I head to the florist shop that Malcom’s mother owns and pick up a dozen of Avery’s favorite flower, purple tulips.
“Thanks, Mrs. Jefferies.” I kiss her on the cheek before I turn to walk out the door.
“Give that beautiful wife of yours my love and tell her to bring that baby by once she’s feeling up to it.”
I nod in agreement and then make my way home to my wife and daughter.
“Av?” I ask as I walk through the front door.
“We’re in here.” I walk through the hallway, toward the living room, and my breath nearly hitches in my throat. The sight before me will never get old.
Avery is laying on the couch with Zoey tucked into her side as she’s sound asleep, sucking on her pacifier.
“Hey,” I whisper as I lean down to their level and push a stray hair away from Avery’s eyes.
“Hey, you. How was your interview?” I know that she genuinely cares, but I’m relieved to know that she’s not entirely stressed out about the situation like I am. I want her to enjoy being a new mother, not worry about my job, or rather lack thereof.
“I think good. I should hear back soon.” I rub the back of Zoey’s head and then kiss Avery on the cheek.
“That’s great.” She smiles up at me. “You want to hold her?”
I shake my head. “No. You two look comfortable.” I stand. “I’m going to get changed out of these clothes, but I thought maybe I’d call your parents and see if they’d come hang out with her for a bit tonight.” I instantly see the doubt on her face, so I hold my hand up. “We don’t have to go anywhere. I just thought it would be nice to have an uninterrupted dinner together.” This brings the smile back to her face. “I know you’re not ready to leave her yet, and that’s completely fine.”
“That sounds amazing. What should we eat?”
“You think about what you’d like and I’ll make it or go pick something up.” I turn to walk toward our room, but then turn back to her. “But no Chinese.” I wink at her and then walk away but hear her groan.
An hour later, Lucy and Ed are at the front door. My mother-in-law barges past me so she can get to the baby. She can be a bit much at times, but tonight, I know that Avery and I both appreciate them giving us a little time to ourselves. Even if Zoey will only be in the next room.
“Hey, Ed.” I shake her dad’s hand, and then we make our way toward the living room.
“How’s my grandbaby?” he asks from behind me, and I can hear the pride in his voice.
After losing my own parents, he’s the closest thing I have to a father.
“She’s good and thankfully sleeps well.”
When we get to the living room, Lucy is already lifting Zoey out of her bed and kissing her cheeks. She reminds me of my Great Aunt Marsha. I swear I can still feel where she used to squeeze my cheeks so hard, she’d leave marks on them for weeks.
Avery stands from the couch, where she had been reading on the Kindle I got her while she was on bed rest. I like to tease her about reading romance books, but really, it benefits me in the long run, because she’s always horny as hell after reading them. Although, that does me no good right now, because according to the doctor, we can’t have sex for five or six more weeks.
“You ready for our date?” I murmur into her hair, as I wrap my arms around her frame. She looks incredible, especially for only having a baby a week and a half ago. I know she doesn’t feel the same way, but I’ve made it my mission to remind her everyday of how beautiful she is. My wife is fucking gorgeous, and she should know it.
She nods into my chest. “I’m so ready.” She turns to her parents. “Thanks for coming over. We’ll just be in the kitchen. She shouldn’t need to eat for another couple hours.”
Lucy shoos us out of the room. “We’ll be right here, under the same roof. Go relax.”
She doesn’t have to tell us twice. I grab Avery’s hand and then take her into the kitchen where I already have dinner spread out on the table.
She gasps beside me. “Babe, you did all this?”
She spins around, taking in the room. I have white lights hanging from the cabinets, with no overhead lights on. On the table, there’s three red tiered candles that sit in clear glass holders, each one lit. Red rose petals are scattered around the candles.
She then starts to laugh when she notices the two pizza boxes.
“You are such a romantic.”
I chuckle. “I know you’ve been craving sausage and mushroom pizza, so I had Tony’s delivered.”
She wraps her arms around my waist. “This is the best date ever.”
“Ever?” I raise my eyebrows. “We’re at home with your parents in the other room with our child.”
She shrugs. “Still the best.”
I pull her chair out for her and then kiss the top of her head before taking the seat next to her.
And it really is the best date ever. Because after we eat our pizza and make out like horny teenagers, Avery pulls me into our room and gives me the best blow job of my life.
12
Evan
We’ve now been home with Zoey for two weeks. Avery has been an absolute rock star at this whole parenting thing.
“How’s Daddy’s girl?” I ask my daughter as I lift her from the crib. There have been a few nights where I wished we had a bed in our room for her, but Avery convinced me that this is better in the long run. She told me enough horror stories about how hard it is to transition a baby to their crib after co-sleeping.
I have to admit that I’m surprised at how laid back this little thing is. She barely makes a peep unless she’s hungry. I have a feeling that if we ever have another child, we probably wouldn’t get so lucky.
