“Now I see the light!” is being belted at the top of her lungs. She’s so much like her mom, not able to hold a tune and givin’ zero fucks in the process. I stand behind the couch, enjoying the moment, cherishing it even if my ears wanna bleed some days.
“Collins Rae McKay, I’ve told you three times to turn the television down. If I have to do it, I’ll turn it off and you’ll be going to bed.” Jolie must be in the laundry room, judging by the echoing of her voice.
“You causin’ trouble, baby girl?” I speak up so she knows I’m here.
“Daddy, you’re home, finally!” She gives me a megawatt smile, runs to the remote, turns the television down, then she’s climbing up the couch and launching her gangly arms and legs self into my arms.
“I’m here. You want me to tuck you in tonight, or do you wanna sing along to more Disney movies?” I ought to hide the remotes from her, but it’s too cute not to let Collins have fun.
“You can tuck me in, but first we have to say good night to Mommy. I don’t want her upset with me. I just like it loud, Daddy.” Her arms are hooked around my neck while she’s talking like a grown child instead of a toddler.
“Well, I have to tell her hello, too, or we’ll both be in trouble.” I kiss her forehead and stride towards where Jolie is more than likely grumbling about laundry. I told her we could hire a cleaning lady, but she put her foot down, wanting to do it on her own. I’m thinkin’ she won’t have much of a choice once the next little McKay makes their entrance in six or so months.
“Momma! Daddy’s home.” Collins has one tone—loud and crazy like always.
“Hey, honey.” Jolie walks out of the laundry room, barefoot and pregnant, still just as beautiful as the day I met her.
“Sweetness.” My hand goes to the nape of her neck, and I kiss her softly.
“Glad you’re home.” I hear the bone tiredness in her voice.
“Jolie, you’re my heart. Doesn’t matter if I’m home or not.”
“Daddy, am I your heart, too?” Collins pipes in.
“Of course. Mommy, you, and your brother or sister are my heart.” Collins asks me all the time if she’s my heart, and I tell her the same thing almost daily. It’s now our thing more than anything else. She gives me her smile again, so much like Jolie’s, and I know it’s time to get our girl to bed. Then it’s time I tend to my wife in the way I know she needs.