Page 102 of Tinsel & Chrome

“I thought you were asleep?”

‘I pretend so Ony sleeps. He's a baby he needs to rest.”

“But you don't?” I raise my brow awaiting her answer.

“No, because I'm a big girl and don't need naps. I can stay up all the way till tomorrow!”

Her confidence is impressive but she falls asleep on me every time within minutes. I don't know if it's the rocking, my warmth, or my heartbeat but I'll let h,er believe it.

“I want to watch Grinch, Toy Story is for babies.”

“Is that right?”

She nods, “Uh huh, and I'm the oldest of us three.”

“Raven, there's only two of you.”

“Nuh uh, cause mommy's been sick every morning like she was with Ony!Mamaihas a baby in her tummy!” She patted her belly.

Wait a minute...

“Does your daddy know?”

“No, Mommy said it's going to be a Christmas surprise!” She places her finger on her mouth and I do the same.

Sam's going to flip!

Just then Reaper comes from the tree lot with a hefty seven-foot fir on his shoulder to put in the corner by the window. I didn't see Wicked because he was holding up the back end lost in the needles.

“Ooh, pretty tree!” Raven shouts then stops when Onyx starts to stir.

“Raven!” He scolds her.

“Sorry,papai...” Her face fell, the alligator tears forming. They put the tree in the stand then he scooped her right up into a hug.

“It's okay, tater tot just remember your inside voice when your brother is sleeping. Where's your mother?”

“Helping Grammy clean the kitchen.”

Just then Avi walks out with Sam behind her, “Are you sure Avi, dear? I have some ginger ale to calm your stomach.”

“I'll be fine...oh hey, baby, I didn't realize you were back.” Reaper approaches her, with Raven still on his hip, feeling her forehead. “You okay?”

“Oh, yeah, it's just a sour stomach. Probably the greasy burger.” Then her hands shot up looking at me. “Oh no, not saying the food was bad.”

I nod, “It's ok, no harm, darlin’. Hope you feel better.” Knowing the possibility, I could see why she wasn't feeling well.

“Hey, let's gather the kids and go home, I got us the perfect tree. Looks like Ony is ready.” Everyone looks to see him sitting up with his grabby hands.

“I'll get him since you're not feeling good. Tater tot, grab the diaper bag. We'll see you guys in the morning.”

I wave as the family leaves. Sam sits on the armrest. “I'm worried about Avi. I heard her in the bathroom not long before the guys got back. What if it's a bad batch of beef or something?”

I slid her off into my lap, “No need to worry. A precocious little birdie told me that mommy's pregnant...” I let it linger before she gasped, slapping her hands over her mouth, squealing with excitement.

“It's supposed to be a Christmas reveal, Samantha. Keep it to yourself.”

“Ooh, full government name. Guess I'll be on my best behavior to stay on Santa's good list.”

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