I pat her back as I gently bounce her in my arms and hum a lullaby to her that I’ve heard Avery sing to her several times. I grab her pacifier out of the crib and one of her little blankets and make our way toward the living room. I just sent my wife away for a little bit. She’s been cooped up in the house since we got home, and I could tell she was starting to get a little anxious. She reluctantly took me up on my offer after I reassured her that we would be fine. I know that she trusts me, but her motherly instinct has her thinking that she has to do everything herself. I don’t want her to do everything herself.
I’ve been trying to convince her not to go back to work once her eight-week maternity leave is up, but I’ve got a fight on my hands. My woman is overly independent. I love that about her, but more than that, I’d love for her to be home with our daughter.
I prop a pillow behind my arm as I sit us on the couch. I don’t know how a seven-pound baby can cause your arm to hurt so much. I rub at the dark fuzz on Zoey’s head and then lean in to kiss her cheek.
“Momma needed a break so now you’re stuck with your ‘ol dad. You’re beautiful just like her. You know that?” She grabs my finger with her little hand. I didn’t know that newborns were capable of that so soon. I also never imagined myself talking to a baby like this either, but she stares up at me in awe as if she understands every word I’m saying.
I didn’t know it was possible to love a little human so much, but she’s already got me wrapped around her little finger.
My phone chimes from the coffee table. I pick it up and see that Avery is calling. She only just left fifteen minutes ago. I’m surprised she didn’t call sooner.
“Hey, Av,” I say in way of greeting.
“Hey. You two doing alright? I can come home now if you need me.” I smile at her concern, but I want her to enjoy a little time away from the baby.
“No, we’re just fine. We’re just hanging out watching the Cardinals game. She loves them already.
She chuckles through the line. “Oh, is that right? Well, I’m glad she has good taste in football teams.”
“She does. But really, go get some Christmas shopping done if you want. We’ll be fine, I promise.”
She sighs. “Alright. If you’re sure. If she gets fussy, she’s got milk ready in
the fridge. You just need to heat it up in the bottle warmer.”
“Av, don’t worry about us. I promise I’ll make sure she’s taken care of.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
“I want you to take care of yourself too. You’re a wonderful mother and you just need a little break. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“Thanks, babe. I’ll be home in a couple hours.”
I hit end on my phone and toss it back onto the table. Zoey is now snoozing contently in my arms, and little snores come from her nose. It’s so crazy to think that we made this little thing. After so much heartache and struggle, we finally have our little angel. I hope she always knows how much me and her mother love her. I’d do anything for both my girls.
This game is boring as hell. No wonder Zoey fell asleep. I switch the TV off and then set her down in her bouncy seat. I head to the kitchen, deciding I want to make my wife something nice for dinner tonight.
I’ve enjoyed being home with them, but I will be going back to work tomorrow. Luckily, Christmas is next week, so I’ll get another small vacation with them.
I pull the meat and different types of cheese out of the fridge that I’ll need to make a lasagna. Avery does most of the cooking around here, besides when she was on bed rest, but I learned a few things from my mom growing up. This was one of my favorite dishes that she made. Damn, I miss her. I try not to think about her and my dad too much, because it makes me feel like shit, but having Zoey here, I really wish they were still around. I know I didn’t always see eye to eye with them, but that didn’t make their deaths any easier on me.
I quickly brown the meat on the stove and mix in all my seasonings while I boil the noodles. I think Avery will be shocked to come home to dinner waiting for her, but she deserves to be taken care of. She does so much for me and now our daughter. I want to show her how much it means to me. I can’t show her in the way I’d like to right now, so dinner will have to be enough.
Once the lasagna is in the oven, I cut up vegetables for a salad and then make up a pan of brownies. Avery is careful about what she eats since she’s breastfeeding, but her doctor said that it’s alright to treat herself occasionally. They aren’t her homemade, to-die-for brownies, but she’ll still appreciate the gesture.
I go back to the other room to check on Zoey in her seat and then grab the baby monitor to make sure I hear her if she wakes.
I light a couple tall candles that Avery uses for special occasions, and then place them in the center of the table. Then I turn the dining room lights down low, to set a romantic atmosphere.
Her favorite Ed Sheeran album plays quietly in the background, and the aroma from the vanilla scented candles wafts through the air.
“What is all this?” I jump as I stand at the stove checking that the brownies are done cooking.
“Jesus, Av. You scared me.” I hold my chest as I smile at her.
“Sorry.” She walks toward me and then wraps her small frame around mine. “What are you making?” She eyes the food behind me.
“I thought you’d like a nice dinner after your afternoon out. Did you enjoy yourself?”
“Yeah, I did. Carly met me at the mall, and I was able to get a few things bought for Christmas.” She grabs at a burnt corner of the pan of brownies, and I swat at her hand playfully.
“You have to wait, Mrs. Porter.” I give her a quick kiss on the lips, and when she starts to walk away from me, I smack her ass.
“Keep your hands to yourself, mister. If I don’t get brownies, you don’t get my ass.” She wiggles her fine ass out of the kitchen, and I shake my head at her.
After Avery checks on Zoey, she comes back to the kitchen, and I pull her into my arms.
“Thanks for all this.” She waves her arm in the air. “I love you.” She stands on her toes and pecks me on the mouth.
