Page 73 of Vex

Me: He’s special – but you have to say “special” in a high pitched voice for it to apply to him lol

Vex: Yeah, he’s special alright. Pooh’s got him pinned to the floor now so my phone’s safe.

Me: I miss you. I want you back here

Vex: Same for me. But I want this taken care of first. You’ve never said what you want – boy or girl

Me: Doesn’t matter. Just healthy

Vex: Boy, for the reasons I already told you

Me: Yes I remember. Girls bring about murder and mayhem

Vex: Ain’t that the truth

Me: Hey!

Vex: Been thinking on names?

Me: No. It’s so far away yet

Vex: Boy – Isaac

Me: Really? Isaac? Never thought about that name before

Vex: Boy – Joshua, Noah, Jaydin, Ethan, Mason

Me: You’ve put some thought into this. What about a girls name?

Vex: Don’t want to jinx it. Not thinking any up

Me: You know there’s a 50/50 chance you’re going to have to think up a girls name

Vex: I like Hattie, Olivia, Isabella, Sophia. Your mom’s name would be the middle name. Now we’re jinxed. Thanks doll

Me: You have so totally put thought into a girls name too. You know you’d love one

Vex: I’ll absolutely love any child we create. If it’s a girl though I want her to be Axel’s special kind of ugly so I can remain a free man and help raise her. I said that part out loud and now Cash is helping Pooh keep Axel pinned

Me: I better let you go before Axel gets hurt

Vex: Get some sleep. I’ll call later so we can FaceTime. Need to see you

Me: Need to see you too. TTYL

The following day finds me ready to pull my hair out from boredom. Luckily, Bailey calls and invites me to come to her and Axel’s home. Upon arriving, she hands me a cup of decaf coffee, and I watch her fuss over little Alex. It’s probably this exact moment when I realize how excited I am about becoming a mom. With everything that’s been happening my mind has been occupied elsewhere. Now seeing the complete adoration Bailey has for Alex has brought home to me all that I have to look forward to.

I spend a few hours with Bailey and Alex before walking back to the clubhouse. Once there, I pull out my laptop and sign online. Vex will be happy to know that I finally agree with him. I have shopping to do. After a few hours of looking at the cutest baby things, I take a break and hit the kitchen for a snack.

“Hey, Taja.”

I turn and see Tessie and Bella standing in the doorway, both looking nervous. This can’t be good.

“Hey, ladies. What’s going on?”

“Can we talk for a minute?” Tessie asks while picking at her nails.

That’s her tell. When she’s nervous, upset or guilty, she picks at her nails. Now I’m positive I’m not going to like what I’m about to hear. Keeping a calm face, I wave my hand toward the main room where we all take seats at a table.

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