Page 156 of Range
“Yes, ma’am.” I chuckled, eyelids heavy.
Égée’s head lifted and fell as I breathed. He was sound asleep against my chest, unwilling to move, no matter how much his parents wanted him to.
“I’ll take him,” Egypt offered.
I held up my right hand.
“Let him sleep.”
I lowered my mouth, kissing his forehead. My precious baby was no burden. His handsome face made me wonder if he was more of Teddy or his mother. The verdict was still out.
“You’re near sleep yourself,” Rather claimed.
Sighing, I countered. “I’ll be fine. I’m sure his parents could use the break. He can come over to my place and stay the night.”
“Unless you’re lactating already, you will not like that idea.”
I closed my eyes, remembering Égée was still breastfeeding.
“I completely forgot.”
For the first time, I questioned motherhood and how my journey would look. Egypt and Chem had such calm, gentle babies. They made you want more. I couldn’t help but wonder if these moments would resemble the ones I’d share with my children and if their temperaments would be the same as my nieces and nephews'.
Chemistry Jru.
Égée.
Psalem.
Psong.
Izzy Rae.
They were all pleasurable. Tolerable. Quiet. Cozy. And, restful. I’d imagined it stemmed from the time they spent with Rhea. She was their main caregiver. However, Izzy wasn’t in St. Catana with our mother. She was miles and miles away. Yet, she was just like her cousins.
I wrapped my arms around my sweet little baby. The unwavering void I felt upon landing dissolved with him in my hands. Selfishly, I didn’t want to release him to his parents.
“Ahhhhhh.”
Another yawn ripped through me. My eyes watered, but I didn’t miss Teddy’s long stature rising. Quietly, he made his way to my side of the table.
Égée was stolen from my hands. My heart was crushed. But, just as it had broken, the small amber vial he was replaced with pieced me back together.
“Go home, Range. You need your rest.”
I didn’t debate. It was useless. Chem wouldn’t repeat himself. Neither would he go back and forth with me.
“Well, ladies. It’s been nice. The sheriff of this town says I have to go to sleep.”
I picked up my empty plate and was immediately chastised by a hand to the wrist.
“We’ve got it.”
“I’ll clean the table,” Roaman offered.
“I’ll help,” Rome agreed.
Egypt raised from her seat.
