Page 158 of 12 Months of Mayhem

I lean into his touch, savoring the warmth and strength of his presence. “Better,” I admit. “It’s good to be home.”

“You know, we don’t have to do all this today. If you’re tired, I can send everyone home. A little alone time with my beautiful fiancée sounds pretty fucking good right now.”

I look up at Rex, a mischievous glint in my eye. “Alone time?” I tease, patting my swollen belly. “I think that’s what got us into this mess in the first place.”

Rex’s deep chuckle rumbles through his chest, and I feel it vibrate against my shoulder. His large hand splays protectively over my belly, warm and comforting.

“Besides,” I continue, “with three kids, I think we can kiss ‘alone time’ goodbye for the next eighteen years or so. Maybe we’ll get a moment to ourselves when they all head off to college.”

As if on cue, a crash echoes from upstairs, followed by Birdie’s high-pitched giggle and Beaux’s exasperated, “Aw, man!” Bobo’s voice rises above the commotion, a mixture of amusement and mock sternness as he referees whatever chaos has erupted in the kids’ room. “Hey, stop throwing turtle shells at me, Uncle Bobo! That’s not fair.”

I can’t help but laugh “You hear that?” I say to Rex, gesturing towards the ceiling. “That’s what we have to look forward to, times three.”

Rex grins, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Wouldn’t have it any other way,” he says, squeezing my hand.

I take a deep breath, feeling a flutter of excitement in my chest. “Speaking of which,” I start, “I think it’s a good thing we’re having a girl this time around.”

Rex’s eyebrows shoot up, surprise written all over his face. “A girl? How do you know that?”

I can’t help but smirk, enjoying the rare moment of catching my usually unflappable fiancé off guard. “Woman’s intuition,” I tease, then add more seriously, “Plus, the ultrasound tech might have let it slip at the hospital. I was waiting for the right moment to tell you.”

Rex’s expression softens, a mix of joy and wonder crossing his features. “A little girl,” he mutters. “Another princess to spoil rotten.”

I chuckle, leaning into his touch. “Yeah, and thank goodness for that. I don’t think the world could survive if it were another boy.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, darlin’,” Rex declares. “If she’s anything like you, we’ll be just fine.”

I laugh, playfully swatting at Rex’s arm. “Very funny. You better be ready to chase after her because I have a feeling she’s going to be a handful.”

Rex leans down, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “I can handle it. After all, I’ve been chasing after you for years.”

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