I leaned against the wall of the kitchen just watching her. She had gotten off the phone and was now humming to herself as she cooked. I could have watched her all day but I thought I was being a little creepy so I cleared my throat. Ashley turned around and smiled at me.

“Ryan woke you up didn’t he?” I nodded and she sighed, but laughed. “I told him not to but he was so excited that he had a new friend to paint with. When he ran out of the kitchen saying he had to clean the paints up I knew he was up to something. You can go back to bed if you want, I’ll keep him from waking you up.”

“It’s fine, I want to be up anyway. I was planning on getting up with you but you managed to sneak out.” She laughed again.

“Yeah I’m pretty good and getting up quietly now. When he was a baby Ryan would wake up to hardly any noise so I learned to be sneaky.”

“Well you aren’t the only sneaky one. I might have overheard your phone call to your dad.” I said as I walked behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist. “Do I really make you feel safe?”

“You really do Spence.” I kissed her cheek and we just stood there for a minute, enjoying each other’s company.

“I want you to always feel safe with me.” She turned in my arms and pulled me to her. Her lips brushed mine softly before she kissed me slowly, wrapping her hands behind my neck. She pulled back a little and smiled at me.

“I’m pretty sure Ryan is waiting on me to paint.” I told her and kissed her forehead. “Come get us when breakfast is ready?”

“Of course. Oh and don’t let him trick you into being his canvas. He’ll try really hard.” I laughed and went upstairs to paint.

About fifteen minutes later Ashley came into the studio to tell us breakfast was ready, but the words didn’t come out of her mouth because she was too busy laughing at us. I couldn’t really blame her. It was quite a sight. Even though I had been warned, the cuteness of the two year old won me over and I let him use me as a canvas, which meant now every inch of skin that was showing was covered with paintings. “My personal favorite is the dragon on your forehead.” I heard Ashley say before she started laughing again. I laughed with her. “Yeah, I like that one too.” Ryan looked very proud of his artwork and I decided to just take a shower after breakfast.