by Lacey Black
“Holy shitballs, this is amazing,” she mumbles with a mouth full of food. At least, I think that’s what she said.
“Thank you.”
“You’re really turning into a regular Betty Crocker these days, Stone.”
“I am. Turns out, I kinda like to cook. I like to take care of my woman and my babies. It makes me feel like I’m doing something other than just sitting here, waiting for them to be born,” I confess, shrugging my shoulders.
“You do so much,” she says softly, her green eyes honest and sincere. “You wait on me hand and foot. If you keep this up, I’ll want to stay pregnant forever,” she quips.
“That can be arranged,” I smirk back, wiggling my eyebrows suggestively.
“That will be arranged. Later.”
“I love later.”
“Me too,” she says before shoveling another mouthful of food into her face.
After dinner, we stretch out on the couch. Lexi sits at one end while I sit at the other, her feet resting in my lap. With her working on her feet all day, they’ve started to swell and sometimes, when she finally kicks them up at night, you can barely tell she has ankles.
Like I do most nights, I start to knead and massage her feet. Her head falls back on the couch and a smile plays on her lips. She always says this is her favorite time of night, but the thing is, it’s mine too. The part of our evening where we’re starting to unwind and just hanging out. Tonight, I stopped off and picked up a total chick flick for her to watch in hopes that she tries to relax. Not only are we dealing with a little swelling, but her blood pressure has been slowly creeping up.
“What’s this?” she asks when I press the start button on the remote.
“That new Julia Roberts movie.” When she doesn’t say anything, I glance over and find her staring at me with tears in her eyes. “What’s wrong, baby?” I ask, concerned that I’ve somehow managed to fuck up our night already.
“You rented me a movie?”
“Don’t tell anyone, okay? I have this total bad boy reputation to uphold.”
“You’re a total badass, babe. I won’t tell anyone that you had to help shave my legs last night.”
“Pssh! That was total badassery,” I defend, pulling her leg a little farther into my lap. “Besides, it was a total badass strategic move to get into your pants.”
Her laughter fills the room. “Well, it worked.”
“Of course it did. You can’t resist me.”
“You’re so full of it.”
“If you’re good later, I’ll make sure you’re full of it,” I say, waggling my eyebrows and grinning like a loon. “Now, stop talking. The sappy chic flick is starting.”
It takes approximately seven and a half minutes before she falls asleep on the couch. Instead of watching the movie, I find myself watching her. She’s like a sleeping angel, all relaxed and softly snoring. I also use the opportunity to wiggle in closer to her stomach. It’s my favorite time of night where I get to talk to my babies and tell them all about their awesome mom.
“Hey, guys,” I say softly to her stomach. “Well, not guys, because you could be girls too. But I’ll be honest,” I continue, placing my hand under her shirt and resting them on her tight belly, “that thought kinda freaks me out a little. Boys I can handle because I’ve had my hands full for nine years of your two rowdy uncles. But girls? Your mama’s gonna have to help me out with that one. She’s got five older sisters so she’s a pro at dealing with girls.”
My hands are still until I feel that familiar kick that never fails to make me smile. “I feel you in there. Good evening, baby,” I say, bending down and kissing where I was just kicked. My other hand wraps around to the other side of the stomach and I wait until I feel movement. It doesn’t take long before the entire left side rolls.
“That’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen,” I whisper aloud, smiling down at the place my babies play. “Now listen, kids, I know you’re all wide awake and ready to play, but your mama is feeling a little tired tonight. Her energy is already starting to run out as the days get closer and closer to your arrival. I want you two to take it easy on her, okay?” I ask to the belly. Holding my breath, I wait a few seconds until I feel movement and more kicking. “I don’t think you’re listening. You’re both going to be a bit of a handful, aren’t you?”
“They take after their dad,” Lexi whispers, a soft smile playing on her lips, but her eyes still closed.
“I’m pretty sure that’s a false statement,” I defend, content with watching and feeling the babies move around. Lexi’s hand joins mine on her abdomen and I link our fingers together.
