Page 33 of Grasp The Moment

She’s curled herself into a little ball, half of her body atop mine as she sleeps peacefully. I stop in my haste and watch her as the sunlight beams into the room.

Her features are softer when she’s asleep, and an ethereal glow bounces off of her delicate skin as the sun shines against her. She looks so peaceful, completely unlike her usual chaotic self.

My finger itches to touch her, caress her, and just when I reach out to do so, the sound of feet hitting the floor and a yell of my name snaps me out of it.

“Papá!” Delilah shouts, running into the room, her curls a wild mess against her shoulders.

Grinning, I put a finger to my lips as Georgia stirs.

“Oh!” Delilah grins cheekily, eyeing the sleeping beauty on my chest before picking up Agnes like a rag doll. I cringe.

“Am I going to Pre-K today?”

Delilah’s words ring throughout the air, stilling me in my spot.

Shit.

I slept through my alarm this morning. Delilah is usually up after me, so if she’s wakingmeup, then we’re fucked.

Softly prying myself away from Georgia, I hold my arms out for Delilah. With a small giggle, she falls into my hug. Kissing her forehead, I speak into her hair, careful of my tone to not wake up Georgia.

“Go brush your teeth quickly, and put on the clothes that I set out on your bed last night, okay, Soldier?”

Deli straightens up, nodding her head with a pout.

“Aye aye, Captain,” she says, saluting me before doing those two tasks.

Hopping out of the bed, I rush to get ready, fucking up myown routine as I rush to get breakfast made for Deli and Georgia.

“Where are the damn eggs?” I curse, searching the fridge high and low.

The corn tortillas are already frying, my green sauce is ready, and all I need now are eggs. Cursing under my breath, I run a hand over my face as I blindly look for the eggs, smacking my glasses off my face. I tried to put in my contacts this morning, but my eyes were too irritated for them. When I finally find the eggs and finish cooking breakfast, I put my glasses back on and head for Delilah.

She should be done getting dressed by now…

“Dels, baby, are you ready?” I ask, calling out to her, only to receive giggles in return. My feet come to a complete stop in the doorway as I take in the sight before me.

Sitting at her miniature vanity is Delilah, getting her hair done by Georgia. The two of them are in their own world, singing along to the musical that Deli’s been watching on repeat lately.

My body feels weird as I take in the two of them together, happy and laughing with one another.

“You look perfect, Deli,” Georgia coos, looking at Delilah through the mirror.

My daughter grows shy as she blushes, pink tinting her dimpled cheeks. “Thank you…” she says softly, tilting her chin to hide her smile.

This right here is what she’s needed this entire time, and I’ll do anything to keep her life like this.

Georgia catches a glimpse of me through the mirror and smiles, “Looks like breakfast is ready, Deli Belly… Go eat, but make sure not to spill anything, okay? If you need help with anything, tell us.”

Delilah nods, grinning as she eyes herself in the mirror before turning to hug Georgia.

“Thank you!” she exclaims before running to the kitchen, Agnes following behind her, whipping her tail.

“Do not give Agnes any of your chilaquiles, Deli! And be careful with the sauce!” I call after her, knowing that my messy daughter wants everyone in the world to try her favorite foods, including our new dog.

When I turn around, Georgia is standing before me, a shy smile on her face. Taking a deep breath, I pull her into a hug, and my shoulders drop as I thank her.

She waves me off, smiling. "What's a wife for? Have a good day, yeah? I have a course today at ten.”