Andy heard the front door open and close from all the way in Jack’s nursery. The little four-month-old within had just curled up for a nap after his latest bottle, wrapped in his sleep sack and cozy warm. Andy felt like he could use a good nap himself, but he was more concerned with why April was home early.
“Babe?” He hurried down the stairs and met her in the front hallway, where she was slowly kicking off her heels. “What are you doing home?”
“I feel sick,” she groaned, coughing a bit as she slouched over. “I left early. I’ve been feeling lousy all day.”
Andy accepted her into his open arms without a second thought, pressing his chin against her forehead. “Wow honey, you’re super warm,” he said.
“Mmm,” April hummed, leaning into his embrace.
April never did well with sickness, and the last thing Andy wanted was for her to come down with the flu again. “C’mon,” Andy lifted her carefully, bridal style, and headed for the stairs.
“No,” April mumbled, her eyes closed. “I’ve gotta feed Jack…”
“He’s all set,” Andy said proudly. “He’s fast asleep after a super yummy bottle. He should be down for a little bit.”
“You’re the best dad,” April said softly, pressing her head against his chest. Her eyes were closed.
“Well, you’re the best mom for pumping all that milk for Jack,” Andy said. When she wasn’t breastfeeding Jack herself, April made sure to keep the freezer stocked so Andy could give Jack bottles while she was at work and also take over some of the night feedings so April could get some rest. Now that she’d gone back to work, it was more important than ever. “Now you need to rest though.”
“Okay,” she whispered, running her fingers over his flannel.
Andy brought her upstairs and helped her shed her work clothes. He tucked her in bed, brought her some water and cough medicine, and slipped under the covers beside her.
“C’mere babe,” he said, pulling her against him. “Time for you to get some sleep.”
“Babe, I love you,” she whispered. “You’re so smart.” She was already dozing off, her limbs getting limper against him and her breaths deeper.
Andy smiled to himself. The amount of times he’d said those exact words to her was impossible to count. Now, he was going to take care of his sick wife. After all April had done for him and Jack, she deserved the entire world.
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