The clock reads ten when the movie ends and the babies simmer down. Damn I hope Lexi’s able to get decent sleep tonight. Gingerly, I slip off the couch, careful not to wake Sleeping Beauty. Once the house is locked up and the lights are off, I bend down and scoop her up in my arms.
“What are you doing? I’ll break your back,” she asks sleepily.
“I doubt that, and I’m carrying the woman I love to bed.”
When we reach the room, I set her on the bed, pulling the blankets up around her.
“I have to brush my teeth,” she whispers without moving.
“I think you’ll be fine to skip one night.”
“I’m still in my tank top and shorts.”
“Sleep, baby.”
“What about sex?”
“I’ll sex you up tomorrow night,” I tell her, crawling into bed and waiting until she curls up beside me. Her in my arms is my favorite place to be.
“I’m sorry,” she says softly, her eyes still closed.
“Don’t be sorry, baby. Sleep.” I kiss her on the forehead and turn off the lamp.
“I love you, Linkin.”
“And I love you, Lexi. You and the babies.”
She falls fast sleep in my arms, for at least a little while. She’ll be up at least once or twice to pee, thanks to the added pressure of babies dancing on her bladder. As for me, I’m content with just holding her in my arms and feeling her breathe next to me.
Someday, I’ll tell our kids all about how their mom batted her gorgeous green eyes at me and stole my heart. I’m probably gonna leave out the part about stripping, Viagra brownies, and jackass ex-husbands who liked to cause trouble. Instead, I’ll tell them that I fell madly in love with her quick wit and her attitude. Her breathtaking smile and her stunning green eyes. I’ll tell them that just by being around her, I wanted to be a better man.
Cheesy, but true.
My life began the moment this woman tore me a new asshole in the middle of the hallway of that apartment building. This woman in my arms owns my heart and soul.
Her and our babies.
One big happy family.
Our perfect mess.
Epilogue
Lexi
It’s a Summer sister tradition that on the first Saturday of each month, the six of us get together. We take turns picking the location or activity, anything from margaritas and a movie to wine and painting classes at the small gallery uptown. One thing, though, is as certain as the sun rising over the Chesapeake Bay every morning: there will be alcohol involved.
Always.
It was Meghan’s turn to pick tonight’s activity, which is a Bingo fundraiser at The Beaver. The entire back room is filled with ladies of all ages for this year’s Jupiter Bay Fire Department fundraiser. It’s not your typical Bingo fundraiser, though. The ladies are here to check out all of the shirtless firemen.
You heard me.
And Meghan picked it! (Which I fully support, by the way.)
All of the guys under thirty gather up prizes from local businesses and call Bingo for the night. There’s a twenty-dollar cover at the door, which includes some appetizers and eight games of Bingo, called by our local heroes. Did I mention they’re shirtless? And wearing turn-out pants? And boots?
It’s a beautiful sight, especially w
ith my raging hormones.
Levi is here, working the board up front. Even though he’s on display and all eyes have already undressed him a dozen times tonight, his eyes are only on my sister. He keeps glancing her way and offering her smiles, which she happily returns. It’s cute, now that I have my own man warming my bed. But AJ keeps making gagging noises every time Abby fans her flushed face.
Speaking of AJ, she’s hitting the booze pretty hard tonight. It’s a cash bar, and she’s had a drink in her hand ever since we walked in the door (sometimes two). “Looking to get wasted tonight?” I ask AJ.
“Damn right,” she says, taking another drink of her beer. “And laid.” She glances around at the naked chests and smiles. “Definitely laid.”
“Me too,” Jaime says, holding up her hand for AJ to slap.
“Me three!” Payton exclaims, glancing over her shoulder into the main bar area where her boyfriend is surely waiting. He’ll be there with Ryan and Linkin.
“I guess that makes me four? These hormones are crazy. I dry hump Linkin pretty much twenty-four seven. I should be embarrassed, but the man is giving me O’s like a hooker gives BJ’s so I’m not complaining,” I say, taking a drink of my water.
