Page 39 of Neighbors' Omega
He chuckled. “That’s clear to anybody who sees you with them, and they love you too. You’re all going to make excellent fathers.”
I leaned against him. “Thanks Papa.”
He patted my leg. “Your Vince says that the meat is almost done. Shall we head outside?”
“And out of the air conditioning?” I asked. “Do you know how hot these kids are making me?”
Papa burst into laughter. “Got it. I’ll get you a plate. And you can stay right here.”
“Thank you”
Papa stood, then headed towards the back patio.
Ryan and Owen walked in, though Ryan still looked upset.
I patted the spot next to me, and Ryan walked over.
“Everything ok?” I asked.
“Just not in the mood,” he huffed.
I studied him, then shook my head. “There’s more.”
He frowned. “Later? I don’t want to ruin your shower.”
“Ok.”
“Thanks. What treat do you want as a bribe to listen to me complain about my shitty life?”
I smiled. “Dealer’s choice. Decide what’s appropriate, just remember I can’t have some things right now.”
“And here I thought I’d get off easy. This is going to be expensive.”
“That bad?”
“Yes, but right now is about you.”
I hugged him. “We’ll talk later then.”
“Ok.”
“Food’s ready!” Papa declared from the kitchen.
“Great!” I shouted back. “I’m starving.”
∞∞∞
~August~
I paced back and forth on the porch, hands braced against the small of my back and forcing myself to breathe.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital yet?” Vince asked, trailing a few steps behind me.
I shook my head. “They’d just send us home. My contractions aren’t close enough.”
He grumbled, but his silence told me he knew I was right.
Another contraction hit and I doubled over, doing my breathing exercises until the pain passed.
