Page 112 of Fumble Into the End Zone

“Whoa, Momma Bear. I’m putting her in her own bed,” Marcus said.

Harley hadn’t left me since the baby announcement earlier today. We ate pizza and climbed in bed to watch TV. Somewhere during the movie, we both fell asleep. With blurry vision, I registered Marcus carrying our daughter out of our room. I closed my eyes again for what appeared to be seconds before Marcus kissed my cheek.

He placed a bottle of water on the nightstand before moving to his side of the bed. Within minutes, his arms were around my body, caressing my stomach.

“Two babies,” he whispered.

The texture of his skin touching mine baited me to drift off to sleep, but I knew he wanted to talk.

“Yes, we will have three kids running around the house at the same time,” I said and then yawned.

“Next Tuesday, the contractor is coming over. We need to order the light fixtures, hardware and the tile. I want to be in the new house before you give birth. I was going to surprise youwith it, but you need to order the equipment for your recording studio,” Marcus said.

I peered over my shoulder at him with the sensation to cry. “Baby, you added a studio?”

“Yes, I added a studio with a separate entrance and Harley’s pool on the last change orders,” he said.

“You are so thoughtful, baby.”

“How do you want to handle the baby news?” he asked.

“My preference is to tell my parents tomorrow and we can handle everyone else person by person.”

“And the engagement?” he questioned.

He snuggled underneath me more, finding a comfortable spot. “I want to keep the wedding in-house for now. Marcus, your head needs to be in the game,” I said groggily.

“Yes, Coach Owens,” he teased.

Christmas morning held a different spirit this year. I rested on the couch with my legs covered with the custom blanket Marcus made for me. Each square held a memory for me from our first date until our first vacation. I’m thankful for the designer purses, money, and jewelry Marcus bought, but this was the best gift. Harley had ripped through her gifts and Marcus scoffed about the Fashion Dollhouse. I figured he needed something to do as bonding time with Harley. When the doorbell rang, I checked the cameras to see it was Marcus’s gift.

“No, it’s your gift and do not look at the security camera,” I said, pausing his steps as he tried to open the front door.

I pushed back my blanket and exited the couch with Harley behind me. I answered the door.

“Mia Robinson?” the delivery driver with the white button down asked.

Excitement flowed through me as I scribbled my name on the clipboard. He passed me the keys in a wrapped box, and I squealed. I stood at the door, pointing at Marcus, making sure he didn’t touch his phone. Mrs. Eddy was enjoying her foot warmer as she rested in her chair.

After the crew pulled off, I waved my future husband over but paused him at the door, placing the red and black boxes in his hand.

“Mrs. Allen, you spent over the budget,” he said and I placed my hand on my hip.

“You gave me a hundred-dollar budget for yours and gave yourself an unlimited budget for mine,” I said.

Marcus pressed his lips together before he dangled his head to the left. “A man always needs underclothes and personal items. The lotion in the purple bottle is fire.”

“I knew you were using my stuff,” I said and tapped his upper arm. “Now, close your eyes. Harley and I will lead you outside.”

We guided Marcus down the steps and to the driveway. “Mia, if this gift is too expensive, it’s going back,” he warned.

“Not happening. You’re going to enjoy your gifts. Now, open,” I said.

A white Bentley Continental GT and a black chevy Monte Carlo SS 1987 with the red stripe sat in the driveway.

“Merry Christmas, baby,” I said.

Marcus remained still as he glared at the cars.

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