Page 29 of Bunny Be Mine
“I think we are all biased.” I laughed. “But I agree. Our babies are amazing.”
Fen
Lying in bed with Arley in my arms, I couldn’t help but fight sleep. I didn’t want to waste treasuring any moment I had with my mate or our children. Sleep was overrated.
Arley snored softly, his head resting on my chest and his left leg thrown over my hips. He needed the rest, giving birth a week ago and taking care of six tiny pups was exhausting, even if he did have my parents and myself here to help. There was something about the carrier parent that young pups craved, so many times they preferred Arley over anyone else. Luckily, the babies were quick to learn how to sleep through the night. I was sure we would end up paying for that gift from fate when they were teens and keeping us up all night with other worries.
Our babies were safely asleep in the crib in the corner of the room. I was glad we decided to keep them in our room for the first year instead of making them sleep in their own separate nursery. It made it easier for the few times one would wake. And I knew it eased Arley’s postpartum anxieties. I had a feeling if we did put the children in their own room, I’d end up sleeping in here alone.
“What are you thinking about so hard?” Arley startled me. I didn’t even realize his snoring had ceased.
“I’m sorry, did I wake you?” I ran a finger down the side of his face. “You need your sleep.”
“So do you, Daddy.” Arley grinned. “So tell me, what’s on your mind keeping you awake.”
“It’s nothing bad.” I leaned in and pecked his lips, lingering just a second. “I was just wondering how I got so lucky to get a mate like you, and six healthy pups and kits. And maybe stress a bit about finding a new house.”
“Remember Neal and everyone else who lives here said no rush on that last one,” Arley reminded me.
“That’s true, but it’s still in my list of things to do soon.” I reached over and grabbed my phone from the nightstand. “Can I just show you three of the ones I like most? Maybe if I feel one step closer in choosing, I’ll be able to get actual rest.”
“Doubt it but it’s worth a shot.” Arley sat up straighter. “Let me see whatcha got.”
“Here, let me get them ready for you.” Pulling up the listings of the three houses I had added to my favorites, I handed Arley my phone. “These are the three that stood out to me. They offer the space we need, while allowing for growth in the future.”
“This one looks super impressive. Look at that yard. And are those pillars on the porch. God, I love pillars in construction.” Arley clicked on the first option. “What made you decide on this one?”
“Besides the pillars that I know are one of your favorite features? There is a separate in-law house in the backyard by the pool so that Mom and Dad have their own space but are still close by and can help when needed.” I listed all the features that I thought would benefit our family. “And it is close to campus, so we will be close to most of the pack.”
“I am not crazy about having a pool when we have littles.” Arley pointed out that the pool was not secured. “There are no safety measures for children, so we would have to add things if we went with this option.”
“Okay, I can make notes of that. What do you think of the next one?” I really couldn’t wait for him to see that one. I kind of thought it would be his favorite. “I think the backyard is perfect for the kids to play in.”
“That lawn in front is beautiful. And the back is spectacular, like a shifter child’s dream come true.” Arley clicked on the images. “Is the swing set part of the deal? And how much land exactly is that?”
“Enough that we could still add an additional house in the back if we don’t want Mom and Dad in the main house with us.” I pointed to the details on the page listing the number of rooms and anchorage. “And did you see the basement.”
“This one is truly wonderful. And the basement could be a playroom for the kids for rainy days. I can almost envision it.”
“It’s amazing, right?”
“It is. But let me look at this third one. I have a feeling about it.” Arley selected the final listing and gasped. “Oh, Fen, this is it. This is the one I want.”
“Are you sure?” I really thought I’d get this reaction from the middle option, not last.
“There are so many signs that point to this being the one for us, Fen. It’s located on Fate’s Way Boulevard. Its door and mailbox are painted teal which is our favorite color. It has a guesthouse in the back but also a ton of space in the main house. I look at this yard, and I see our kids playing during the day and you and I cuddling on this swing on the back porch at night, or in the gazebo with the fire pit. This is the one.”
“Are you sure?” The more he talked about it, his face lit up with excitement, I knew the answer.
“Yes, Fen. We found our home.”
Chapter Fifteen
Arley
“Comeon,babies,let’sget you all dressed and ready,” I sing-songed to our sextuplets. “Today is a big day for Daddy. Today is the day he gets his degree and graduates from the university. And we are all going to go and cheer him on. Isn’t that exciting?”
Six adorable babies lay in front of me babbling back at me and waving their feet and arms. I doubted they had any idea what I was saying but I would talk to them, nonetheless.