“And I love you. I just wanted you to be able to relax tonight and not worry about dinner.”
“That sounds heavenly.” She moans. “I didn’t realize how bad I needed out of the house until I sat down in the coffeehouse without a baby attached to me.” She laughs. “Although, I missed her like crazy.”
“I figured you did when you called me fifteen minutes after you left,” I say teasingly.
She sniggers. “I know, I’m pathetic. It’s just that she’s been with me for the last nine months, it was kind of weird.”
“You’re not pathetic. You’re a wonderful mother. You know that?” I run my hand through her hair as I still hold her in my arms.
“And you’re a wonderful father. I couldn’t do this parenting thing without you.”
“Well, no. You couldn’t get yourself knocked up.”
“Evan!” She slaps my chest as she laughs.
“I can’t wait to practice knocking you up again.” I wiggle my eyebrows at her.
“Sorry. You’ve got four more weeks. Not that I’m counting or anything.”
Apparently, my girl is just as anxious to have sex again as I am.
13
Evan
“You sure you don’t want me to stay home a couple more days?” I ask as I look at my wife through the bathroom mirror.
“Ev, stop. We’ll be just fine. I’m a kick-ass mom, remember?” She winks at me.
“Yes, you are.” I walk back to the bedroom and peck her on the lips, but then take the kiss deeper. “Only twenty-six more days until I get to have my wicked way with you again,” I say as I pull away from our kiss and rub her nipple through her see-through maternity nightgown. I don’t care what she’s wearing. Or not wearing. She’s always sexy as hell.
“Those are off limits too!” She swats at my hand. “Unless you want me leaking milk all over your clean suit.”
“Fine, but soon, they’re going to be all mine again.”
She rolls her eyes before turning from me. “Not if you keep knocking me up.”
“We’ll see!” I holler as I walk down the hallway.
She follows after me.
I gently grab her face. “I’ll miss you today, but next week, I get you all to myself.” I give her a passionate kiss but then reluctantly pull away.
“Have a good day.” She wraps her arms around me for one last hug before I walk out the door.
“Lock up behind me,” I say as I pull the door open, and she gives me a mock salute. “I’m glad that motherhood hasn’t made you less of a smartass, Av.” I smirk.
“Nope. It’ll take more than some poopy diapers and spit up to stop me.”
* * *
Today has been an absolute day from hell and can’t seem to end fast enough. I’m sure the fact that I’m missing both my girls like crazy, doesn’t help. With Christmas only a week away, the office is extra busy, and everyone seems to be in a piss-poor mood.
“Hey, man. Glad to have you back.” Malcom pats me on the back as he reaches around me to grab a coffee mug. As much of an arrogant asshole he can be at times, he’s really a genuine guy.
“Hey. Can’t say I’m thrilled about being here. Would much rather be home with my wife and daughter.”
“Yeah, I’m sure. How’s the baby?” He stirs sugar into his black coffee.
“She’s perfect.” I smile, and I know I look like an idiot, but being a dad has done that to me.
“Dude, I can’t believe you have a kid.”
“Honestly, me neither. But I fucking love it.”
“I will definitely never be in your shoes, but I’m happy for you.” He slaps me on the back again and starts to walk away.
“You don’t know that. You just need to find the right woman to help settle your ass down first.” I laugh at him.
“That won’t happen either.” He leaves the kitchen, and I’m left alone again.
I’m sick of being in my office, so I take a seat at the table and pull my phone out to send Avery a quick text.
Me: Hey, baby momma. Miss you and the princess today.
I know she’ll scold me for calling her that as usual, but I l
ove her fiery side. Although, I wish I could see her fiery side in the bedroom. Damn, I’m getting hard just thinking about her. I feel like a selfish prick since she just gave birth to our daughter, but I’m only a man. A very needy man.
I’m scrolling through my emails on my phone when a text from her comes through.
Avery: You better be good, mister. We miss you too and can’t wait to see you in a few hours.
Me: What if I’m not good? Will you punish me?
I really shouldn’t be texting her like this at work because it’ll be near impossible to cover my hard-on when I walk back to my office.
Avery: Sorry… twenty-six more days, remember?
How could I possibly forget? All I know is that I need to find a babysitter for that night so we don’t have any interruptions. I’m sure she’ll argue with me about that, but she’ll have to get over it.
Evan: Damn woman. You have a dirty mind. I wasn’t talking about sex.
I chuckle to myself as I put my phone in my suit jacket pocket and walk to the sink to empty and wash out my mug.
I head toward my office, but before I make it to the door, I see Mallory walking out of Flynn’s office.
“Hey, Mr. Porter,” she says once she notices me.
“Mallory, I’ve told you before. Just call me Evan. I feel old when you call me that.” I try to be funny, but I’m really not in the mood.
“You’re not that old.” She giggles. Well, isn’t that sweet?
“Uh, thanks. I think.” I laugh. “Did you need something?”
“No.” She giggles again.
I turn toward my office to get back to work. “Okay, well, let me know if you need anything for the Ames case. I know it’s going to be a messy one.”
Renewed: The Unexpected Series Page 6