Page 78 of Embers in the Outfield

“Yeah, well, your brother said the same thing, so you’ve got competition.” Sam laughs, and River looks up at her like she’s gone mad.

“No, no, sweet Annabelle. Uncle River is the better one, I promise you. Uncle Clay is no fun,” he continues in that little voice he only uses for the babies.

“How are you doing, Sam?” I look up at my best friend, knowing it’s been tough adjusting to motherhood.

She attempted to breastfeed when the babies were in the NICU, but her supply just never exceeded the amount the twins needed. For two babies, she needed to have a bigger supply, and the stress of it all really took a toll on her.

After weeks of crying over the fact that she was failing as a mother, she finally threw in the towel and bought formula. She said she was sick of people telling her what was best for the babies when she knew she needed to take action, and so she did. They’ve been thriving, so she hasn’t looked back. But there are moments, per Ash, where she breaks down and feels like she failed them already, this early on in life.

“I’m okay. Still exhausted, but I think Ash and I have a system now. He takes certain feedings, and I do others, giving each of us a space to rest when needed. Sometimes, we’re both dragging as the babies are awake past their routine sleep times, but we’re getting there.” She gives me a soft smile, and I see some relief etching her features.

I reach over and grab her hand and squeeze. She’s been a trooper with all of this. I’m not too sure I’d handle it as well as she has.

“So, what’s the plan for you two? Wanna babysit soon so I can have some time with my wife?” Ashton walks over and leaves a bottle each for River and me to feed.

I look over at River and respond, “Yeah, I think we can do that.”

Both Ashton and Sam throw their hands in the air and high-five each other. “YES! Thank you!”

They start to get up and make their way to the stairs.

“Hold up, you mean now?” River says, a bit of panic in his voice.

“Yes, now! I need some time to hang out with Sam without spit-up on our clothes. You said earlier you both have nothing going on today. Are you saying you lied to your best friends?” Ashton gives us a pointed glare.

River and I both shake our heads, a bit scared of this man in front of us right now.

As scary as Sam was when she was pregnant, it seems she’s transferred her attitude over to her easy-going husband. Hopefully, it’s an exhaustion thing because he’s a bit much to handle.

They hustle upstairs, and I hope it’s to change and not do other things because I do not need to relive my college years right now with sounds of them.

“You think they’re going to fuck or go out?” River and his dirty mouth ask.

“Probably both.” I roll my eyes and grab the bottle to start feeding Jacob before he gets angry. The boy’s got a set of lungs on him.

River does the same with Anna, and we both sit and soak in the newborn cuddles while we can. There is something really nice about watching someone’s baby but then handing them back at the end of the day. I’ll take auntie cuddles anytime over full responsibility of little humans.

“Does this make you want to have kids?” River asks.

I look over at him, wondering why he’s asking me this. “I guess? I mean, I never saw myself doing the parenting thing. But then we got together, and now I feel like I’m constantly changing my mind. Do I dream of endless diapers, lack of sleep, and likely leaking out of my boobs? No. But do I see these babies and wonder what our kids will look like or if we’ll be fun parents together? Absolutely. It doesn’t mean I don’t get scared though.”

He nods in agreement. “Well, that’s good.” He drops the conversation there, and we feed the babies in silence, giggling when they make funny faces as they down their bottles.

After they both get burped and a clean diaper, we put them in their bassinets to take another nap.

We’re sitting on the couch when Sam and Ashton make their way back downstairs. The flushed look on their faces and her “freshly fucked” hair leaves little to the imagination.

“Okay, we’re off.” Ashton tries to play like they didn’t just do the deed.

I look over to River who’s giving his best friend a thumbs up, and I realize men never really grow up.

We say our goodbyes, and I hope they’re back soon and not gone until god knows when. The more I see River holding a baby, the more I just want to jump him myself.

River goes to the kitchen to get us drinks and snacks, returning with an armful of treats. He puts everything down on the table in front of us, and the moment I stand up to grab some napkins, he halts me in my tracks. He brings himself to the floor on one knee, and my eyes must mimic the size of saucers as I see what’s about to happen.

“Kennedy,” he begins, and I swear I feel my heart start to race. I bring my hand to my face, trying to temper my emotions.

“You are everything to me, and I can’t see beyond today without you by my side,” he continues, and I swear, of all places and times for him to propose, he’s choosing now.

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