"Mhm say, 'Daddy I just woke up. I'm grumpy and hungry.' " , you baby talked Rowan before kissing his head.
His hair was already becoming slightly curly, mirroring Joseph's. He even copied Joseph's facial expressions. You sat down on the couch, grabbing a pillow to support him before sliding your shirt up. Rowan had started some solid food at this point per his pediatrician but still recommended that you breastfeed. After you got Rowan comfortable, you put your feet on the ottoman. Joe laughed easily on the other end of the phone easily.
"Daddy's on the phone, Rowan.", you brushed through his hair.
You took your free hand, putting the phone on speaker.
"Hi Rowan, it's daddy. Daddy misses you."
You smiled. "We miss you, daddy, don't we Rowan?"
"Well, love. I've got to go. I hate to but they just told me they're starting photo ops.", Joe sighed.
He didn't sigh because he didn't want to see his fans. He loved his fans and was so thankful for them. It was just hard to leave you and the baby and be away from you all.
"Okay, babe. We love you."
"I love you all. So so much. I'll call when I can."
The call ended, and you easily laid your phone down on the couch. You sat on the couch, watching Rowan. Little did Joe know, you had something up your sleeve. Your suitcase was packed and at the door, you eyeing the clock. You had a flight in a few hours to Toronto from London. It would take eight hours easily. You figured if you traveled at night with the baby, he would sleep most of the night. You prayed Joe would call before you boarded the plane.
You thought it would do Joseph good to see you and the baby. Jamie was also going to be there, you all had been friends for years. Jamie helped you and Joseph get together, playing matchmaker. Joseph had wanted you to come with him to some cons, but you decided to stay home with the baby which he respected. He didn't push you as you both wanted to maintain as much of your all's privacy as possible. Your baby's name had not been released to the media.
After Rowan was finished eating, you laid him down on his play mat before going to the kitchen grabbing a quick snack and drink. Joe had left you a note on the fridge, causing you to smile. You returned to the living room, sitting with him on the floor. You made sure to watch the clock closely, knowing you would have to leave for the airport earlier than your scheduled flight. You had packed Rowan a few toys and things to hopefully keep him entertained if he stayed awake for the flight.
You set your alarm for three in the morning. Your king-size bed felt empty without Joe. You grabbed his pillow, cuddling it, the smell of him lingering on it. Rowan slept in his bassinet on your side of the bed. He was so peaceful sleeping with his pacifier. It was so quiet as you pulled the comforter over you, snuggling into the bed. It didn't take long for you to pass out, even missing Joe. You hoped he was thinking of you before bed.
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The plane ride was exhausting. Rowan slept most of the entire time, just waking up to eat and when you needed to change him. You had managed to get a few naps in. You couldn't understand how Joe managed to do this so often. He made it look so easy. It was almost nine by the time you and Rowan made it through customs and baggage claim. You had Rowan in a baby wrap, a much easier way to do housework when he was awake or through the airport.
You slid your passports back in Rowan's diaper bag (this being easier than packing a purse nowadays) before pushing your suitcase and Rowan's 3-in-1 stroller through the airport. You noticed eyes on you, instantly making you anxious. Part of you wondered if they were recognizing you or at least trying to. It wasn't you that you worried so much about—it was your baby. He was not used to being exposed to the limelight.
