4. Deal

"You look tired, honey." Mini said calmly, when Alo fell exhausted by her side in the bed.

"You guessed?" he barked back, his voice muffled by the pillow. Mini smiled.

"Well, it's your turn to tell her a story."

"I'm sleeping."

"Als."

"Just tonight, baby. Okay?" he turned around to look at her. He crawled to her feet where Grace was, watching him curiously with her big eyes, and kissed her forehead. "I sold a big summer house today, by the way. I worked my ass off, but totally worth it."

Mini tilted her head a bit, observing Alo, his tired eyes and lazy movements. Today was the day he worked at the farm and at Imobiliaria, the day when she asked herself if it really was such a good idea let him have two jobs.

"Als…" she started, knowing she probably would lose that one, but tried anyway. "I don't think you should work so much, honey, you're a wreck."

"No. It's just today." It wasn't.

"Quit the job, just keep with the farm. Grace's almost 8 months now, I can have a jo…"

"NO." he said firmly, sitting near her. "No fucking way. No."

"Alo…"

"I said no. I'm fine. The barn is almost done and we are actually saving money. You don't need to work, your work is Grace right now. Don't!" he cut when she tried to speak again. "Look, you can keep doing your translation stuff, something you can do at home. We made a deal, remember? When she's old enough we gonna find her a daycare, get back and study, have ordinary jobs, but right now, this is working." He pointed them three. "You know it is. This is the most important moment for you and her be together as much as you can. And when she's two, talkative and independent, you can have any job you want. It's our deal."

Mini breathed slow, pouting, and then smiled.

"Alright, ginger minge. It's okay. I just don't like to see you so tired…"

"Don't worry. Only once a week. It'll be over soon." Alo kissed her cheek fondly and took off his shirt. "I'll read for her twice in a roll, okay? Promise." He fell in his side of the bed at the same time Mini took a little book from under the bed.

"I'll read for you both tonight, then. First Week at Cow School."

Alo laughed and his laugh made Grace laugh. "Nice one."