Alicia is off training, which leaves Ricardo and Sofia along with the babies. "This is kinda peaceful," Ricardo mumbles, lifting his head up from where he's resting against the couch to look across the room.
"It is," Sofia agrees quietly, running her fingers loosely over the chest of Mariana, listening to her breathing slowly. "A perfect way to spend an afternoon."
"I agree," Ricardo murmurs, looking over at where Andre is sprawled out on the couch next to him, watching a cartoon on the TV. "Hey, Andre, once mama comes home, you wanna go play outside? The rain should stop soon."
"Yeah, papa," Andre agrees, peering up. "I'd like that. Maybe we can splash in some puddles."
Ricardo chuckles. "Yeah, mi hijo. We'll convince mama later. Break in your rainboots."
"Yay," Andre says, remembering to be quiet in lieu of his sleeping sisters. "Papa?"
"Yeah?"
"I know you said it'd be a little while, but when will the babies be old enough to play with me?" Andre scoots over to look into Clara's face.
"It'll be awhile yet," Ricardo hedges. "A year maybe."
"I'll be in school by then," Andre says, looking disappointed.
"You will," Ricardo admits. "But there'll be plenty of time for you guys to play together, I promise. Weekends, and evenings. It'll work out, I promise."
Andre thinks about it, resting his head on his dad's shoulder. "I believe you, papa," he says, reaching out to gently press fingers against her cheek, watching as she sleeps on, lips parted sweetly.
Ricardo smiles, happy that Andre is already growing into such a good big brother. "Thank you, hijo," he says, tucking Andre into his free arm and kissing the top of his head. "Why don't you go get your boots, so we'll be ready to go when mama comes home?"
He helps Andre off of the couch and watches as he rushes off to his room, chuckling. He looks up to meet Sofia's gaze and smiles at her.
"You and Alicia have adorable children," she tells him.
"Thank you. I think so too." He smiles fondly down at Clara.