Today was a celebration of both Alexis’ fourth birthday and Benji’s first birthday. Since their birthdays were only a month apart, they had decided to celebrate them together this time. They were having their friends and family over for a pool party and barbeque.
Leaning over to she should look at herself closer in the mirror, she inspected her face. She was about to be 31, and she was feeling self-conscious about it. She had gotten back to her pre-pregnancy weight after having Benji, but she still felt different. Smoothing out the start of a few wrinkles on her forehead, she frowned. Stepping back, she smoothed her hands down her hips, a little wider than before, and checked that she looked good enough to be seen in this bathing suit today.
“Tell me you aren’t thinking about changing,” Ben said, walking into the room. Looking at her face, he knew that she had been thinking just that. He looked her up and down, standing in front of the mirror in their bathroom with her hair in a low ponytail, her gorgeous face smooth and flawless, and her tight body covered only partly with a floral bikini and a sarong. She really had no idea how beautiful she was. “You’re just as hot as the day I met you, if not hotter.”
Kayley met his eyes, and instantly he warmed her insides. “Ben, you know just how to make me feel better. I’m just being a dumb girl.”
“Don’t you ever call yourself a dumb girl,” he teased. “You’re my beautiful, wonderful wife, and the mother to my children. Look at this body.” He turned her so she could look back at herself in the mirror. “You’re drop dead gorgeous, Kay. People pay big money to have a body that looks even partially as good as yours. No one would guess you have ever had children. Trust me.”
She trained a doubtful eye on him in the mirror. “I think you’re blind.”
Ben stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her. “I’m not. I tell the truth, Kay. Do I need to show you how hot I think you are before we go down and get ready for the party?”
“Is your mom down there?” Kayley asked, her lip quirking up on one side.
Ben nodded, his eyes dancing mischievously. “She’s playing with the kids. She won’t even notice we aren’t down there.”
Kayley blushed. “But, she will know what we were doing.” Her trying to push him off was useless—she knew she never would.
Ben kissed her neck and she leaned back into him, her body always craving being as close to him as possible. “I’m pretty sure she knows that we do that, baby. Seeing as how she’s playing with the product of our love right now.” Kayley laughed, closing her eyes as he slipped her sarong off and threw it to the floor. Whistling through his teeth at her reflection, he trained his eyes on hers as he untied and removed her bikini top, then bottoms. He sucked in a breath, watching himself touch her in the mirror. “Absolutely beautiful. Maybe Benji needs a brother or sister made today.”
Kayley chuckled. “Well, I guess you never know, huh?” With that, there was no more talking, because he was determined to show her just how attracted he was to her. His mouth devoured hers as she turned to face him, and he lifted her and put her on the bathroom counter. Moaning, he licked inside her mouth as she wrapped her legs around his waist. She responded instantly to him, just as she always did, drawing him closer so he was settled directly where he needed to be. He knew that they didn’t have a lot of time before guests started arriving and/ or Alexis would come looking for them, but that almost made it hotter.
Rubbing gently against him, Kayley arched back, the sensations taking over. Ben’s hands roamed her body as he continued tasting her mouth, finally fisting his hands in her hair as he leaned her backwards, suckling her neck while her soft hand caressed him at the evidence of his desire. Whimpering, she led him to her, looking at him directly in the eyes. What he saw there shredded any willpower he had to wait, and he entered her quickly, taking her furiously on the top of their bathroom counter, putting all fears to rest that he wanted her just as badly as ever.
Straightening her suit, she met Ben’s eyes as he redressed in his board shorts. “Think that will prove to you that you’re hot as hell?” Ben teased, caressing her backside again. She laughed, watching him as he pulled his shorts up.
“I love you, Dr. Yummy,” she teased. “And you never fail to make me feel like the happiest woman on this planet.”
“It’s my life goal, baby,” he said. “Now let’s go enjoy our party. Then I’ll reward you again later for giving me the two cutest kids in all the universe.”
