because the moment my water broke, Levi stepped up to help however he could. One would think he would have been inclined to help with his siblings, but no.
Levi was all hands on deck for me—for Apollo.
Doing everything in his mighty power to make sure I had ice around the clock to chew on during labor. Confirming Apollo had all of his swaddles secured for the cold nights in the hospital room, the nights that followed.
It was such a joy to witness him silently watch over him in his cradle while he was sleeping. My heart burst every time he reached to soothe him, rubbing soft strokes across his little feet in an attempt to settle him.
I see so much of August in Levi. So much of his heart and caretaking.
His need to protect the ones he loves.
He stepped up in a way no one ever expected. So, the middle name Levi seemed like the only option fit for Apollo. I can already see the bond those two will have when he grows up.
“Okay. Hand him over,” August commands, reaching to hold his son.
This view is my favorite of them all. The love of my life holding the light of my life.
From the second Apollo was born, all blond hair and blue eyes, August has been an exemplified version of himself. He’s been a combination of cooing and baby talk when directed at Apollo, and nonstop care for me in the weeks following birth.
My recovery hasn’t been easy, but I’ve officially reached two months postpartum, and I’m finally starting to feel like myself again.
But better, if I’m being transparent.
It’s as if a part of me that’s been missing my whole life has finally found its rightful place. The part of me that’s now a mother to the most special little boy in the world.
It’s a love I never could have constructed on my own, and one I know for certain is the deepest of them all because I’m now living it.
I’m definitely winging it through the moments I don’t have a single clue if what I’m doing is right. But I know Apollo is safe, healthy, and taken care of.
That’s enough for me.
I’ve also got the greatest partner to experience all these new milestones and challenges with.
August makes me a better version of myself. The version of me I don’t want to keep hidden and guarded. He’s dared me to be vulnerable and letlovedecide who I allow in my life.
“We really appreciate you guys watching Apollo. Although, you didn’tallhave to be here.” I giggle, my eyes scanning our living room, the space August now permanently calls his home.
“And pass up a chance of baby snuggles?” Navy scoffs at the same time Bodhi says, “She would have been here hours ago, had I let her.” He points at my beautiful redheaded friend.
“Not gonna lie, I’m here for the pizza. Not a big kid guy,” Mack states, not surprising any of us. He’s always been the quiet one of the group and keeps to himself.
“Appreciate your honesty, Mack,” I tell him. “Either way, I’m glad you’re here.”
“And we,” Kodi stammers with a megawatt smile, “need to get our practice in. Right, Callaway?” She nudges his side, urging Cal to participate.
