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Iroll over the next morning to hide my cold feet under Brandon’s warm legs, but he’s not there. Stretching my hand across the cool sheets, I grab a note from his pillow.
Took shortcake for a run around the lake. Coffee is made. Be back soon.
Brandon
My days of running are long gone, but this man knows my love language, and that involves any form of caffeine. After a nice long, hot shower where I stretch out all my deliciously overused muscles, I throw on a pair of leggings and one of Brandon’s old Kroydon University hoodies because seriously, there’s just something about wearing your man’s clothes. Maybe it’s because I never did it when I was younger. Or maybe it’s just that I love being surrounded by something that’s his. But it makes me so happy. Once I add a pair of fuzzy socks, I’m good to go and head downstairs.
The mouthwatering aroma of freshly brewed coffee gives me my first dopamine hit of the day. The second comes when I grab my blanket and my journal and snuggle into my chair by the lake. Okay, so I’m that girl—and yes, I take a picture of myself holding my coffee with Kroydon Falls in the background and my sparkly engagement ring catching the morning light.
Definitely social media worthy.
I upload the pic to Ever After’s page with a quick post.
Looks like Jules & I are planning my wedding next! (Want this to stand out in Vellum)
After a few minutes, the leaves crunch, followed by little-girl giggles. Teagan and Aurora run over to me, followed, albeit a little more slowly, by their mother.
I quickly close my journal and drop it and my coffee to the table before Aurora climbs into my lap. “Aunt Ashlyn, you missed your party last night. There was balloons.”
Teagan ignores us completely and kicks her little soccer ball through the leaves while Maddie sits in the chair next to me. “Yeah, Aunt Ashlyn. You missed your party. I wonder what you could have possibly been doing instead of celebrating with your family?” She’s teasing me, but her tone is light, and her dimples are popping, just like her brother’s do when he tries not to smile but fails.
“Sorry about that,” I offer, but it’s a lie. Last night was perfect.
“Sure you are.” She sips her coffee and kicks her legs up. “So why don’t you tell Aurora why you missed those balloons, Ashlyn.”
Aurora tucks herself against my chest and twirls my hair around her fingers. “Uncle Brandy didn’t come either. He was supposed to be there.”
I look over the top of Aurora’s head and glare at her mother. “Uncle Brandon wasn’t feeling well, sweetheart. I had to take care of him.” I lift my brow, daring Maddie to correct me, but she finally gives in and smiles as she lifts her mug, saluting me.
“I’m sure he felt much better after you took care of him,” Maddie mocks, and Aurora’s head pops up.
“Did you make him better?” Aurora asks before going back to her twirling.
I kiss her nose and smile as her eyes grow heavy. “Yeah, baby. I’m pretty sure he’s all better.”
Not long after, Hudson grabs Teagan for soccer practice, and Aurora falls asleep, cuddled up on me while Maddie and I finish our coffee. “You forget what it feels like to have a baby asleep on you after a few years,” I admit.
“I still can’t believe she’s already two. She’s always been my sleeper. Teagan never slept. That kid was born with FOMO. Not this one. She’s up every day by six and napping by ten most of the time.” She looks lovingly at her little girl. “Want me to take her?”
I shake my head.
“So where’s my brother? It wouldn’t be fair if I only harassed you.”
“He and Lindy are doing the long run around the lake this morning. They should be back soon.” Aurora pops her thumb in her mouth and digs her head in under my chin, and I sigh. Content.
“Do you think you guys want kids?”
I look over at Maddie to gauge whether she’s teasing or serious.
Serious wins.
“I don’t know. We’ve never really talked about it. I’m not sure if I want to do it all over again. Lindy’s in high school already. I don’t know if I can go back to midnight feedings and diapers.”
“Yeah,” she admits wistfully. “That’s what I thought too.”
“And now?” I push.
Her smile grows. “Now I don’t have much choice. I’m pregnant.Again,” she laughs. “Probably with another girl—because God is definitely a woman who wants to torture my husband.”
