https://beatingheart-bride.tumblr.com/post/673885076914831360/beatingheart-bride-theheadlessgroom
@beatingheart-bride
June smiled at the sight of her grandson, curled up in bed, propped up on pillows as he took a sip of mint tea she’d brewed for him-he’d developed a bit of a fondness for it during his time under the weather, finding it a comfort for both his nerves and his stomach, and continued to drink it even now, when he was on the mend. He really had bounced back, looking happier and healthier as he turned the page in his picture book, a “get well soon” present from Dorian and Elizabeth, and had even gotten his appetite back a little, enough to enjoy a little peanut butter spread on his toast that morning.
In fact, now that he was feeling better, June got the distinct feeling that little Lon was more readily enjoying all the attention, being checked in on by his family and brought food and drink in bed. The notion made her chuckle, as she went to Erika, who was brushing out her stuffed bat’s fur before being scooped up by her grandmother, who carried her from the bedroom to the bathroom, where Wilhelm was waiting by the tub, full of warm water and a sweet, vanilla-scented bubble bath.
When she entered, she could see how her husband was fidgeting, uncertainty in his eyes as she leaned over and kissed his cheek, saying gently to him, “Are you ready?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be, Junie,” he sighed, swallowing hard: He was determined to overcome this fear, at least when it came to helping give his grandchildren baths, but even with that determination came some hesitancy, especially when faced with the tub full of water. Still, June reached out and gave his hand a loving squeeze, as she helped Erika out of her nightgown and into the tub, inviting Wilhelm to help, saying, “See? The water’s not too deep.”
“N-No, not at all,” he agreed with a nod, as June continued, “And she’s having fun-Erika, you wanna show Grandpapa your rubber froggy?”
“I got a froggy!” the little girl happily proclaimed, lifting the soaked little toy out of the water, it and her hands covered in suds. The sight of this bathtime buddy brought a small smile to Wilhelm’s lips, as he replied, “Well, that’s a very fine froggy, lassie. Do you know what sound froggies make?”
When she tilted her head in interest as June began to lather up her blonde curls, Wilhelm grinned and made a “ribbit” sound (reminded of when Randall was a boy, and how he’d make a similar sound, just to see if any frogs in the bayou would respond), provoking a delighted giggle from his granddaughter. This made both the elder Paces smile, as June looked back to her husband, asking, “You okay?”
“Y-Yeah...yeah, Junie,” he assured with an assertive nod, relaxing a little as he helped rinse Erika’s hair. “I’m...I’m alright. I’m alright.”
