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It’s a lot for toddlers to process, and they soon forgot about it all in favor of more exciting things. Neither were below using emotional blackmail to get us to agree to go to the zoo at least once a week. So here I am, waddling through the African safari section of the San Diego zoo a few days before my due date.

I must be insane, but walking is supposed to help with delivery, or so I’ve read.

“Your stomach dropped,” Elijah murmurs, staying next to me as I grin at Ari. I love how she and her sister say my name. The o’s are long to make an “oo” sound.

“Is that why my back hurts?” I ask, rubbing it. I’m getting odd looks as I walk, and I’m sure it’s because I’m so young. This pregnancy is not something I planned, but they don’t know that.

Ignacio is scowling at them whenever he notices up ahead with the girls, and it’s fun to watch as people see him and scurry away. That’s right, mind your own damn business and I’ll mind mine.

“Ahh, possibly…” Elijah has the tone he gets when he’s trying to play something cool but is failing miserably at it. I turn toward him to see that he’s staring at my belly as if there’s a bomb inside of it rather than a baby.

“Elijah. Why do you look as if you’re about to… have an accident?” I ask, trying to be careful of how I phrase my words.

“I am not about to shit myself,” he hisses. “It’s just…”

“Are you having any cramping?” Theo asks, nonchalantly sidling up to us.

“No?”

“Why is that a question?” Elijah snorts. “Your back hurts, which is a sign of possible labor, Noor.”

“The baby books and my breathing classes didn’t teach me that,” I grumble. I have a really high tolerance for pain due to always being in the throes of it. Am I missing something because of this?

“Lili,” Elijah whisper-shouts. I blush furiously as we follow my sisters, who are both celebrating their birthdays today. It’s another reason I wasn’t missing out on this trip to the zoo.

Emil is walking with Adelina in his arms, listening to every word while Ari skips alongside Rachelle and holds her hand. They’re officially three years old today and full of excitement.

I’m going to last at least until cake, dammit! I rub my stomach in slow, gentle movements, while ignoring the pain in my back. It’s manageable, I’m good.

Liliana glances behind her and I growl at Elijah. “Hush! I’ll let everyone know when I’m damn well ready.”

“You already have the ‘mom’ voice. Where did my sweet girl go?” he groans. “Ugh, you win. I can’t believe I’m covering for you again, kid. Where does your back hurt?”

“Very low back, why?” I ask.

“We’re going to get more looks, Noor,” he warns, digging his thumb into the small of my back.

“Oh. Please don’t stop,” I beg, sighing with relief.

“Back labor sucks,” Theo mutters. “This doesn’t mean the baby is coming yet though. We’re just starting.”

“Great,” I breathe. My steps are slowing to the pace of a turtle. The kids are way up by the zebras at this point.

“The walking is good for you,” Elijah reassures me. “We’re totally fine.”

I’m not sure if he’s talking to me or himself though because his eyebrows are pinched together.

“I haven’t picked out a baby name yet. I’m the worst mom ever,” I whisper.

“We didn’t decide on names until the girls were born,” Theo confesses. “Being organized with cute rooms and everything perfect is not how we parent. We fly by the seat of our pants and hope our kids are good humans.”

“They’re the best,” I gush. My breathing is getting heavier with every step, and I force my feet to keep moving. It’s a beautiful day, even though it’s warm. A breeze hits my face and I raise my brow when I see Theo has a fan blowing toward me. “Where did you pull that out of?”

“My ass has many secrets,” he says with a perfectly straight face.

Elijah laughs and I can’t help but grin as well.

“I don’t think that’s something you should tell your daughter,” I tease him.