Page 140 of Coach Me
I bite back my laugh. “Do I need to look through the trash to see if I can find them?”
I get aresounding “no” from every man in the room. Dex steps around the pile and kisses my head. “We’ll figure it out. How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine, Dex. Babies are moving fine. Miles and I actually just finished up for the day.”
Miles raises his hand high. “Can I stay here and help build?”
My dad doesn’t miss a beat, like any grandparent would. “We’d love your help. Why don’t you go get your tool kit that I got you for your birthday?”
“I’ll be right back!” Miles squeals and then races back down the hall.
I huff a small laugh, but then one of the babies turns sideways and I’m pretty sure starts kicking the other.
I reach for Dex’s hand and place it right where they’re wiggling about.
Dex’s eyes light up like they do every time he gets to feel them move. “Fuck, Luce.” He leans down toward my belly to talk to the babies. “You guys take it easy on your momma.”
Will steps up next. “Hey, let their favorite uncle feel.”
“Hey, fuck off, that’s my title.” Beck tries to shove in the middle.
Dex blocks them both. “Back off. You can feel the babies after you assholes fix those cribs.”
Will and Beck both mumble some more curses before backing off. My dad steps forward with his hands up. “I’m not asking to touch, just wanted to say you look beautiful, Luce.”
“Thank you.” I look down where Dex’s hands still rest on my belly.
I have to admit, I like being pregnant. I also never want to do this again, but every time I get to my prenatal yogaclass, they have a mirror set up and I just love seeing my belly.
“Have you guys decided on names yet?” Will asks.
It’s been quite the debate. Miles has thrown out many suggestions, and while it’s hard to say no to him, I did shoot down naming the babies Pip and Pop.
“Well, considering Dex has this whole sunshine thing going.”
Dex kisses my temple. “You’re my light, baby.”
I grin up at him. “With light in mind, I looked up names with that meaning. We’ve picked Thea and Lucas. Specifically, Lucas William for the boy.”
My poor brother, you’d think I’d put him through enough already. His hands rest on his knees for a moment before beelining right to me. He wraps me up tightly in a hug.
Beck tosses down a piece of wood. “Well, he can put these cribs together if he’s the only one getting a namesake.”
Epilogue — Dex
Three years later
I stand in the dugout of Blues Stadium as Miles tosses the ball in the air. “I don’t know, Dad, Uncle Will says my two-seam fastball is better.”
“Well, he’s not wrong, but we’re having an end-of-training scrimmage, why not throw the new changeup a couple times?”
It didn’t take too long, but with Miles now nine, he has mastered the eye roll. My sweet Thea wiggles in my arms, reaching for her brother. “Trow fast, bubba. Weally fast.”
Miles takes his sister while his team still bats. “See? Even Thea agrees.”
These kids. I swear, they just want to fight me.
“How about throwing a few changeups for your mom, huh? Just show her some of the things you’ve learned this week, please?”