“Me five!” Abby adds enthusiastically, her eyes devouring her shirtless man up at the front of the room.
“I’m so sad. I’m not having sex,” Meghan says, taking another drink of her margarita.
“You could, you know. No one would look down on you in the least,” Jaime says softly.
“I know,” Meghan replies, shifting a bit in her seat. “I’m just not ready.”
“Well, then Meggy Pie, I’ll have sex for you tonight!” AJ proclaims, her green eyes already a little glassy.
“Just be careful, AJ. There are a lot of out-of-towners here that you don’t know anything about.”
“All I need to know is if he has an eight inch dick and knows how to use it. Maybe oral, too. Good oral skills are important,” she adds, nodding her head decisively.
“Amen,” Payton says, reaching out and slapping AJ’s hand. That’s when I notice her finger.
“Hey, what’s that?” I ask, reaching across the table and grabbing her hand. She tries to pull it away, but my eagle talons are no match for her.
“That’s a diamond,” Abby says, a shocked look on her face.
Now it’s Payton’s turn to squirm in her seat. “Look,” she starts, but is cut off.
“Oh my God, you’re engaged?” Jaime hollers, drawing the attention of those around us.
The five of us bend towards Payton a bit, ignoring the glances from our neighbors. The Bingo is all but forgotten as we stare at our oldest sister and wait for her to elaborate.
“Okay, so you guys aren’t going to get mad at me, right?” she asks, clearly nervous about whatever she’s about to say.
“Why would we be mad about you getting engaged?” Meghan asks.
“Because we’re not engaged.” She glances around at each of us before she lowers the boom. “We’re married.”
“What?!” we all exclaim at the same time.
And that’s when we’re asked to step out of the room for disrupting Bingo.
When we make our way to the main bar, we all turn our full attention to Payton. The guys notice the commotion and join us.
“Look, we wanted to tell you, but it happened so fast.”
“You got married? And didn’t tell us?” I ask, unable to stop the tears that are suddenly swimming in my eyes. Stupid hormones!
“Please don’t cry, Lexi,” Payton says, reaching forward and touching my hand. But I don’t want her traitorous wedding ring wearing hand touching me. “Let me explain.”
We all stand there and wait. Dean wraps his arm around Payton’s shoulder in a sign of support and offers her a smile. It’s so sweet and loving and makes me want to cry that much more.
“So we heard from the attorney proceeding over the adoption of Brielle. He said that if Dean and I were already married that the adoption would move quicker. We mentioned it to dad the other night and he made a call. He borrowed the jet from that rich couple he flies for, and flew us to Vegas.”
“You got married in Vegas? By Elvis?” Jaime asks.
“Not by Elvis, but at a small chapel on the strip.”
“Who else knows?” AJ asks, still drinking her beer.
“Well, Dad knows, of course, and Dean’s mom Gretchen was there. And Brielle.”
“When did this happen?” I ask, shocked that we didn’t know a thing about this.
“Thursday night.”
“You flew to Vegas Thursday, got married, and came home?” Jaime asks, the corners of her lips starting to turn up.
“Yeah. We got out there just in time to get the marriage license, bought rings, went to a little place that Gretchen researched on the flight, and flew home.” Even though Payton is apprehensive and worried about our reactions, she’s radiating with happiness.
Again, we’re stunned silent.
Finally, it hits everyone at once. “Oh my God! You’re married!” Meghan squeals with excitement before throwing her arms around Dean and Payton.
“Holy shit,” I laugh before joining them in the hug. Well, as much as I can, considering my stomach is the size of Rhode Island. The rest of our sisters join in the hug, which leads to more tears. At least they’re not all just from me this time.
We opt to grab the big table in the bar and have a little celebration. Of course, I’m not drinking, which really sucks. The guys join us, and as soon as Bingo is finished, Levi comes out to find out what’s wrong.
