Page 63 of Vex

“Where are they?”

“In the office. Bailey doesn’t like an audience and you never know who’s going to walk in here. I thought I’d give them some mommy daughter time.”

Vex comes to a stop in front of me and uses his fingers to brush my hair back over my shoulder. I like that he’s a touchy kind of guy. If I’m within reach, he’s usually touching me. Sitting at a table, he’ll scoot close enough that our thighs are touching. An arm around my shoulders or a hand on my knee. He’s open about it, and I like that about him. A lot.

I watch with a smile as Gee comes skidding into the room, t-shirt and muck boots on. I swear that pig’s always smiling. When he’s close enough, I can read the writing on his shirt, “Bootilicious Bacon Maker.”

I can’t stop the laugh I let out while hearing Axel and Vex both snort laugh at Gee too.

“Who dresses him?” I ask.

“Gee loves clothes. Pooh buys all the t-shirts that have sayings on them. Some, Ava loves. Some, not so much. Have you seen him skateboard yet?” Axel asks.

“No! He can skateboard?” I ask surprised.

“Yeah, he can. Pretty good at it too. You’ll see it eventually,” Vex says.

“What’re you two doing today?” Axel questions.

“Finding out we’re pregnant,” Vex answers with his big smile firmly in place.

“Knew that. Told you that before,” Axel dismisses with a wave of his hand.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, Dr. Axel, I know you did. Had it confirmed today by a doctor with an actual degree,” Vex says still smiling.

“Congratulations. Happy for both of you. Nothing like being a parent. Best job ever. Don’t let Gunner scare you into keeping your child away from me though. Regardless what that big cocksucker thinks, I’m the best dad and uncle ever. I’m the fucking O.G. of fatherhood. Need advice, I’m your man. Here for both of you if you need anything,” Axel declares.

I stand up, as does Axel, and impulsively I reach out and give him a hug. He looks like he needs one today, and I like the guy. Axel doesn’t hesitate before returning the hug. I grin as I hear Vex growl from behind me.

“I’d love to have you in our baby’s life, Axel. And thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Not sure I’ve ever thanked you before.”

“No thanks needed, Amazonian Lady. But you’re welcome. Glad I could help,” Axel responds.

“Amazonian Lady?” I ask while releasing him and stepping back. I find Vex’s body and lean into it as he wraps his arms around me from behind, placing a palm on my stomach. It feels like an unconscious protective gesture.

“Bailey is Thumbelina because she’s so short. You’re very tall, so yeah, Amazonian Lady,” Axel says with a smirk while crossing his massive arms.

“Thumbelina? Really, Axel? I’m not that short!” Bailey states loudly from behind him.

“Not nice. You could have warned me,” Axel says giving me his famous pout.

“And ruin our fun? I think not,” I answer.

“Whatever. You guys can argue out the nicknames later. We’re pregnant, Bailey,” Vex interjects while giving my body a gentle squeeze.

“Congratulations! But I thought you already knew that?” Bailey says. “Axel told me a few days ago that Taja was pregnant.”

“We had it confirmed this morning,” Vex says with another squeeze.

“Worst kept secret ever. If Axel knows, the world knows. He’s a gossip,” Bailey tells us with a wink.

“I’m not a gossip! Give me my child, woman. You’ve had your time, and you’re infringing on daddy time now.”

Axel swoops up Alex and stomps away in a huff.

“He’s a great dad,” Bailey says softly watching him walk away.

“I have a lot to live up to,” Vex adds.

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