Page 4 of Summer With You

2

Vacation Planning

Celine

The next few days passed by in a blur. Ace spent every waking moment at work, planning ahead for the time that we would be gone. He worked closely with my brother Ryan who would be taking over Ace’s position while we were away.

Charlie, my little terror, had been keeping my hands full when I wasn’t busy helping Ace plan and prepare. He was so wild, just like his father. I loved Charlie with every fiber of my being, but trying to keep up with him was exhausting, not to mention his nap times were becoming shorter and shorter.

I clutched the sides of the toilet tighter, retching, my body trembling as I threw up. Suffice to say, morning sickness was kicking my ass just like it had with my last two pregnancies. I was quickly reminded of why I hated being pregnant and why Ace was hesitant about me having another baby. I was always sick and drained.

Tomorrow was Summer’s last day of school, and we would finally be leaving the following morning for our getaway. I had spent most of the day shopping, getting the kids new clothes and swimsuits and a new bikini for myself with a matching cover-up to go on top. I figured that it would be at least another month until I began showing, although I had shown at different times with my last two pregnancies. I was just crossing my fingers that I would at least get to enjoy this vacation without a baby bump. I really wanted to wear the bikini I had bought.

Ace walked in through the front door just as I finished making dinner. Both of the kids were upstairs showering and getting dressed in their pajamas so they could go to bed shortly after dinner.

“Do I smell spaghetti, Princess?” he called from the entrance of our home, his footsteps echoing as he entered the kitchen and dropped his keys on the counter. Years later, and that nickname that had once irritated me now made me all fuzzy inside.

I had always been Ace’s Princess.

He wrapped his thick arms around my mid-section, pressing a tender kiss to the curve of my neck where it met my shoulder. The sleeves of his shirt hid his stunning tattoos as his toned arms pulled me in tightly against him, my back plastering to the front of his body.

He dropped his head to my shoulder, his beard scratching my bare skin. “I missed you today,” he whispered, kissing my shoulder.

I turned in his arms, leaning my head on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. It was a sound that always soothed me after a long day of taking care of the kids and keeping the house mostly clean.

“I always miss you more,” I told him, resting my chin on his chest as I looked up at him with a warm smile on my face.

I pressed my ear back to his chest, and he settled his cheek on the top of my head, holding me just a little bit tighter. “How’s the little one?” he asked me.

“All good.” He relaxed a little. I knew he worried so much, and I did my best to keep his worry at bay. Telling him I’d been nauseous and sick most of the day would only put him in a bad mood. He hated when I didn’t feel one hundred percent. “How was work?”

“I almost have everything arranged.” I smiled. “I just have one last customer to deal with tomorrow, and then, I can finally get away. Where are the kids?” he asked suddenly, pulling back a little to look down at me. I sucked in a sharp breath. His eyes had darkened, a tell-tale sign of how badly he wanted me.

Ace always wanted me. It still blew my mind to this day.

“Charlie, that’s mine!” Summer screeched, her shrill voice echoing throughout the house. I winced as Ace sighed. Our son’s laughter bounced off the walls, the sound of him barreling away from his sister reaching our ears.

“There.” I giggled when Ace’s heated look disappeared.

“I can never get a moment with my wife anymore.” He leaned forward and pressed a chaste kiss to my lips before striding out of the kitchen. “Charles Danvers!” His voice boomed through the house, and the footsteps faltered.

Tingles rushed through my entire body. I’d thought Ace was hot as hell when we were younger. But the moment he became a dad? I wanted to jump his bones every second of the day.

“Daddy, you’re home!” Charlie’s little voice squealed. He flew down the stairs right into Ace’s arms.

“Dad, he took my new doll that Mom got me today!” Summer stormed out of her room, acting every bit like the entitled older sister. She trudged down the stairs and crossed her arms over her chest as she faced Ace.

He frowned as he looked between the two of them before focusing on Charlie who was still holding the very doll that Summer was talking about. “Did you take it, Charlie?” Ace looked at the doll in Charlie’s hand just as he shoved it behind his back. I rolled my lips into my mouth to keep from laughing. Charlie was a terror, but the things he did were kind of funny.

“Daddy, I was just playing.” Charlie glanced up at his dad, his big blue eyes brimming with tears.

“Give it back and apologize now,” Ace ordered. “We don’t take things from others, especially your sister.” Charlie turned to Summer, who continued to glare at him through slitted lids.

“I’m sorry, Summy.” He handed the doll back and rushed forward to wrap his chubby arms around his big sister. She sighed and looked up to the ceiling, rolling her eyes before she reluctantly hugged him back.

Ace looked at me and shrugged his shoulders before ushering the kids to the kitchen table where they were instructed to lay placemats and utensils.

While they were busy doing that, Ace helped me dish up the food and carry the plates to the table. As we sat down at the circular table, I glanced at the one empty spot. The table was just big enough for our family, and as soon as our newest addition got here, our table would finally be full.

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