“Nothing, babe,” Abby says, a wide smile on her face. “Payton and Dean eloped this week.”
“That’s awesome,” he says, reaching over to shake Dean’s hand in congratulations before wrapping my sister in a big hug.
“Thank you,” she says, returning the hug before taking her seat beside her husband.
Husband.
That’s so strange to say. Even though we’ve known it was coming, I think we all expected a proposal and wedding, like Jaime and Ryan had back in April. Now here we are: two sisters married and two shacking up with their boyfriends.
It makes me think about my future with Linkin. Even though I’m not sure what it holds, I know that I’m in this for the long haul. This time around, it’s not about the perfect car or house or life or husband. It’s about finding that one person who completes your soul. Who loves you with every breath of their being, and you love back equally the same.
Linkin.
As if sensing where my mind is, Linkin glances over and gives me that smirk. He moves forward and wraps his strong arms around my neck, pulling me towards him. Our lips meet in the middle in a slow, lazy kiss.
“Get a room,” one of my sisters says. I think it was AJ.
“I plan on it,” Linkin replies loudly, offering me a wink.
We hang out and visit with my family for another hour, but before long, it’s a struggle to keep my eyes open. Exhaustion and fatigue starts to hit in the early evening most nights, and the fact that I’ve made it until almost ten o’clock is a small miracle.
“Ready to head home?” Linkin asks, rubbing small circles on my lower back. Lord, this man and his magic hands.
“I think so.” My words get lost in my yawn.
“I’m taking my girl home,” Linkin announces to the table.
“Awww, Lexi, are you feeling all right? You look tired,” Abby says with a look of pity.
“Growing babies is hard work,” I reply as Linkin helps me out of the chair. I don’t really need the help, but he does it anyway. I think he just likes copping a feel.
“You don’t have to lie to us, Lex. We know you’re leaving so you can give road-head.” This from Jaime.
“I wish,” I retort. “There’s no way I could bend over the console anymore. Not with this basketball attached to my front.” I rub a gentle hand across my abdomen, whic
h is quickly joined by Linkin. And then my sisters. It’s a good thing I’m not one of those people who minds having others touch their pregnant belly. My sisters have no boundaries.
“Don’t worry, Lexi. Since AJ is going to have sex tonight for Meghan, I’ll give road-head for you!” Jaime exclaims.
“Uh, babe, that’s a little weird,” Ryan says, looking strangely at his wife.
“Fine, the road-head is from me,” she says, leaning forward and kissing him. “Sorry, Lex.” She adds with a casual shrug.
“It’s okay,” I say as Linkin entwines his fingers with mine. “We’re learning to be very creative.”
“Damn right,” Linkin adds with a wink. “I can’t keep her off my body.”
I roll my eyes, even though his statement is one hundred percent the truth.
My sisters all give me hugs and rub the belly. “Congratulations,” I whisper to Payton before placing a kiss on her cheek. “I’m so happy for you. And I know that the adoption will go through seamlessly now. But just remember, you’re already her mom.”
My oldest sister blinks back tears and nods her head sharply. “Thank you.” The words are so full of emotion that it starts to choke me up. Again.
“Get me out of here before I start bawling over the spilled popcorn by the bar,” I instruct to Linkin, who just grins. He’s well used to my emotional roller-coaster rides lately.
With one final wave to my family, I turn towards the door. Linkin wraps his arm around my neck, pulling me in close to his body. Neither of us speaks as we step out into the hot night air and to his Blazer. He helps me inside, but my legs are still dangling from the doorway. He steps between my legs, wraps his warm hands around the back of my neck, and kisses me.
His kisses are pure magic.
“I love you,” he whispers, his warm breath fanning across my lips.
“And I love you.”
The look he gives me reminds me of someone who won a big prize and his smile renders me speechless and powerless. I’m so damn lucky I chewed him out in the hallway of the apartment building all those months ago. Without him, I’d be lonely and probably knocked up with donor number G45629’s sperm. And that thought is almost nauseating.