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He smiles and points at mommy’s tummy. “I want a puppy.”
I chuckle and pick him up. “Your mommy and me don’t make puppies, but we’ll see what we can do about filling that request when you’re old enough to take care of one.”
I hug my Kitten close as we congratulate Gabriel and Frankie and accept hugs and congratulations from Cap and Cher.
It takes a moment before I realize my sister and Landry are gone.
CHAPTER11
TAYLOR
Ihad to leave, if only for a moment to compose myself. Both Frankie and Reese are pregnant.Again.
Just this morning I had hoped—
“Taylor, wait.” Landry reaches for my hand, but I quicken my pace to our basement-level room. I want to step out back to get fresh air, but I can only hold off my tears for so long. There’s no way I want to dampen their happiness with my petty, self-indulgent crying. Plus, a dark, pillowy bed seems to fit the bill for my mood.
He manages to reach me before I make it to our room. With graceful ease, he sweeps me off my feet, snuggling me close. “You thought you were pregnant.” Not a question.
“How did you—”
“You snuck out of bed early, returned and slipped into the bathroom. I wasn’t snooping. I saw the pregnancy test in the trash next to the toilet.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?” My chin trembles as I’m caught in his tender, hazel gaze.
“Why didn’t you?” There’s no anger in his words, only concern, and a desire to understand.
“I…” I shake my head, not having an answer. “I don’t know.” I’ve only taken a pregnancy test one other time—and that didn’t turn out so well.
He cuddles me on the bed, wrapped in his arms, face to face. He kisses my forehead. “Tell me what’s going on in that head of yours.”
“I know we’re not trying. We decided to wait. But being here with our family and their kids, it’s obvious we’re the only ones without littles. I caught the baby bug, I think.”
His smile is indulgent. “You think?”
“You did too.” I swat at his chest.
“Yay.” He rolls to his back, tucking me into his side. “It’s hard not to. They’re all so happy. It’s infectious.”
“I feel like we’re missing out. Life is passing us by.” The quiver in my voice has him moving us again till he’s on top, looking down at me.
“We’ve only been married for nine months. You’re still recovering, starting your practice. We’re not missing out on anything. We fell in love when we were kids—way younger than everyone in this house. Except maybe Gabriel—he fell for Frankie young, but they weren’t a couple.Wewere. It took us eight years to get back together. It won’t take us that long to have kids, but we’ve always been on our own timetable, our own journey. It’s you and me, Songbird, in this marriage—no one else. When we’re ready, I’ll gladly impregnate you.” He kisses my nose and settles back, watching as his words settle over me.
“Our own time.”
“Yeah, I’m on Taylor time. You’re on Landon time.”
I laugh. He’s so corny sometimes.
“Thankfully, we’re in sync. It’s Tay-don time.” He takes it too far.
“Oh, that’s bad.” I laugh even harder, until it turns into sobs.
“Baby.” He rolls to his side, holding me to him, cocooning me, lending me strength. “If you’re ready, we’ll start now. I have no qualms filling you with my baby-making goodness.”
“I love you,” I sniff into his chest.
“Love you more, Songbird.”
