Page 42 of Triplet Babies for Pucking Christmas

Just then, the door swings open, and Savannah rushes in, wide-eyed. “What’s going on in here?”

“Noah decided to give me a shower,” I say, still chuckling. “I was changing him, and he peed all over me.”

She laughs, shaking her head. “Need help?”

“Yes, please.” I pull off my shirt and toss it aside, the cold air hitting my skin. “This isn’t exactly how I envisioned my morning.”

Her eyes dart away, and I can’t help but smirk. “Just grab me the wipes.” I like the idea of her being affected by seeing me naked. It strokes my ego, I won’t lie. She has not seen the best version of me the last few days so, this feels like a little win for me.

“Right.” She’s quick to help, moving to the changing table. “Okay, little man, let’s get you cleaned up.”

I step into the powder bath to wash my face, then I come back to watch her work, noting how she’s gentle and focused. It’s kind of incredible. “You’re a pro at this,” I comment.

“Just a lot of practice with my cousins,” she replies, her concentration unbroken. “And my brother’s kids.”

“Lucky Noah.” I can’t help but admire how natural she is with him. “You’re a natural.”

Once she’s got him all cleaned up, she lifts Noah into her arms. “Let’s feed you, huh?”

“Yeah, okay.” I nod, grabbing another shirt from the pile on the floor. “Why were you up, anyway?”

“I couldn’t sleep,” she admits, glancing at me as she prepares the formula. “Too much on my mind.”

“Same.” I lean against the counter, watching her. It’s nice being here with her, even if it is a chaotic start to the day. “You’re doing really good with him, you know that?”

She smiles at me, and I can’t help but return it. “Thanks. You are too, Troy.”

“Yeah? I’m still panicking half the time,” I admit, scratching my head. “I don’t want him to feel unwanted or anything.”

“You’re doing better than you think,” she says softly. “You want to try feeding him?”

“Sure.” I step closer, taking Noah from her. He nestles right into my arms, and it’s a wild feeling, like I’m doing something important. “How do I do this?”

“Just hold him like that and tilt the bottle,” she instructs, guiding my hand. I follow her lead, and Noah starts sucking greedily. “See? You’ve got this.”

“Man, this is kind of nice,” I say, watching the baby’s little face. “I could get used to this.”

“Me too.” Savannah’s voice is warm, and I glance up at her, catching her smile. “I think he really likes you.”

“Noah’s just smart,” I chuckle. “He knows a good dad when he sees one.”

“Dad? Is that what you’re calling yourself now?” She raises an eyebrow, teasing.

“I have been toying with the idea of it. I know Jamie thinks I don’t want this kid. Maybe you do too, but I feel like you guys don’t understand just how much energy a baby needs.”

“We get it…” she says.

“I don’t think Jamie does. See, one of my friends, Axel, he’s on the team with us. He is married to Jared’s sister. He and the Coach and another guy on the team married her…long story…but they recently had twins, anddamn!Axel is dead on his feet every day.”

“Twins?” she asks.

“Yeah. And with all the help he gets, they are still scrambling to stay afloat. Now imagine me and Jamie. It’s a lot of work.”

“Jamie gets it, Troy. He’s not as shocked as you are. He is so excited by the idea of a baby that that is all he is choosing to focus on.” Savannah leans against the counter, crossing her arms. “Your feelings are valid, though. You clearly care about Jamie. And I can tell you care about Noah, too.”

“Yeah, I do.” I sigh, glancing down at Noah. “It’s just…I don’t know how to handle all this. It feels like everything’s happening too fast.”

“Maybe it is. But you’re doing the best you can.” She steps closer, her eyes soft. “How about I come with you to the hospital visit tomorrow?”

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