...Jonathan set the bottle of wine on the dresser next to the door, then crossed the room to place the toy in the crib, fully aware that Brian was now watching him and not his son.
“So…will you have the baby half the time?” Jonathan asked.
“Yeah, shared custody.”
“That’s kind of a big deal…right?”
Brian snorted. “Yeah, it’s a pretty big deal.”
“I mean, because of, you know, the time commitment.”
“Yeah, but I’m lucky. I worked it out with my boss so I can get all my hours when Katie has the baby. It’s important we bond now.”
“Oh yeah. Way important.”
“Thank you for coming over. I know how you feel about babies.”
“What do you mean? I love babies,” Jonathan said uncomfortably. “Who doesn’t love babies?”
“Do you want to hold him?”
“I’ll wait until he wakes up.”
Brian smiled. “Here that, Enzo? Your Uncle Jonathan is scared of a little thing like you.”
“First, I’m not scared. And he’s asleep. He doesn’t even know what you’re talking about.”
“I think babies know more than you think. They’re amazing instinctual creatures.”
“You just called your baby a creature and you think I have issues with kids?”
“I meant it in the nicest possible way. But I’m right, you know. I think if you spent a little bit of time with one, you’ll see what I mean.”
“I’m not going to babysit.”
Brian laughed. “Don’t worry. I don’t think anybody here wants that.”
Jonathan’s hackles immediately went up. “What’s that supposed to mean? Do you think I wouldn’t be a good babysitter? I’m the most responsible person you know.”
“Maybe, but I think it’s important for babysitters to actually like children.”
“See, that’s exactly my point. I’d probably be a superior babysitter because I’m not going to be compromised by mushy emotions. I’d be firm and pragmatic.”
“Babies don’t really need firm and pragmatic in their lives. But I’ll keep that in mind when he’s older.”
“And completely out of control because you’ve spoiled him?”
“Yep. I’m going to spoil the hell out of him and then send him over to Uncle Jonathan’s for his weekly dose of discipline and punishment.”
“Good luck with that.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to hold him?”
“I’m sure.” I’d rather hold you...