Hours later, after the food had been eaten, the cake cut, and the presents opened, Kayley and Ben sat side by side, watching Alexis swim like a fish in the pool, and Benji floating around in a baby boat accompanied by his Nana. Alexis had of course gotten her share of baby dolls, as well as Barbie’s, her newest love, as well as a new bike, clothes, and princess items, from her Daddy of course. Benji had thoroughly enjoyed diving into the cake, getting it in every possible crevice he possibly could. Ben had said he was a typical boy, and his parents agreed, saying that Ben had been the classic boy as well. He could’ve really cared less about the toys he got, worried more about the bows and the boxes, but he had a great first birthday.
Their house was filled with their family and their friends that were like family, and tons of kids that loved being together. Sounds of shrieking and squealing kids filled the air, playing various games in the pool. The toddlers and babies watched, their eyes wide at the bigger kids, and they knew that it wouldn’t be long before they were doing that, too.
Reaching over, Kayley took Ben’s hand in hers, and he turned his head, meeting her eyes. He winked at her, leaning over to whisper in her ear. It was one of the best things he did, and it always made her feel special. “I love you.” Laying her head on his shoulder, she gripped his arm with her free hand, and closed her eyes.
“I love you, too,” she murmured, her heart full. She felt like the luckiest woman in the entire world.
Kayley straightened the blue bow in her daughter’s hair, smoothing out her curls and cupping her face in her hands. She looked so adorable in her little school uniform- a white collared shirt with the name of her school embroidered on the chest, a khaki skort, and, of course, pink princess sneakers.
“You look adorable,” Kayley said, kissing Alexis on her little button nose.
“Can we go? Is it time for school?” Alexis hopped up and down, her curls bouncing. She had been ready for this day for weeks, her little social butterfly. It was Alexis’ first day of kindergarten. Kayley couldn’t believe that her baby was old enough to go to school.
“Mommy!” Benji’s little voice came around the corner. Dressed in his favorite Superman pajamas, his blonde hair was sticking out everywhere and his blue eyes were bright. “Wexi go school?”
Kayley took Benji in her arms, hugging him. “Yes, it’s almost time. Where’s Daddy? He needs to help you get dressed so we can take her.”
Alexis reached out for Benji’s little hand. “I’ll help him, Mommy. Come on, Benji, let’s go.” The two of them walked off, hand in hand, to Benji’s room. The bond between Alexis and Benji had always been this way, since day one. Alexis was like his little mommy, always there to help him. And he adored his sister, following her around all day long. Today would be hard for him, since he was used to her being with him all day.
Walking into the kitchen, she quadruple checked to make sure Alexis had everything she needed for today. Her new backpack was full of all of her school supplies. Her princess lunchbox had all of her favorites inside. She was ready as she could be. But Kayley wasn’t. She was going to school. Her baby was a big girl.
“About ready to go?” Ben came in, dressed in his usual dress slacks, dress shirt, and tie. Even after three years of marriage, seeing him like this still made her stomach flip. Add that he was carrying their newborn daughter, Cierra Emily, in his arms, and the love in her heart just tripled.
Walking over to her, he kissed her lips, and she breathed in the smell of him. Cierra was sleeping in his arms, and he carefully transfe
rred her to the bouncy seat that was in the kitchen. She had been born just two weeks ago, making Benji a big brother at the age of two. She would never forget the reaction that Ben had to seeing his daughter born. They had opted not to find out the sex of the baby this time, since they had one of each already.
“The baby is coming! Come on, Kayley, push!” Dr. Moore had coached her, Ben at her side this time, holding her hand. While he had wanted to help deliver this one, Kayley had begged him to help her through it from the side. Plus, since they didn’t know the sex of the baby, she wanted them to both find out at the same time.
Bearing down, she pushed with all of her might, Ben’s soothing voice floating through her, encouraging her. As their baby made it into the world, Kayley cried in relief. Ben leaned over her, resting his forehead against hers, their hands still entwined.
“It’s a…GIRL!” Dr. Moore yelled, cutting the cord and holding her up for them to see.
