Ricardo hums, holding Andre gently, rocking him back and forth in his arms. "C'mon, little guy, it's ok." The baby hates the California heat, so used to moderate temperatures, that now that it's approaching summer, he keeps fussing and crying, barely willing to be put into any clothes heavier than the thinnest material Alicia could find. "I know, I know," he still tries to smooth him. "It'll be ok, I promise you."
They'd taken him to the pediatrician recommended to them by Ricardo's sister, she'd examined him, decided he was physically fine, and suggested keeping him near fans or in well ventilated rooms, away from the sun. So this is what they're doing, temporarily moving the nursery into a room where the sun doesn't shine in often, and when it does, they let Andre nap in another part of the house.
Sometimes, it works. Sometimes, it doesn't. This happens to be one of those times. So Ricardo continues to walk and whisper, trying anxiously to comfort his son.
It's a relief when Alicia walks in and takes over, soothing Andre and murmuring lightly to him, stroking her fingers up and down his neck. "Poor little boy," she coos. "It's gonna be ok. I promise. You'll be feel better. Some day you'll be older and you'll grow to appreciate this weather. Because it means you can go out and play with your friends, sports and tag and who knows what all else." She smiles and cuddles him close. "It'll be alright, I promise you."
Ricardo settles in on the nearby chair, listening to her and falling in love with their little family all over again.
Once Andre has settled in Alicia's arms, only whimpering a little here and there, she joins him with a small smile on her lips. "So what's the news, Ricardo?"
He waves his calendar at her and she examines the dates with times and places written on them. "Getting more bookings. So that's good."
She smiles at him. "It is, it's great. I'm happy for you."
Ricardo nods, reaching out to ghost his knuckles over the baby's forehead. "Someday he'll be old enough to come see me compete. Wouldn't that be something?"
"Hell," Alicia breathes out, "Some day he may decide he wants to be a wrestler too."
It's terrifying but enlightening too. That his child may follow in his footsteps, somehow, someway. Despite all of the pain and frustration, Ricardo would never change anything for the world. Imagining his son also trying to make wrestling better, grounding people and forming them into better bases and teaching them all that he can along the way. "That would be amazing," he finally breathes out.
She smiles at him. "It really would be."