I sighed softly and took a seat on the couch, starting to count down the minutes till Alex got back. I decided to call Dawson in an attempt to divert my attention.

My baby's chirpy voice said, "Hello?"

"Hello, honey, this is Mom. How are you doing?" I asked, warmth spreading through my chest at the sound of his voice.

"Mommy!" Dawson exclaimed excitedly. "I'm good! I drew a picture of a dinosaur today!"

I smiled, picturing his enthusiasm. "That's wonderful, honey! What kind of dinosaur was it?"

"It was a T-Rex, but I gave it wings because I thought that would be cool," he explained proudly.

"That sounds amazing,...