Page 50 of Wildest Forever

“Anything else on your mind?” I ask, but she shakes her head from side to side.“Okay,” I smile as she steps out of my grasp. Clearing my throat, I grab my mom’s and Tripp's tea, Morgan grabs Aspen’s and her own as she follows me back into the lounge.

“Here we go ma,” I say softly as I place the mug on the coaster then hand Tripp his who is now sitting on the arm of the chair, Dixie sitting next to him, her hands under her bump.

Morgan passes a cup silently to Aspen who thanks her, then she sits on the sofa and I sit next to her, our knees touching, my hands locked in my lap.

“How you feeling Dix?” I ask, my eyes drifting to her.

“Not too bad, getting a little uncomfortable now,” she sighs as her head rolls back and onto the back cushion of the sofa.

“Not much longer to go, Dreamcatcher,” Tripp says softly, scooping her hand into his as he brings it to his lips and places a kiss on the back of it.

She looks at him, smiling.

“I can't wait for a new baby niece or nephew,” Aspen beams as she takes a mouthful of her tea, her eyes flitting to Riggs momentarily.

“I think it's a boy,” I say a little too confident, nodding and my mom agrees.

“Nah, I think we've got another little princess on our hands,” Dixie looks down at her bump, her small hand running back and forth over it.

“I am just praying they come out healthy, whatever the gender,” Tripp smiles, bringing his own tea to his lips.

Lainey stirs, a soft cry passing her lips but that soon stops as mom pats her toosh softly, soothing her.

“Here, let me take her,” Dixie pulls herself from the chair and waddles across the floor to where Lainey is fidgeting on my mom's lap.

“Hey sweet girl,” Dixie whispers, scooping Lainey into her arms, resting her on her bump as Lainey rubs the sleep out of her eyes, a little groggy as she places her head on her momma's chest, her fingers pinching at the thin gold necklace that sits around Dixie's neck.

“When will it be our turn,” Aspen whispers to Riggs who stands beside her, his arm curling around her waist.

“Soon Wildflower, so soon,” and I don't miss the sadness that etches across his face for just a moment as his lips press against the top of her head.

“Do you want kids, Morgan?” Aspen sighs as she looks at my wife, Morgan's eyes widen as she begins to rub her palm against her thigh, her mouth parting then closing.

“You don't need to answer that,” my mom eyes down Aspen as she shrinks back into Riggs momentarily.

I know the answer.

Kids were never in her plan.

But then again, neither was I.

I always knew I wanted kids, wanted the big family.

But I could maybe make peace with the fact of not having any if that's what she wanted.

Morgan drops her head for a moment and eyes her mug of tea.

“I am just trying to focus on each day as it comes at the moment,” she looks up at Aspen and smiles sweetly at her.

“How's Aust? I wanna shoot over to see him after,” I aim my question at Aspen, trying to change the subject.

“Yeah he is okay, good days and bad... today's a good day,” she rolls her lips and I know Aspen well enough to know that my mom's comment has made her feel bad.

“Perfect, I wanna catch up with him anyway so will pop in after I am done here,” I smile. “Ma,” I say just as she stands up from the chair, giving herself a moment to stretch out after being nap trapped for far too long.

Dixie has walked from the room to sort Lainey so it's only me, Morgan, Tripp, Aspen and Riggs.

“Yeah?” she reaches for her cup and takes a mouthful, a little hum of appreciation escaping her lips as she swallows.

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