Page 35 of Triplet Babies for Pucking Christmas

They’re both getting louder, and Noah starts fussing in my arms. I can feel his little body tense up, and I jump in before this whole thing spirals out of control.

“Hey, hey, guys,” I say, shifting Noah on my hip. “Can we keep it down? You’re scaring him.” They glance at me, but neither looks any less wound up. “Look, I’ll help out with Noah if that’s what it takes.”

Both their heads snap in my direction, and I can feel the heat rise in my cheeks, but I push on. “I’ve always wanted…kids. Like, a whole houseful.”

I laugh a little, more to calm myself than anything. “I dunno, baking cookies, wrapping Christmas presents all night on Christmas Eve, helping with homework…I’ve always pictured that, you know? But I always end up with guys who don’t want any of it. They all claim it’s a big deal, and they’re right. This is a huge deal.”

Jamie’s expression softens a little, and Troy shifts, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Is that a Christmas sweater?” Troy asks, eyeing the reindeer on the sweater with little bells around their necks. The baby grabs at them and giggles.

I sigh. “Yeah. Long story.”

“I like it,” Troy says, then turns and starts pacing again.

“I’m just saying,” I continue, “you don’t have to make a decision right this second. Let’s all just…breathe.”

Jamie’s shoulders relax, but he glances over at Troy, still looking mad. “Fine. But you don’t get to make this decision on your own, got it?”

Troy huffs but doesn’t say anything. I take that as my cue to break up the tension. “Jamie, can you stir the noodles?” I ask, nodding to the pot on the stove. “And, Troy, do you mind unpacking the stuff you brought in?”

They both grumble, but they head to different parts of the kitchen, giving each other some space. I sink into a chair with Noah, watching him as he settles back down. His little face relaxes, and I can’t help but smile, feeling this strange, protective warmth blossom in my chest. This tiny human…he’s got everyone’s world spinning.

“All right, kiddo,” I whisper to him, smoothing his hair. “Let’s get you fed.”

Troy comes back in, carrying a small pile of boxes, looking a bit calmer. “I’m gonna go put together the crib.”

He leaves, and I watch Jamie as he stirs the noodles, the muscles in his shoulders tense. Suddenly, he slams the pot lid shut, muttering under his breath.

“He always does this. Why does he think he can make a decision like this by himself?”

I glance over at him, trying to keep my voice gentle. “Jamie…he’s just panicking, okay? This is a big deal, and he doesn’t know how to handle it. None of us do.”

He huffs, still looking irritated, but he nods. “Yeah…yeah, you’re probably right.” He straightens up, glancing down at the baby. “Actually, I think I’m gonna head out.”

I nod, feeling a strange pang of disappointment. “Okay.”

But before he leaves, he surprises me by coming over and brushing a soft kiss on Noah’s forehead, his expression shifting to something almost tender.

“I’m just one floor down if you need anything,” he says, glancing up at me. His eyes linger on mine, a little too long, and then he does something I don’t expect. He leans down and presses a kiss to my forehead too, his lips warm, lingering just a second longer than necessary.

“Goodnight, Savannah.”

My breath catches, and all I can do is nod, feeling a strange warmth settle low in my stomach as he walks out, leaving me there with Noah, my heart pounding.

Chapter Fourteen

Jamie

I’m barely through my door when my phone’s in my hand, dialing Mom’s number like some instinct I can’t shake. The moment I hear her pick up, the tension in my chest loosens.

“Hey, honey!” Her voice is warm, a little surprised—it’s late, and I’m probably the last person she expected to hear from on a random Tuesday.

“Hey, Mom.”

She pauses. “What’s got you calling this late? Did something happen?” There’s a note of worry sneaking in, which makes sense. I don’t usually call her at this hour unless something’s up.

“Nah, just…wanted to hear your voice.”

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