“You made it look easy.” I pouted. “It’s definitely not. Ivy, all of her school stuff, work, and now these two, and trying to spend time with Free when he isn’t busy, it’s all a lot.”
“I know, but you did good. And I am back now. You are a lot stronger and capable than you think you are.”
“Please don’t ever leave again; I don’t care what Free says.” I brought my head up, and she chortled.
“I promise not to ever leave you again.” She cupped my chin. “What are you in here doing?’
“Getting ready. He texted me and said he wanted to go to dinner. It’s the first time we’ve been out since the babies. He and Ivy are on their way home from her auntie’s place.” I rose, heading for the bathroom.
“So I, uh… heard about Ivana,” she concluded.
“Yeah, crazy, right?”
“Very. How are you holding up?” Celine narrowed her eyes with questions dancing around them.
I didn’t know what she wanted from me. I was doing my best to keep a mature attitude about the situation and not turn into a raging bitch, even though I kind of had a right to it.Telling myself that it wasn’t worth it was all that I kept replaying in my head. I was trying to take the high road with this bitch, and she wasn’t making it easy.
“Hmm, that’s a loaded question,” I replied.
“Then don’t answer.” She put her hand up to stop me with a firm stare. “If you need to talk, I am here,” Celine offered, and just like that, everything felt right.
“Thank you. Can you keep an eye on them while I get ready?” I nodded to the babies while shuffling past her into the bathroom.
“I would love to,” Celine said, getting up to wash her hands first.
By the time Free and Ivy arrived, I was dressed and ready, and Celine was in the living room with Misa and Maze. Ivy was excited to see Celine back, and she rushed to hug her. Accepting all the love, she held her back and closed her eyes. Remaining on the sofa, cradling a twin in each arm and looking back and forth into their little faces, Celine glowed with pride. Frequency remained in the doorway, head down in his phone as Ivy kissed the babies’ faces and went to grab Maze from Celine’s arms.
“Hi there, little man,” she cooed, rubbing her nose against his and smiling at him.
She was in love, and a very good big sister and help with them. Even in the middle of the night, she would get up and assist with rocking one of them while I nursed the other or giving one the bottle. Clearing my throat, I rested my hands on my hips and waited on my man to acknowledge me in front of him, but he was preoccupied. The deep crease in his forehead forming a frown said so. I strolled right over to him, stepping into his space, finally gaining his attention. He soaked in my breasts first, which were swollen, thanks to me breastfeeding.
“Damn,” he groaned, one arm immediately hooking behind my back as he brought me in.
“Can I have your attention for the night?” I asked, batting my eyes and looping both arms behind his back.
“Shit, you got it.” He palmed my ass.
“Ugh, Daddy, get a room.” Ivy turned her nose up.
“Just might.” He nestled into my neck and pecked it gently. “Come on, let’s go.” He intertwined one hand with mine, and I turned to wave over my shoulder to everyone else.
“Be good, and call me if you need anything. They have a huge supply of milk in the fridge and freezer.”
“We will be fine. I’ve held a baby or two and taken care of them.” Celine smiled. “Have fun.”
We were in the car with the windows down within minutes. The drive was peaceful, and Free kept a hand on my thigh as we rode. Every now and then, he would peer over at me and smile. The music set the tone for the night, and we even shared a blunt, which got me good and relaxed. By the time valet took our car and we entered the restaurant, I was on a cloud and couldn’t stop smiling. Free walked behind me, arms around my waist, as he guided me to our table in the back. He pulled my chair out for me and joined me on the other side.
“You wearing the shit out of the dress.” He complimented, leaning forward.
“Thank you. How was your day?” I asked, caressing his hand gently.
I could tell that something was bothering him, but I didn’t want to press if he wasn’t ready to discuss it. He was still pensive, narrowing both eyes at me while grabbing my hand.
“It was cool. Getting a few things in order.”
“Speaking of...” I hinted, and he tilted his head. “About the budget for Ivy’s party.” I winced, waiting for him to spaz on me.
“You mean this damn circus event?” he said, shaking his head. “I can’t believe you let her talk you into all this. How you getting all this done and taking care of the babies, Harbor?”