“It’s a girl,” Ben cooed, kissing her softly. “We have another daughter. I love you so much, Kayley. Thank you.” Tears dripped from his face to hers.
She wrapped her free arm around his neck, stroking him softly. “I love you, Ben. Our family is the most important thing in the world to me.”
The nurse cleaned her up and weighed her, announcing that she was 7 pounds 1 ounce and 20 inches long. She walked over to them, the precious bundle in her arms. “Here she is. Congratulations to both of you.”
Kayley took their newborn daughter in her arms, staring into her precious face. Ben stroked her gently, memorizing her features. “She’s beautiful, just like her mom,” Ben murmured, kissing her face. She squirmed, her eyes trying to open but without success.
“She knows your voice,” Kayley said, watching as the baby turned her head and kept attempting to open her eyes.
“Of course she does,” Ben boasted. “I talked to her every day. Hi, baby. Now we have to decide what your name is. You have a big sister, Alexis, and she’s going to die when she knows that you’re a girl. Your big brother Benji is going to be your protector.”
Kayley watched her husband talk to their new daughter, awe filling her. Ben was the greatest father, always hands on and active with his children, no matter how much he worked. This baby would be no different. He got up at night, changed diapers, and made sure that Kayley had a break.
“What are we going to name her?” Ben asked. “I know you had a few names on the list that you liked for girls. What do you think she looks like?”
Kayley studied her beautiful face, so similar to her sister and brother. Touching her puffy lips, which opened immediately to try to nurse, she smiled. “I think someone wants to try to eat,” she announced to the nurse. She walked back over to assist her, though Kayley was an old pro at this by now. She opened her gown, settling the baby at her breast. Just like both of her siblings, she latched on right away, content.
“Cierra,” she announced. “What do you think of that?” She looked at Ben, and he smiled. “She looks like Cierra to me. Would you mind if I had her middle name be Emily?”
Ben caressed the baby as she nursed. “Cierra Emily Nichols,” he tried it out on his tongue. “That’s a beautiful name, Kay. Good choice.”
Kayley looked down at Cierra, her little mouth working. “Cierra,” she said. “Your name is Cierra, baby girl. Welcome to our family.”
A wail snapped her back to reality, and she looked over at Cierra in the seat, who was squirming, her little face scrunched up.
Alexis ran into the room, followed by Benji, making a beeline for her sister. She was thrilled to be a big sister again, and often Kayley had to stop her from trying to take complete control of the baby, even at the tender age of 5. Benji was dressed, shoes and all, thanks to big sister Alexis.
“Mommy, she’s sad that I’m going to school,” Lexi said, caressing Cierra’s face. She immediately stopped crying, her little face smoothing out at the sound of her sister’s voice. Kayley knew that if anything was bothering Alexis about going to school today, it was leaving her brother and sister.
“Baby, she’s going to miss you a whole lot while you’re gone today, but I promise I’ll take good care of her and Benji. They will be ready to hear all about your day at school when I pick you up.”
“And you’re picking me up at the front of the school? How do I know what to do?” Concern etched her precious little face.
Crouching down next to her, Kayley looked into her blue eyes, big with worry. “Your teacher, Miss Smith? She will show you exactly what to do. Don’t worry at all. And I will be there. I promise.”
Alexis’ lip trembled. “When we get to school, can you ask her?”
Kayley took her in her arms. She acted so big but was still her little girl. “Yes, baby girl. We’ll ask her.”
Ben swooped up from behind her, wrapping his arms around her. “Hi, Princess. You look adorable. Are you all ready?”
Alexis turned, throwing her arms around her Daddy, and grinned. “I’m ready, Daddy! Are you coming, too?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, baby girl. Benji, you ready, buddy?” Benji nodded, still crouched next to Cierra in her baby seat. While he loved baby Cierra just as much as Alexis did, he wasn’t nearly as worried about her. Kayley figured he would probably take a more active role with the baby now that Alexis would be at school all day.
