Page 45 of Goose

Chapter Ten

Bambi

––––––––

GOOSE AND I MADE DINNERwhile the kids played in the kitchen. I set them up with coloring to keep them occupied. They can tell something is wrong, but I’m not going to break that news to them.

Watching Goose play with them is...comfortable. It feels so right to be here with him and a little family. He’s so good with all three little ones.

“Dinner is ready!”

The twins help set the table, and we all sit down to eat. I help to cut everybody’s food as Goose helps feed Scarlett. She still needs some help, but only wants her Uncle Goose to help.

She is his little princess, and it’s the cutest thing ever. As the kids finish eating, I clear the table and go upstairs to start the bath.

A few minutes later, Goose brings up all three kids and helps to get them in the tub. I put extra bubbles in it, making the twins giggle as it reaches their chins.

“So many bubbles, Bambi!”

I smile as we clean all three and then let them play until all the bubbles are gone. Getting them out is another story. Knox throws the mother of all fits and whips a toy boat at my head.

Goose grabs him, buck naked, and takes him out of the tub. He stands him right on the rug and kneels down so they’re eye level.

“Now you listen here. You can be upset all you want, but you will not hit or throw things at Miss Bambi. We treat women with respect, Knox. Are we clear?”

He sniffles and nods his head. “Yes, sir.” Turning around, he grabs a towel and hugs me. “I’m sorry, Miss Bambi.”

I pull him into a big hug. “Thank you, buddy. I know it’s hard to deal with such big emotions. Why don’t you go pick some jammies out and get a book that I can read to you?”

He smiles and runs out of the bathroom. I carefully help Colton out next and send him on his way to do the same as his brother.

Finally, I turn to the princess and smile. She is such a sweet little thing. “Let’s go, Princess Peach.”

Goose grabs her pink towel and wraps her up. “I’ve got my girl. Let’s go find some princess jammies for you.”

She smiles and nuzzles into him as they walk toward her room. I pick up the bathroom and head into the boy’s room. They’re both passed out on the floor with books over their heads.

Shaking my head and laughing, I carefully place each boy into their bed and put the books away. I turn on their nightlights and slowly shut the door. I leave it cracked open just a little as I make my way to Scarlett’s room.

Goose is laying in her tiny little princess bed reading her a book. I lean on the doorframe and watch as he changes his voice for each character. By the time he’s done, Scarlett is out like a light.

He slowly stands up and walks over to me. Kissing me on the forehead, he wraps me into his arms.

“I love these kids, Bambi.”

“I know, Goose. I do too.”

He pulls back and kisses me again. “Let’s go clean the kitchen and relax. Today has been a fucking shit show.”

We both make our way down the stairs and into the kitchen. I turn on the baby monitors for both rooms as Goose clears the table.

Once we finish cleaning, Goose grabs two beers and leads me to the couch. He turns on some silly show and pulls me into him.

“Check on Striker and Lilah, please. I’m really worried.”

He takes out his phone and sends a quick text. It pings back right away, and he reads the text out loud.

---