“Yay!” Dante bounces and races out of the room as she follows behind.
Shane picks up the mess in the room as I walk over to him. When he’s done, he wraps his arms around my waist and kisses my forehead. “That boy is going to go places. He’s so talented for his age, it’s impressive. I can’t wait to see how he turns out. There’s no way we won’t be seeing his name on the big screen someday.”
“And you’ll be able to say you were his very first coach.” I grin up at him.
“Well, I wouldn’t say I was his coach.” He chuckles as a tiny shade of pink settles over his cheek bones.
I cup his cheek. “Don’t downplay what you just did with him, Shane. That little moment you two had, he’ll remember that forever, and I know it won’t be the last.” I pull him down to me and capture his lips. “Now come, it’s time to eat.”
“We just had ice cream.”
“And I’m still hungry.” I bite my lip, blushing as I pull him toward the door by the hand.
An hour later, we’re all by the poolside, getting ready to head in the water. My brother’s twins are sleeping in the shade to the side where we can see them. Emma and Ronnie are sun tanning on lounge chairs, while Greyson, Noah, and Gabe are tossing around Gracie in the water as she squeals with joy.
Silas and Cecilia are also in the water with Dante, trying to teach him how to swim, as well as Clay and Morgan, who are holding their twins and dipping them slowly in the water. They’re almost five months already and growing so quickly.
I chew on my thumbnail as I watch everyone in their bathing suits having fun. I’ve always felt a bit self-conscious whenshowing my body, aside from with Shane, but with all these new changes as I make room for my daughter, it’s hitting a little harder.
I know they’ve all been through it, so I know they won’t judge me, but I’m not used to showing myself off like this, certainly not in a bikini. But none of my one-piece swimsuits fit me anymore, so I didn’t have a choice to wear this skimpy number.
I keep one arm secured tightly over my robe, not ready to expose myself just yet. Shane comes up behind me and pulls my thumb away from my teeth. “You look beautiful, Angel. You have nothing to worry about.” His hands trail down to the front of my robe as he slowly begins to pull it open.
“You’re creating a life, Aubrey. Embrace it. Be proud to show off our little girl. And know that I’ve never found you more beautiful than you are right now.” He kisses my shoulder as I nod, letting him remove it completely. He then turns me to face him, looking me up and down. “Perfection,” he whispers, and his praises slowly ease my mind.
Shane picks up a bottle of sunscreen and squirts a generous amount into his hand. He starts at my neck, massaging it at the same time as he works his way over my shoulders, my chest, and down my arms. He squats down and does both my legs, then leans in and kisses my belly before standing back up, pouring more sunscreen into his hand to cover my stomach next.
“Turn around,” he instructs me and lathers my entire back, taking extra time to knead my butt until I giggle.
“Shane,” I warn him.
“I can’t help it,” he says seconds before I feel his teeth biting into my bikini bottom.
“Oh God, please don’t do that in front of me!” Greyson groans from the pool with Gracie in his arms, where he apparently has a clear view of Shane biting me.
Noah chuckles beside my brother, while Gabe gives Shane two thumbs up with a wide grin. He then bumps my brother from his other side with his shoulder. “This has got to be awkward for you.” He laughs. “But you do realize he’s done way worse than bite her behind, right?”
Grey glares at him. “Thanks for pointing it out, doofus.”
Shane stands from behind me, chuckling as he reaches at the back of his neck and pulls off his shirt. It has to be the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen, the way his muscles strain as he does it. I swear, if I weren’t pregnant already, I’d probably be just by looking at him.
“Damn…” I hear Emma say in a hushed voice. I look over to find her now resting on her elbow with her sunglasses pulled down and checking out Shane.
“I was just thinking the same thing,” Ronnie tells her as she sits up to get a better look.
“How is it that Shane is in better shape than our men?” Em asks next as her eyes rack over my man some more.
I’m not a jealous person, certainly not when it comes to my friends. I know how they are, and I was expecting these comments at some point. But I also know they are loyal to a fault when it comes to their men, so we have nothing to worry about. I’m also pretty used to women checking out Shane by now—he really is hot. But all I care about is that at the end of the day, I’m the one who gets to take him home.
“He’s been working out twice as much now that I’m constantly feeding him sweets.” I giggle and pick up the sunscreen.
Pouring a big amount into my hand, I begin to rub it into his back first, massaging his right shoulder that was injured. Once I’m done with his back and legs, he turns to face me, and I pour more cream directly on his chest.
“Why am I suddenly jealous of baby Brey?” Em whispers.
“I’m right there with you girl,” Ronnie murmurs back.
I press my lips together, trying not to laugh as my face heats. When I look up at Shane, he’s gazing right back at me with his own blush that matches mine.
