After a long and intense trial Benny Colon moved slowly up the three stairs to his front door. He pressed the door buzzer and said " Honey I'm home."
Then the door clicked open for him. He moved slowly to the couch feeling his back throb with every step he took. Footsteps could be heard coming down the hall toward him. Sage's and Lucy's smaller ones.
" Honey." Sage said with a worried expression.
" My back went out. Bull said it was pent up tension of the trial. I'll be okay."
" Yes you will. Lucky this happened when I have a long weekend break from school so I can take care of my husband."
"Thank you. I'm sure it will feel better after a bath. I don't know if I could handle a shower right now honestly."
" Well then I'll run you a bath after I get the casserole out of the oven for us to eat. It has some carrots in it since Lucy likes those."
" Sounds good." Then Lucy toddled over to where Benny was sitting and held out her arms. " Papa." She said somewhat clearly.
" Hey sweet pea, do you want to give me a hug?"
Lucy smiled and nodded.
" All right." Benny moved slowly and lifted his daughter up to hug gently
Sage smiled softly watching them. Lucy always made it better for Benny when he had a hard day.. She knew he missed her when he was in trial and worked past her bedtime too.
" Princess why don't we get our hands washed up for dinner. It smells good and Dad is hungry."
Lucy giggled and went to the sink with Benny to wash her hands.
Benny's tie had come off and his shirt was unbuttoned at the collar with the sleeves rolled up.
The three of them went to sit at the table after Sage placed the casserole on it near their plates. Lucy was in her high chair as well. They served themselves and Benny fed Lucy some while eating himself.
" You always help out so much at home even when I know you have to be exhausted." Sage said softly.
" I guess I just want to do my part when I'm here at home. How did Lucy do at daycare today?"
" Well she learned the color yellow. There is a picture of a duck on the refrigerator that I think some squiggles on are hers. And she also had green grapes at snack time and liked them so we have a new food for the grocery list."
" Good enough. I hope I can take her with me next week since I'm not in court. I missed our morning time together."
" I know but she liked that Beatles Kids album that Marissa recommended. So we played that when I took her."
" I'll have to get that for my phone."
Then they ate for a while and talked some more. Lucy played in her playpen for a bit with some soft animal toys including a little bull from Jason and Eve.
" I think she likes that Bull toy. What did Eve name him Javier?"
" That's it and she does. She had him in bed beside Ribbit last night. We'll see if she wants him again tonight. But now my bear you need a bath."
Benny nodded. " Yeah I do something has to give with my back."
They cleared the dishes and food leftovers and went to the bathroom wirh Lucy together.
( backrub to come) (Wanted to post this part before I lost the idea.)