After parking, the family of five headed into Park View Elementary School. The place was mobbed with parents and kids, and as they walked towards the doors, Alexis stopped, her eyes wide.
“You okay?” Kayley said, stopping the stroller that held Benji and Cierra. Alexis turned to her, blinking and looking shell shocked.
“There’s a lot of people here,” she breathed. She was uneasy and nervous, even through her excitement.
Ben reached out and took her hand. “Come on, sweetie. Let’s go find Miss Smith’s room. It will be okay, I promise.”
Taking his word for it, Alexis walked hand in hand with her Daddy into the building, Kayley right behind with the stroller. As they reached her classroom, she got more excited. After finding her name on the door, she walked in purposefully. Kayley laughed, knowing it was only a matter of time before the real Alexis came back out.
Miss Smith was a young, cute teacher, and she had a gaggle of kids already surrounding her, their parents hovering nervously nearby. As she spotted Alexis, she invited the other boys and girls to say hello to her. Alexis, finding her nametag and dropping her book bag on her chair, turned around and gave her megawatt smile.
“I’m Alexis,” she announced confidently. “This is my Mommy and my Daddy. I have another Daddy in Heaven. This is my brother Benji—say hi Benji. Thank you. And this is my baby sister, Cierra. She was just born. Isn’t she so cute?” The other kids crowded around her, her personality attracting them like moths to a flame.
Kayley met Ben’s eyes and shook her head, laughter bubbling up inside her. This kid was something else. Miss Smith walked up to them, an amused smile on her face.
“Good morning,” she said. “I’m Miss Smith. She’s just adorable.”
They laughed, and Kayley stuck out her hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Kayley, and this is my husband, Ben.”
“He’s a doctor,” Alexis announced as Miss Smith shook his hand. “He helps kids.”
Laughing, Ben ruffled her hair gently. “As you will find out, this one here will tell you anything and everything you want to know, and probably plenty you don’t. But she has the kindest heart, always wanting to help others.”
Miss Smith smiled at Alexis. “Well, I think you will be a great helper around here. And maybe someday your daddy can come in and talk to the kids about being a doctor. Would you like that?”
Alexis nodded her head enthusiastically. “Yes, thank you. My daddy is very smart.”
“I think you have yourself a daddy’s girl here,” Miss Smith teased. Kayley and Ben laughed, agreeing that in fact she was a daddy’s girl. Kayley guessed she could’ve said s
omething slightly more embarrassing, like telling her that her daddy was yummy or something.
After making sure that Alexis understood how she was going to get out of school that afternoon and reassuring her that Miss Smith would get her to Kayley, they left Alexis in her classroom, happily talking to the other kids. She had clung on to Kayley just a little bit longer than she thought she would’ve, but there had been no tears. She had kissed Benji, telling him to be a good boy at home today, and she would play superheroes with him when she got home. Then, she had kissed Cierra’s face until she started to cry, then calmed her with her voice.
Kayley and Ben walked out, hand in hand, to the parking lot. Kayley was quiet, and Ben knew that she was trying to hold it together. Having a baby two weeks ago, plus now sending Alexis to school, he knew she must be emotionally fragile.
Stopping at their minivan, he put his hand on her back, feeling the tremors of her holding in tears. “Kay,” was all he needed to say, and she turned, burying her face in his chest as tears wracked her body. “Shhh, it’s okay, baby. It’s okay.” He rubbed her back as she cried into his chest. Benji watched them from the stroller but didn’t say anything. He was a lot quieter than Alexis, usually taking things in before speaking.
“Sh-she’s so big,” Kayley cried. “My baby i-is in school. H-how did this happen?”
Ben lifted her face so she was looking at him. “She’s a wonderful kid, Kayley. She’s smart and kind. She’s going to love school. I understand how you feel. She’s growing up too fast. It just seems like yesterday she was that little toddler that loved her stuffed monkey and called me Daddy Ben. Now she’s a big girl. But, she will always be our baby. And look,” Ben indicated the stroller. “Now we have these two rascals, too. I’m always here for you, Kay. You know that, right?”
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