Chapter Eleven

Carter groggily became aware of running water. He shifted and rolled over to find Abby missing. He opened his eyes and saw Will standing in his crib, balancing by holding onto the side, and smiling at him. “Ba ba ba,” he said loudly.

Carter smiled back and answered him, “Ba ba ba.”

He heard the shower water turn off and moments later Abby walked back into the room wearing a towel around her hair and another around her body.

“Morning,” she said with a smile. “There’s coffee in the kitchen; help yourself, okay?”

“Morning,” he replied. “What time is it?”

“Seven-thirty. Mrs. Anderson will be here in an hour. God, I’m glad it’s Friday. It’s been a long week at work.”

“Yeah?” He was sitting up in bed now, the rumpled sheets clinging to his hips. Abby tried not to notice his bare chest. She didn’t have time for repeat performance of last night. She had to get ready.

“Yeah. Nothing serious, just a lot of paperwork to catch up on, patients to see, that sort of thing. How did you sleep?”

He thought about it and said truthfully, “Excellent. I haven’t slept that soundly for a long time.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

He watched her pick out clothes to wear and he rummaged around for his boxer shorts. She noticed and said, “I think they’re still in the living room. I’ll get them for you.”

“Thanks,” he said sheepishly. Then, to Will, he said, “Mommy’s gotta get my shorts so I don’t scare Mrs. Anderson.”

Will answered him, “Babababa!”

Abby came back with his shorts and jeans and he quickly put them on. Casually she asked, “What are you doing today?”

Carter picked up Will and kissed him, then considered her question. “I have to see my mother about something. After that I’m not really doing anything.”

Abby nodded, fully dressed now. “Well, I’ll get home around six tonight. Do you want to come over again?”

He nodded and said, “Yeah, definitely.”

She smiled, “Good. Are you hungry?”

He nodded and the three of them went into the kitchen to have breakfast.