**********
“Cole, will you stop fussing? I’m fine, it’s you we should be fussing over– Oh my god! Is that a penis on your cast!?” I throw the tea towel I’m holding on the side and storm over to where Cole lies, his leg propped up.
He grins up at me. “Yep!”
“Have you had a personality transplant? You have apenisdrawn on your cast. A PENIS!” I look around the room to find a pen. I have no idea why this seems so irrational to me; it’s just a drawing.
“Lacey, relax, it’s fine.” Cole chuckles like this is the funniest thing to him.
I stop what I’m doing and stand up. My body stiffens, and I take a deep breath. “Sorry, what did you just say?” He looks at me, nerves dancing on his face. “You see, for a moment there, I thought you said that everything was fine.”
His features soften, and he holds out his hands to me, but I fold mine over my chest in response.
“Lacey, come here.” There’s no room for argument in his tone.
I stomp over and plop myself down by his feet, not looking at him.
“Lacey…” When I don’t look at him, he nudges me with his foot. “A penis drawing on my cast doesn’t bother me. That’s Rafe’s immaturity.”
“I-I…It’s not that.” My bottom lip begins to tremble. “Cole…I almost lost you.Wealmost lost you.” I can’t hold the dam anymore, and instead let it all pour out of me.
He shifts himself on the sofa and bundles me into his arms. “Fuck Lacey, I’m sorry. I didn’t think of that. I’m an idiot, and so is Rafe. I am just thankful to still be here for you and for Peanut.”
“I worry, Cole. He got away. What if he decides to come back? What if he decides to take Peanut? What if…”
He swallows my next what if with a kiss, and after a few moments, he rests his forehead against mine. “Then we will deal with it, together.”
**********
35 weeks pregnant. Baby size = Papaya
“Are you looking forward to sleeping in your own bed tonight?” Cole wraps his arms around me and kisses my neck. He lifts my hand and drops a Papaya fruit in it.
A soft giggle leaves my lips. “Mhm, I’ll be happy to be in our own space together. It’s been nice staying at your mum and dad’s house, but it’s time we relax in our own home.”
I watch as our family move the last few things in for us. With me almost ready to pop and Cole still in a cast, we don’t have much of a choice but to rely on those closest to us. Not that they mind; this family is so involved with one another that it comes as second nature to them.
Daisy pulls up in her beat-up VW Bug. It’s old and bright yellow, but it screams sunshine and her. She gets out and waves. “Hey guys! I got you a housewarming gift!” She goes to the front of her car and opens up the bonnet to reveal a beautiful cactus with a pink flower. She hands it to me and gives me a one-armed hug and a kiss on the cheek. “I hope it’s okay that I got you a plant. I love plants, and this one is super easy to look after.”
“Thanks, Daisy, it’s lovely.” Cole’s smile is genuine, and I find myself smiling too.
“Thank you, Daisy. I love it.”
Ethan, who I could have sworn was bringing boxes in, walks over to us. “Who gets a prickly plant as a gift? Hi Daisy.” Hesmiles at her, but it falters when he sees the daggers she is glaring his way.
“Thatsomeonewasme.Ethan.” She gives him a curt nod and turns back to us. “I-I…I should go.”
Glaring at Ethan myself, I grab hold of her arm before she can leave. “Absolutely no need. We’re having a get-together and arranged for food to be delivered. I want you to stay. You’re our friend, Daisy.”
She gives me a smile that’s unsure, and I wonder who hurt her and made her think she has to be less. Well, apart from Ethan, the fucking idiot. Daisy nods and wanders off towards the house where Emmy and Hayleigh are smiling, waving her over.
I round on the spot and place my hands on my hips. “Are you being serious? In fact, don’t answer that. Your brooding routine might work on the god awful trollops that you pull, but it won’t work on her.” I point to Daisy’s retreating form. He goes to open his mouth to respond, but the glare I pin him with has him shutting up pretty quickly. “Don’t even think about it, Ethan. I warn you, you may be like a brother to me, but she has become one of my best friends. I will kick you in your nuts so hard, you won't be wooing anyone for at least six months. TRY. ME!” He shrinks in on himself.
“I didn’t mean anything by it, Lace. I don’t like plants, that’s all. I’ll apologise to Daisy.” He mumbles something to himself, and I think I hear the word sunshine, but before I know it, he’s walking towards the house.
“Wow. That was actually pretty hot. You went all Mumzilla on him and gave him a good telling off.” Cole smirks at me and I roll my eyes in response.
“Get used to it. I’ve no doubt I’ll have to use my Mumzilla voice on you too.”
