Page 31 of Secret Seduction
The door hitting the wall has everyone swinging their gaze toward Asher. “Thank fuck,” I mutter under my breath. My gut finally unravels the knot of worry, and my tension eases at the big-ass smile plastered on his face. Lennie’s pregnancy didn’t have any complications, but you never know, and it’s different when the person on the table is more family than a friend or a patient.
“Two girls, beautiful, healthy, and they look just like their momma. Minnie and Clay, she’s requesting you to come in first, then we’ll make the rounds for everyone else.” The girls jump up and squeal, Shae included. The guys clap and let out whistles. It’s then I see it. Asher is practically bouncing on his toes. He’s jonesing to get back to his wife and children.
We all move, forming a circle to talk again. My hand leaves Shae’s to wrap around her shoulder, pulling her close and kissing the side of her head.
“Winnie is up next,” Momma Catherine says, beaming with joy. Lyric and Jagger are looking at one another in a silent conversation of sorts, and I look down at Shae.
“I’m more than ready, except this guy needs to cook alittle bit longer. Sebastian keeps whispering to my belly saying he’s going to be the best big brother there is. Between him and Johnny, I’m thinking they’ll be hoarding this one,” Winnie responds, rubbing her belly.
“Mi cariño,” Johnny says with a grunt. They turn into one another, finishing their conversation in quiet. The others start chatting about other shit, the weather, life, the ranch, what plans they have for next weekend. Through it all, Shae and I converse here and there. Minnie comes back, Momma Catherine and Russell head in, and from there it seems like every five to ten minutes, a couple of people shuffle in and out.
“Do you think we should head home? I don’t want Lennie to feel obligated to have so many visitors when I’m sure she’s tired.” Shae turns into me, conveying the same thought I’ve been having. It’s all well and fine to think you’ll be okay to take visitor after visitor. I’ve seen it before with new parents; they overdo it, feeling obligated to see everyone who’s had a hand in being around them.
“I was just about to suggest the same, plus your stomach hasn’t stopped growling. Coffee can only do so much for either of us, and the vending machine food is terrible.” I received a text message shortly after we settled into the family waiting room, letting me know that Gallo’s as well as my schedule has been re-arranged. Susan relayed since he’s on rotation to be on call, she pushed his patients back an hour, and mine were rescheduled. Thankfully, my afternoon had been light, a new request I’d put in to allow for more time with Shae.
“I’ll send her a text,” Shae replies, pilfering through herpurse to find the device, when Lyric and Jagger walk through the doors, heading toward for us.
“Hey, Lennie wants to see you, but I’d make it quick. She’s dwindling down, and Asher’s ready to kick everyone out, too,” Lyric tells us. Shae drops her phone into her bag, abandoning it.
“He can sure try. Lennie will stand her ground. We all know she’ll get her way in the end. Asher should be used to it by now,” Jagger states a fact we all know.
“You’re not wrong about that. Thanks, guys. We won’t be long,” I tell the two.
“Nope, we won’t. We were actually going to head out to get some food,” Shae replies. We move through the masses, remaining quiet for the most part. I’ve got a couple of things on my mind, mainly about the earlier conversation we haven’t finished.
“How many children do you want?” Shae shocks me with the question. We’ve yet to discuss the future in that sort of way with one another. Do I want kids with Shae? Hell fucking yes. Did I want to bring it up after the shit she’s been through with her health? Not fucking likely.
“Five.” She puts the brakes on our walking. I’m tugged back not realizing it at first.
“Um, five? Are you crazy?”
“Crazy about you.” It sounds cheesy even to my ears; it’s also the damn truth.
“Nice save. Still not happening. I mean, that’s five years of being pregnant. I’m thirty-three, you’re thirty-nine; we’d have to start now and not stop until all five were born.” Shae raises a good point. That’d be a lot on anyone, let alone mybaby girl. She also isn’t one to give up her career either and, fuck, not that I want her to. She’s worked her ass off to make LITHE successful.
“Fine. Three?” I counter offer. We pick up walking again. She’s chewing on her bottom lip, and if time weren’t of the essence, I’d make a quick detour.
“Nope. Two, and that’s my final answer. Unless we have two girls or two boys, then I reserve the right to change my mind.” It’s ultimately Shae’s body. I’d never push for more, and she’s more than aware of the fact.
“Works for me.” I raise my hand to knock on the door. It’s slightly ajar, and I’m sure they wouldn’t mind us walking in. Still, I’m not about to have Asher chop my head off if Lennie is nursing.
“Come in.” Lennie’s voice is full of glee. Asher grunts his response. Yep, he’s in full dad mode and is getting pissy about sharing his time with everyone.
“Oh my gosh, you did great, Lennie.” Shae beelines for her. I glance from Asher, who’s holding one baby, to Lennie, who’s holding the other.
“Thank you. My insides don’t feel that way. I’d do it all over again if it meant having these two, though.” Lennie looks from the child she has on her chest to Asher.
“Congrats, man. Being a dad looks good on you, even if you’re a surly S.O.B.” I shake his hand. Neither of them offers for us to hold their babies, and we don’t ask.
“Just you wait. I hope Shae is as stubborn as Lennie, then you’ll see why I’m a basket case.” Asher walks toward Lennie and sits next to her.
“I hate to break it to you, Ash, but you just duplicatedLennie. The gray hair, the wrinkles, the stress, well, my dad blames it on my mom, Coralynn, and me. Even Zane isn’t lumped into the mix. He says boys are easier,” Shae adds fuel to the fire.
“Don’t worry, honey. I’ll still love you.” Lennie snickers. She knows full well what it’s like to raise a little girl. She practically did it with Minnie for more years than any sister should.
“Christ, I’m going to need a shit ton of antacids at this rate.” Asher talks a big fucking game. He’s got his eyes on Lennie, but they’re moving back and forth between the twin girls, too. It’s like he’s counting,one, two, threerepeatedly in his head as if they’ll disappear.
“Probably,” I agree, knowing I would and will when the time comes.
