Bound

Chapter Twenty-Four

"Why is my baby boy crying?" I cooed picking up a wailing Peyton from Agatha's arms and into mine. I tucked his head between my shoulder blades and chin. 

We just got back to pick up my sons from staying overnight with their grandparents. Agatha gave us a knowing look, crossing her arms across her chest.

"You guys are back so early," she noted. "I hope my third grandchild is already on its way."

I blushed deeply, and Parker smiled. "Hopefully." I looked at him surprised. I didn't realize he already wanted a kid that fast.

"Momma! Daddy! You're back!" 

I looked behind me to see Luke holding Thomas' hand. It looked like they went fishing. I smiled warmly at the sight. I bent down to his level, and he came barreling towards me being careful of the still whimpering Peyton. "I missed you my angel."

"Really Momma? It was only one night."

"One night too many," I remarked kissing the tip of his nose and standing back up. "Thomas, thank you so much for looking over my kids."

Parker's father smiled at me. "You should take Luke fishing more often. He's a natural, aren't you boy?"

My son nodded proudly and walked over to his father. "Yes Daddy. Can I stay here again? Grandpa is going to teach me how to row a boat."

"After the winter," Thomas corrected.

"Yes. He says it's still too cold, but I can handle it." 

Parker laughed and picked him up. "Next time buddy."

The sounds of Peyton's sobs signalled our departure. We said a hasty farewell and jumped into the vehicle we came in. Parker looked longingly at his new sports car that he had to leave behind for now. I smacked him playfully and got him to focus on driving us home.

Peyton was still fussy when we reached the house. I was getting frustrated not knowing what was wrong with him. I had him in my arms that evening trying to get him to sleep early. 

"Peyton, sweetheart," I said into his hair. "What's wrong?"

I was only met with more cries. I juggled him up and down in my arms walking around his room. 

"Having trouble?" I turned around to see Parker leaning against the doorway with a sympathetic look. 

"A little. Did Luke eat already?" 

He nodded motioning for me to give him Peyton. "He's upstairs watching TV." To the youngest of the two, he started to softly coo to him. "Hey bud. Shh. Daddy's here. Is anything hurting?"

I bit my lower lip, my motherly instincts urging to take Peyton back and comfort him on my own. I withheld wanting Parker to experience it.

"Maybe we should take him to the doctor."

I adamantly shook my head. "No, no. That won't be necessary. Peyton's just having a rough day." I sat down on his bed taking a deep sigh. "He hasn't been this cranky in forever. It was bound to happen sooner or later." 

Parker took a seat beside me kissing my temple. "He's quieted down a bit." 

I listened, and it was true! Peyton's full-blown hysterics died down to a few sniffles here and there. I watched him close his eyes lightly. Parker and I stayed still not daring to move just in case he woke up. Once we were sure that he was asleep for good, Parker laid him down in the crib he still uses on the other side of the room. While doing so, I turned the baby monitor on and took the other device with me. I usually never use it, but I could never be more sure nowadays.