Page 57 of Pooh

I carefully extricate myself from the fort and head to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. Walking through the doorway, I spot Trigger and Tammy. He has her pressed up against the cabinets, hands cupping her face, and is kissing the hell out of her. I sidle up to them, reach behind Tammy to grab the coffee pot and speak directly into her unsuspecting ear.

“Craig thinks what you’re doing is gross and he’s not afraid to share that shit.”

They break apart quickly with Tammy giving up a small squeak. I grin, then lean down and give her a peck on the cheek and reach above her head for mugs. I pull down two and then fill them up while Tammy is getting her wits back.

“Jesus, Pooh, you fucking creeper!” Trigger barks.

I laugh outright at him and receive a punch to the shoulder for my efforts. Guess they’ve worked their shit out. Good to know. Pippa will be happy about that fact. It’s now time to go greet my girl good morning.

-*- -*- -*- -*-

We have a full house at the gym today. Cash is teaching one class, Axel another. I’m checking people in and taking payments. Bailey is in the office working and Craig is running from one person to the next, watching, mimicking and generally soaking up the attention he’s receiving. He’s already finagled a promise of pizza from Bailey for lunch.

Pippa: How’s it going with Craig?

Me: Going great. He’s got Bailey wrapped around his little finger already.

Pippa: I’ll be coming with the women for class. He can leave with me when class is over.

Me: We’ll see if he wants to. He’s fine here too.

Pippa: Okay

Me: What have you been doing? Trigger at NH with you and Tammy?

Pippa: Yeah, he’s here. He’s actually pretty fun to be around. When he’s not growling.

Me: Yeah, he is.

Pippa: I’ve been ordering furniture and furnishings for my house.

Me: You’ve decided you need a bed?

Pippa: Yes. And one for Craig.

Me: Smart move, babe. Gotta get back to work. Talk later.

Pippa: See you in a few hours.

Shortly after lunch, Pippa and the women show up for their class. Craig races across the gym and crashes into Pippa’s legs. I watch as she bends at the knees to give him a hug. He pulls back and then he’s telling her something, hands and mouth moving animatedly, and I love the smile she bestows on him. The affection between them is obvious. They are still chatting, hand in hand, when they reach the women and me.

“We need to teach them good, Pooh. They need to be safe. I’ll help,” Craig informs me as he steps up next to me. Everyone smiles at his enthusiasm.

“I agree, Craig. Let’s get to teaching them.”

After the class, the women from New Horizons leave but Pippa stays to hang with me and Craig for a while. Cash, Axel, and us are standing near the counter, sipping water and chatting when Bailey joins us. I notice she has a funny look on her face and is very pale. Axel is talking and simply puts his arm over her shoulders and hugs her front to his side and continues telling his story. I look her over carefully and know that something is wrong.

“Bailey? What’s wrong? What’s happened?” I ask, interrupting Axel and his attention immediately swings to Bailey.

“Baby, what’s wrong? Are you sick again?” Axel asks while pulling her to his front.

To everyone’s surprise, Bailey bursts into tears and buries her face in Axel’s chest. What the hell?

“Bailey? What’s wrong?” Axel asks frantically now.

“I’m pregnant! Oh my God, Axel! I’m pregnant!” she shouts with her face still buried.

Everyone freezes for a moment, including Axel. And then his face completely transforms, and if I doubted his commitment to her before, I certainly don’t now. He gently tips her head back and drops his forehead to hers.

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