The faint sunlight slipped through the curtains of Sandile's bedroom, but Mmabatho was still wrapped under the thick duvet, half-asleep. Her dreams were warm and sweet, filled with memories of their time in Cape Town. She stirred slightly when she heard Sandile's voice, soft but firm.
"Awuvuki na? Or are you planning to sleep until next week?" he teased, sitting on the edge of the bed.
Mmabatho peeked out from under the covers and gave him a sleepy side-eye. "Don't act like you're not tired. If I remember correctly, you were the one keeping us up talking last night," she said, her voice low with sleep.
"Yhu, okay, that was me, but you didn't exactly complain," he retorted with a smirk.
She laughed softly, stretching before trying to get up. Before her feet could touch the floor, Sandile pulled her onto his lap effortlessly.
"And where do you think you're going?" he asked, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"To check on our son?" she replied, raising an eyebrow.
"He's fine. He probably woke up and is bossing the nanny around already," he said, his voice light but his hold firm.
They sat like that for a moment, comfortable silence settling between them. His hand traced soft patterns on her back as they talked about their plans for the day.
"So," Mmabatho said, leaning back slightly to look at him. "What's your day looking like?"
"Back-to-back meetings, unfortunately," Sandile sighed. "And you?"
"I promised Ona I'd come over. We haven't caught up in a while," she replied.
Sandile nodded but hesitated before speaking again. "You know, you don't have to rush out. You could stay here. Rest."
"Wena, you just don't want to leave me," she teased, poking his chest.
"Maybe," he said, his voice dipping, making her blush.
By the time they made it downstairs, the smell of coffee and warm toast filled the air. Sonele was already seated in his high chair, kicking his little legs excitedly as the nanny brought over a plate of mashed banana and oats.
"Morning, little boss," Mmabatho cooed, kissing his chubby cheek.
Sandile chuckled as he poured himself a cup of coffee. "You see? He's already ruling the household."
Breakfast was lively. Mmabatho and Sandile shared a few playful jabs about who could make better oats, but the real star of the show was Sonele. He managed to grab his spoon and fling a glob of oats onto the table, giggling uncontrollably.
"Nkosi yam," Sandile muttered, shaking his head but laughing.
"Your son, Sandile," Mmabatho said, trying to keep a straight face as she cleaned up the mess.
"Oh, now he's mine? Convenient," Sandile joked.
Before heading to his meeting, Sandile crouched next to Sonele's chair, wiping his hands and face gently. "You're a handful, you know that?" he said, planting a kiss on the toddler's forehead.
He stood and leaned over to Mmabatho, kissing her cheek. "Have fun with Ona. I'll see you later, love."
Later that morning, Mmabatho and Sonele arrived at Onalenna's place. The two women greeted each other warmly, and Ona wasted no time scooping up Sonele, who was eager to explore his new surroundings.
"Girl, this baby is getting cuter every day," Ona gushed, bouncing him on her hip.
"I know, right? He's going to be trouble when he grows up," Mmabatho replied, laughing.
Once Sonele was settled with some toys, the two friends settled into the living room with steaming mugs of rooibos tea.
"Okay, spill," Ona said, narrowing her eyes.
"About what?" Mmabatho asked innocently, though her face betrayed her.
"Don't play dumb. You're glowing, and it's not just the Cape Town sun. Something happened," Ona pressed, grinning.
Mmabatho hesitated, but Ona's expectant look was too much to resist. "Okay, fine," she said, lowering her voice. "Sandile and I... we slept together."
Ona nearly choked on her tea. "Finally! Hau, Mmabatho, I was starting to think you two would just flirt forever."
"Shut up," Mmabatho said, laughing as she threw a pillow at her friend.
"No, but seriously, how was it? Are we talking movie-level passion, or...?" Ona asked, wiggling her eyebrows.
"It was... special. He was so sweet," Mmabatho admitted, her cheeks flushing.
"Yhu, sis. I'm happy for you. He's clearly smitten," Ona said, smiling.
Meanwhile, Sandile was deep in discussion with a potential business partner at his office. The meeting was going well, but the topic shifted unexpectedly.
"So," the partner said, leaning back in his chair. "You're doing amazing things with the company. What's next? Expanding? Or maybe settling down with a Mrs. Jabavu?"
Sandile froze for a split second before laughing lightly. "I'm just focused on work and my son right now."
But the comment lingered in his mind long after the meeting ended. As he sat alone in his office, his thoughts drifted to Mmabatho. The way she laughed, the way she cared for Sonele, the way she felt like home.
"Maybe it's time to stop pretending this is casual," he murmured to himself.
By sheer coincidence, Mmabatho and Sandile pulled into the driveway at the same time. She stepped out of the G-Wagon, balancing a sleeping Sonele on her shoulder, while Sandile climbed out of his car with his briefcase in hand.
"Perfect timing," Sandile said, walking over to her. "Need help?"
"I got him," she replied, but he gently took Sonele from her anyway.
Inside, the nanny had already prepared dinner, and the three of them sat down to eat. Sonele, still groggy from his nap, was quieter than usual, but his presence still brought warmth to the room.
After dinner, they took Sonele upstairs and tucked him into his crib. Mmabatho hummed softly as she adjusted his blanket, while Sandile stood by the door, watching them with a soft expression.
"You're amazing with him," he said as they left the nursery.
"Thank you," she replied, smiling.
The night ended with the two of them in the home cinema, wrapped in a cozy blanket. The movie played in the background, but neither of them paid much attention.
Mmabatho rested her head on Sandile's chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
"Thank you for today," she murmured.
"For what?"
"For everything. For making me feel... safe," she said softly.
Sandile tilted her chin up, his eyes locking onto hers. "I told you before, Mmabatho. You and Sonele are my family now."
The words hung in the air for a moment before he leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was both tender and full of unspoken promises.
It was the perfect end to their day, and as they sat there in the quiet, Mmabatho couldn't help but feel that this was exactly where she was meant to be.