The warm glow of candlelight flickered against the tiled bathroom walls, casting a soft, golden hue over the room. The air smelled of lavender and vanilla, mixing with the faint, powdery scent that always seemed to linger around Little. Mommy reclined in the tub, the water embracing her as she exhaled a slow, contented sigh. After a long, busy week, this was her moment to unwind.
But tonight was special. Tonight, she had company.
Just a few feet away, sprawled out on his tummy with crayons scattered around him, Little hummed to himself. He had been so proud when Mommy had told him heâd earned this treatâstaying up late, coloring beside her while she took her bath. His little feet wiggled behind him, clad in the soft, footed pajamas she had picked out, the ones covered in tiny duckies. The familiar bulge of his thick nighttime diaper peeked out as he squirmed, a telltale sign that he had soaked it but hadnât yet noticed, too lost in his colorful world.
Mommy watched him, her heart swelling. His pacifier bobbed slightly as he babbled around it, mumbling half-formed thoughts about his day at daycare.
âAnâ then, anâ then, Miss Katie say I share really good! I let Sammy have my blocks even when I was still usinâ dem!â He turned his head to look at her, his wide, proud eyes meeting hers. His paci slipped slightly, revealing a delighted, slightly drooly smile.
Mommy smiled back, warmth spreading through her chest. âThat was very kind of you, sweetheart. I bet Sammy was really happy.â
Little nodded so hard his curls bounced. âMhm! Miss Katie said Iâm the bestest sharer today!â He went back to his coloring, his brows furrowing in concentration as he pressed a blue crayon hard against the paper.
Mommy took a sip of her wine, watching him, savoring the simple joy radiating off him. He was so innocent, so pure, completely immersed in his little world. His diaper crinkled as he shifted, making the slightest squish, and she knew heâd wet it again. She could have pointed it out, but she didnât. Not yet. He was so engrossed in his art, his little legs kicking lazily behind him, his tiny fists wrapped around the chunky crayons. There was no rush.
âWhatcha drawing, baby?â she asked, her voice thick with affection.
He lifted his paper, beaming. âItâs us! You in da tub, anâ me colorinâ anâ⊠anâ Teddyâs here too!â He jabbed a chubby finger at the brown blob that was undoubtedly his favorite plush bear.
Mommy chuckled. âItâs beautiful, my love. Can I keep it when youâre done?â
His eyes widened, as if the honor of having his artwork kept forever was too much to handle. He nodded vigorously. âYuh-huh! You can put it on da fridge!â
She reached out, her wet fingers brushing over his soft hair, ruffling it gently. He nuzzled into her touch instinctively, his cheeks flushing pink.
For a while, there was only quiet. The gentle slosh of water as Mommy adjusted herself, the occasional scrape of a crayon on paper, and the muffled suckling sounds of his paci. Every so often, heâd glance up at her, just to make sure she was still there, still watching over him. Every time, she met his gaze with the same soft smile, reassuring him without words.
After a few minutes, Little squirmed again, this time more obviously. The way his bottom pressed down made the squishy wetness of his diaper all the more noticeable, and he finally registered it. He let out a small, surprised gasp and sat up, reaching down to poke at the front of his sleeper. His big, round eyes flicked up to Mommy, searching her face.
She arched a knowing brow. âFeeling squishy, baby?â
A tiny whimper bubbled past his pacifier, his cheeks turning redder. He nodded. âUh-huhâŠâ
Mommy tilted her head, taking another sip of her wine as she let him stew in his own shyness for just a moment. He was always like thisârealizing heâd wet himself, then feeling bashful about it. But she loved how he never complained, never whined for a change. He accepted it, just like a good boy should.
âDonât worry, lovebug,â she murmured. âWeâll get you all fresh before bed.â
Little wiggled his toes, clearly comforted by her calmness. He shifted again, settling back onto his knees, the padding beneath him squishing audibly. âMâokay,â he mumbled, turning back to his coloring.
Mommy let out a soft, fond sigh. How could one person be so precious?
Minutes passed, and the bathroom remained their little sanctuary. The flickering candlelight danced across the bubbles in her tub, the warmth of the water soothing her tired muscles. But more than anything, it was the presence of her Little that made this night feel so perfect.
She watched as he stretched his arms high above his head, letting out a tiny yawn. His paci wobbled in his mouth, and his chubby fingers rubbed at his sleepy eyes. The long day, the excitement, the warmth of the bathroomâall of it was beginning to weigh on him.
Mommy smiled, setting her empty wine glass on the bath tray. âGetting sleepy, sweetheart?â
Little blinked slowly, his pacifier bobbing as he nodded. âMhmâŠâ he whispered. âBut⊠but I donâ wanna go yet. I like beinâ wif you.â
Her heart squeezed, and she reached out again, letting her fingers brush over his soft cheek. âI like being with you too, my love,â she murmured. âBut youâve had such a big day, and itâs almost bedtime.â
Littleâs lip wobbled, just slightly, before he buried his face into his teddy bear. Mommy knew that lookâhe wanted to be a good boy, wanted to listen, but he also wanted just a little more time with her.
âTell you what,â she said softly, running her fingers through his curls, âwhy donât we go get you changed into a fresh diapee, and then Iâll tuck you in nice and cozy? You can even have an extra bedtime story.â
His sleepy eyes brightened. âTwo stories?â
She nodded. âTwo whole stories.â
That was all it took. Little pushed himself up on wobbly legs, stretching his arms toward her, a silent request.
Mommy chuckled. âBaby, Iâm still in the bath.â
He pouted behind his paci, then let his arms drop. âOh⊠I wait den.â
Her heart swelled. So patient. So sweet.
She finished up quickly, draining the tub and wrapping herself in a fluffy towel. Little stood by the door, rubbing his eyes with a balled-up fist, shifting his weight from foot to foot as his damp diaper sagged just a little lower.
She scooped him up without hesitation, cradling him against her. He let out a sleepy sigh, nuzzling against her neck, his paci moving in slow, rhythmic sucks.
âSuch a good boy,â she whispered, kissing his forehead as she carried him to the nursery.
And as she laid him down, fresh and clean in his softest pajamas, she knew there was nowhere else sheâd rather be.
