Chapter Sixteen
Sebastian stood at the penguin exhibit watching Aeslyn with Benjamin and Christopher. She was kneeling between them looking at the penguins swimming. A few days ago he was living as a monk with no plans to change up his life and now his chest hurts when he pictures them without Aeslyn. She fit perfectly into their family, he was still worried she was going to realize she was not just dating him but his sons too and decide she wasn’t ready to step into that role.
She glanced over her shoulder and caught him staring at her, she winked before turning back to the boys. He had it bad for her and the speed at which it had overtaken him was slightly terrifying. Before this he had only been with one other woman, did he form attachments too easily and was losing out on exploring what the single life could be like? He shook his head at the idea, he didn’t know what it was with Aeslyn he just knew it was right.
“Should we get in line for the safari ride?” Sebastian blinked realizing Aeslyn had walked up next to him.
“Sure, the boys love the big trucks.” Each of them grabbed a boy’s hand and they went and got in line for the ride.
Thank god the wait was short, it was never fun entertaining toddlers in an enclosed space. They climbed into the large truck that sat twelve, “I’ve never been on one of these before, this sounds fun.” Aeslyn’s eyes twinkled with excitement.
“You are in for a treat, usually the giraffe’s come right up to the trucks. You aren’t allowed to touch them but it’s still cool to be so close to them.”
As the tour guide took them through the different areas they pointed out the animals to the boys. Fate was smiling down on them, as hoped the giraffes did come up to the trucks. he couldn’t help laughing along with Aeslyn and her excitement at being so close to the animals.
The hippo’s turned out to be a disappointment, all you could see were bubbles coming up from the small pond they drove by.
They heard the lions before they got to them, both boys instantly started yelling kitty cat. When the large rock formation came into view Aeslyn’s eyes lit up. The pride was lying lazily in the sun enjoying the afternoon. Sebastian was surprised when all of their heads perked up. He’d been on this ride more times than he could count and he’d never seen any of them move.
Even the tour guide stopped the truck by the fence and watched in shock as the large cats slowly climbed down and headed right for them. The noises coming from them was deafening, some were grunting, others purring. They were definitely talking to each other but Sebastian had no clue what was going on.
They lined up along the fence line directly in front of them. One by one they laid down and put their heads on their paws. Sebastian glanced at the boys who were still yelling excitedly, he noticed Aeslyn had gone still, her cheeks were flush and she was staring intently at the animals. “Hey, you okay? They can’t get past the fence, we’re safe here.” He rubbed her back comfortingly.
She broke her stare and smiled sheepishly at him, “I’m fine, this is really cool. They are beautiful, aren’t they?” He was surprised by the awe he could hear in her voice and the light sheen of tears in her eyes.
Before he could respond the tour driver started the truck again and kept driving, as soon as they were past the animals the pride turned and climbed back up on the rocks and relaxed. The tour guide was excitedly telling the group that he had been doing that job for ten years and had never seen the animals do that. He seemed to be as excited as the boys were.
After that display, the rest of the ride was a little mundane. By sundown, the boys were yawning and ready for bed. Several hours outside always meant they crashed early for the night.
They grabbed dinner before leaving the zoo then made their way to the car. “Hang on before you strap Christopher in. If I change them into their pajamas now it will make life easier when they pass out in the car.”
“Smart idea, hand me his and I’ll help you.” She held her hand out waited for him to give her the outfit.
He should have warned her ahead of time but thought it would be more fun to watch her struggle. The boys favorite game was to try to keep their feet moving so he couldn’t get them in the footie pjs. It was basically like trying to dress an octopus and he was lucky enough to have to do it twice every day. He was enjoying the idea of someone sharing in the craziness that was his life.
By the time she was done both Benjamin and Sebastian were buckled up and watching her with amusement. “Why on earth would anyone invent anything that difficult to put on a child?” She was slightly winded as she tried to compose herself.
“That was easy compared to getting shoes on them, the little buggers love to scrunch their toes up so their feet won’t go into the shoes and everything is a game to them. I’ve learned that I have more patience than I ever knew.” His hands were itching to touch her, hesitantly he reached over and grabbed her hand. He was relieved when she entwined her fingers with his and sat back for the ride home.
They pulled into the driveway and found both boys passed out in the back with their mouths wide open doing the O sign. It never fails but at least he had someone to help him this time. “You can wait with one of them and I’ll be back out.”
“I’m a strong woman, I can carry one of them inside.” She lifted Christopher out of his seat and cradled him against her chest.
He tossed their diaper bag over his shoulder and carried Benjamin inside. He laid him in his crib and stretched his back. Every day they get a little heavier, it was a constant reminder to him that one day soon they would be too big to carry and the thought nauseated him.
He grabbed the baby monitor and closed their door quietly. “It’s nice outside, want to sit on the porch swing for a bit?”
“Sure, that sounds nice.” She turned and headed for the front door.
“I’m going to grab some drinks for us, I’ll be right there.” Now he just had to figure out how to get her to stay for another night and he really didn’t want to have to get another concussion in order to do it.