"Did you read your three chapters of the day?" asked Pete.
"Yup," said Juan.
"Did you brush your teeth?"
"Yup"
"Did you go potty?"
"Yup," repeated Juan.
"Alright, leave that book and get in the bed then, it's late," said Pete. He walked over to the bed and lifted the covers, waiting for Juan to slip in.
The young boy complied and got in the bed. Pete tucked him in, then knelt next to him.
"Had a good day, buddy?" asked Pete.
Juan nodded.
"Favorite part?"
Juan didn't have to think twice. "Mommy getting scared by a spider in the bathtub," he said with a smile.
Pete chuckled. "Yeah, that was very funny."
"She was jumping all over, like 'Ahh! A spider! Help!'" as he talked he moved his hands all over, imitating Ellie's reaction.
Pete laughed again. "Yeah, she was like 'It's a tarantula! Help!'" he said, joining Juan in imitating Ellie.
The two of them laughed hard.
"Are you boys making fun of me again?" said Ellie, popping her head through the door.
Juan gasped and covered his mouth with his hands, slightly embarrassed.
Ellie gave him a stern look, but he giggled, unable to resist laughing.
"Sorry honey, but it was really funny. It's been voted highlight of the day," said Pete.
"It's really not funny, it was a big spider, it could've been dangerous," she said.
Pete and Juan looked at each other knowingly.
"Honey, it really wasn't," said Pete.
"Fine, make fun of mommy, the only one worried about the welfare of this family," she said, raising her hands in defeat. "Juan, I expected better from you, sweetie." Her tone made it clear she was just playing.
"Sorry," he said, with a smile.
"Anyway, good night baby," she came over and kissed Juan on his forehead. "I hope you don't dream of spiders."
"Goodnight momma," he replied.
"I love you," said Ellie as she left the room.
"I love you too," said Juan.
"Alright pal, time for bed," he said as he leaned in and kissed his forehead as well. "Goodnight."
As he was getting ready to leave, Juan stopped him.
"Dad?"
"Yes?"
"How long now?" he asked.
"How long until what?"
Juan shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't get it, pal. How long until what?"
Juan hesitated. "You know."
"I'm sorry pal, I don't."
Juan dropped his gaze but remained quiet.
After a few seconds, Pete ruffled his hair. "Alright then, if you don't know either—"
"How long until the court date?" Juan blurted out.
This caught Pete by surprise.
"Uhm, just a few more weeks, buddy, why?" he frowned.
"How many?"
"Less than three, why?"
Juan shrugged his shoulders.
"Are you worrying about it?" Pete asked.
Juan shrugged his shoulders again.
"Well, don't worry too much, pal. Not long to go now," Pete reassured him.
"What if something goes wrong?" asked Juan.
"Nothing is gonna go wrong, buddy. All we have to do is show up for court, and then we'll officially be a family forever. But it doesn't mean we're not a family already, alright? That will just make it official."
"Do you promise?" asked Juan.
"I promise," said Pete.
Juan smiled. "Okay."
Pete returned the smile. "Alright buddy, good night. I love you," he said.
"I love you too."