Sitting there watching Layla play with her little toys, I tried to calm myself and after a few deep breaths I walked back into the kitchen and put the unopened beer in the refrigerator. “I changed my mind about having that beer,” I said.

Maggie turned to me and with a little smile she said, “Probably a good idea, sweetheart. Let’s have some supper and get Layla to bed and have a little talk, okay?”

Supper was pleasant enough and we enjoyed Layla’s antics at the table, especially now that she was in a food-throwing stage, so after supper Maggie and Layla did their bedtime thing while I cleared the table and did the dishes.

Maggie was taking her time with Layla, so I decided to read a bit and, after hearing her singing Layla’s favorite lullaby, I decided to join in and say goodnight. We often sang to Layla. It was one of our favorite things to do.

Layla went out like a light and Maggie, holding my hand, surprisingly kissed me on my cheek and whispered “I love you.” She then led me out of the nursery and down the hall into the bedroom. Still holding my hand, she said, “Let’s light some candles and go to bed.”