Page 41 of Alexander's Heart

We’re laying there in recovery mode, trying to catch our breath. Alexander wrapped around my back with his hand spanning my belly, and then one of the babies gives an almighty kick. “Alright, Bugs, I’ll feed you, just let me catch my breath.” Again, another jab from inside demanding food, just like the rest of my family.

“Those are some strong kicks, do they hurt you, Angel?” Alexander asks while rolling me to my back and rubbing my belly.

“Not too bad, yet, but they are getting stronger by the day and I’m sure they will be painful in the coming months.

“Hooyah.”

I giggle because I have a feeling these two bugs are boys and will be a rambunctious pair if there movements are any indication.

“Bugs, don’t you hurt Mommy too bad, I want many more babies in the future.” Alexander whispers to my belly.

I stroke Alexander’s inky black hair and I swear I hear a mulling sound and it makes me smile because my big, strong guy is a pure softie at heart.

I made everyone breakfast this morning, Alexander, Alexa, Dad, Betty, Cuddy, Reid, Blake and Jackson. Doc and Tiny are always at the hospital. Tiny especially, he’s been by Caroline’s side since our rescue. It felt so good to be back in the kitchen doing something I love. I must admit it’s not as easy as it used to be before my belly popped to the size of a beach ball but I really enjoyed having everyone gathered around because it makes me feel like I’m truly home.

I’m relaxing on the couch snuggled up with Alexa, each of us reading a book, while the men clean the kitchen under Betty’s command. They would have done the work regardless but Betty loves giving them a rousing and keeping them in line and I swear she was a drill sergeant in a past life.

‘That’s it boys, make this kitchen shine, my cupcake loves her a clean kitchen’ Alexa and I giggle because Betty really is a character. I love it because I do like it when someone else helps with the clean-up, it just makes it easier to want to get back in there and bake up a storm which all the boys love to reap the rewards of.

Alexander slinks away and comes to sit with us, “Angel, how are you feeling?”

I smile warmly at my caring, handsome man, “I’m great, just relaxing after a busy breakfast.”

“Did you still want to go to the hospital?” Alexander questions.

Alexa gasps, spins onto her knees and is staring at my belly.

“It’s too soon Mommy, my bwothaws not cooked yet!” Alexa says looking up with worried eyes.

Alexander and I just laugh and I pull her up closer, “Lovebug, the babies are happy where they are, Mommy needs to go have a checkup,” I don’t like not telling Alexa the full truth, but I’m also not going to say anything about my mother or sister until I’m happy that they are healthy and well, I will not expose my child to any potential harm or heartbreak.

“Okay, pheew that’s good, loves you boys.” Alexa smiles and pats my belly, “we’s not weady just yet, we haves to build the house.”

It’s so very sweet how Alexa’s protective over her siblings and they’re not even here yet.

“Yes, I need to do this,” I say smiling at Alexander, who leans in and presses a lingering kiss to my forehead.

“Okay, Princess you be good for Pa and Betty and Mommy and I will be back a little later.” Alexander says kissing her cheek.

Alexa climbs off my lap and rushes to the kitchen, ‘Pa, we going to spar?’

‘We sure are, Darlin’ heart, I gotta stay fit and you can help me.’ Dad grins wide.

Betty shakes her head but I catch the small quirk of her lip, ‘Alexa’s gonna kick your butt old man. The winner will get the first pick of the fresh brownies.’

‘Hooyah!’ Sounds from the kitchen.

ALEXANDER

Doc and I have just told Lily that Janelle is ready for any questions she wants to ask, Doc opens the door and enters first and we follow his lead, Lily firmly planted at my back.

Janelle turns her head to us in anticipation, I nod at her and she gives a little smile and I can see the hope her eyes harbor and I really hope this meeting goes well so Lily can have a relationship with her mother.

Lily steps out from behind my back and both mother and daughter inhale sharply, no one saying anything. Doc is watching both of them closely for any signs of distress and we will step in, if need be, but I honestly feel we won’t need to.

‘Elizabeth,’ Janelle whispers with tears spilling from her eyes and Lily takes a cautious step forward.

‘Mom,’ her reply is distant but not cold, “you have a beautiful room.”

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