Darren had gotten up early that morning, leaving Louise to sleep she was exhausted she had just gotten out of hospital the day before.
Darren silently slipped into the nursery. Louise had given birth to a healthy baby boy at 10pm on the 4th of August after over 7 hours of labour. Benjamin Matthew McKinley was now 3 days old and had just spent his first night at home, even though he had been awake most of it being fed. Darren just stood over the baby crib and watched him sleep as he often did with Louise and Jack.
Soon Ben started to stir, he rolled over and opened his mouth to yawn. He stretched his arms and kicked his little legs, just as he was about to scream bloody murder, Darren reached down and picked him out. Ben was immediately soothed, Darren held Ben close to his chest and rocked him gently. Although he would never admit it, Darren was jealous of Louise, she got to feel Ben growing inside her for months, and she felt every time he kicked, whenever he moved. Louise spent the first two days of his life bonding with him, and she was the only that could feed because he was still on breast milk.
"Daddy, can I come in?" Jack whispered from the door way, scared he would wake the baby up.
"Yeah it's okay, he's awake," said Darren softly.
Jack came into the room and sat up in the rocking chair next to the window.
"Where's Louise?" Jack asked
"She's still asleep so we're going to have keep our voices down, okay? She's still tired," said Darren softly
"Okay. Are we having breakfast?"
"Yeah come on, I'll make us something, but remember…"
"I know, shhhh," said Jack putting his finger on his lips
"Well it's good to see your ready for kindergarten," said Darren proudly, Jack was starting school next week.
"Hey, what are you three whispering about out here?" said Louise sleepily as she stood in the doorway of their bedroom.
"We were trying to let you sleep," said Jack as he went over and hugged Louise.
"Well I'm up anyway," said Louise, "So what's for breakfast?"
"Come on I'll make pancakes," said Darren
"Yayyy I love it when we have pancakes," said Jack excitedly as she ran down the stairs.
"I guess I should have a baby more often," said Louise amused by how excited Jack was about the prospect of pancakes.
"I think you should definitely try it again," said Darren putting his free arm around Louise.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves I'm still sore from this little guy," said Louise brushing one of her fingers down her son's face.
"Yeah I guess we could wait a few more weeks…."
"Weeks…" screeched Louise, "keep talking like that and you'll be lucky to get any EVER"
"I was only kidding, well about trying so soon," said Darren
"I know, and shouldn't you be making me pancakes," said Louise.
---------------------------------------
"He's asleep finally," said Darren relieved as he went into the kitchen where Louise was drying dishes.
"In the living room?"
"Yeah I thought it'd be better to put him in the bassinette," said Darren
"Thank god, I thought he'd never go down," said Louise
They had had a steady stream of visitors to see Ben all day and they were all exhausted. Jack was with Cindi for the day.
"Yeah he was just excited"
"Shouldn't Cindi have brought Jack back by now?" said Louise glancing at the clock.
"They're only a little late"
"Yeah I know but I'm really worried Jack will think that we're only interested in Ben and that…"
Darren cut her off with a kiss, "He doesn't you've made sure of that, in fact I think Ben has grounds to be jealous that you're paying more attention to his brother than to him"
"Yeah I guess I have been over compensating a little, but…"
"I know, step mum, new baby and all that but he adores you and you would never do anything to hurt him so you have to stop worrying, okay?"
"Okay"
"Good, now that I have you all to myself…" said Darren then he lightly started to kiss Louise's neck.
"Mmmm you know we can't… not for another 6 weeks," she groaned
"I know but that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun," said Darren as he wrapped his arm around Louise's waist and tugged her into the middle of the kitchen and started to gently sway with her in his arms, kissing her neck.
"I hope we're not interrupting anything," said Cindi, with an envious look on her face as she stood at the back door, with Zack balanced on her hip and Jack next to her.
"No, it's alright," said Louise as Darren reluctantly unwrapped his arms from Louise.
"Yeah it's fine," said Darren.
"How was your day?" Louise asked Darren
"It was okay. Where's Ben?" asked Jack
"He's asleep in the living room," said Louise
"Can I go see him? I'll be quiet I promise," said Jack
"Okay, but be quiet," said Darren
Jack nodded determinedly and then crept into the living room.
"How was he? He wasn't feeling very well this morning?" Louise asked Cindi
"He was fine, I hope you're not making him feel second best now that you have your own baby," said Cindi
Louise looked devastated, "No of course not, did he say something?"
"No, he didn't have to, mother's intuition. I know my son," said Cindi delighted to know that she had got to Louise.
"That's Bullshit," said Darren suddenly
"Honey, if Jack is upset we should know," said Louise concerned
"He's not, she's just being a bitch," said Darren getting angry.
"Excuse me, I am just expressing concern for my son. Maybe it would be best if he stayed with me while you two bonded with the baby," said Cindi
Before Darren could say anything, "NO, no way he stays here," said Louise heatedly.
"I was just saying, perhaps it would be best for all of you"
"No"
"Louise, are you sending me to stay with Mommy?" Jack said in a quiet little scared voice.
"No, I was just saying, you're not staying with Mommy you're staying here with me, Daddy and Ben," said Louise kneeling down to Jack's level.
"Really?"
"Yes, I promise," said Louise hugging Jack, "Don't you ever worry that you're going anywhere"
"I love you," Jack whispered into Louise's ear
"Love you too," Louise whispered back
"You're my second Mummy, but Bobby Ray said I'm not allowed to have a favourite," Jack whispered, "But you're nicer"
When Jack pulled away Louise had tears in her eyes and was receiving strange looks from Darren and Cindi who hadn't heard what Jack had said.
"I uh…I'm going to go and run a bath," said Louise wiping the tears from her eyes.
"You okay?" said Darren
"Uh huh"
"I'll come help," said Jack skipping up the stairs.