Page 130 of Love Me Again

“Happy birthday, princess.”I croon, looking down at Alaia, who just rose from her sleep. She smiles up at me as soon as she sees me, displaying her two teeth. She’s always so happy in the morning, and this morning was no different. She’s just lying in her crib, kicking back with her hands behind her head. “Good morning, my sunshine.” I pick her up and kiss her cheek affectionately. “Is my baby girl one-year-old today?” We walk out of the nursery back to our bedroom, where Shayla was still asleep. “Let’s go wake up, Mummy,” I whisper, kissing her temple and smile when I see Shayla lying on her front, peacefully sleeping. I crawl up on the bed and lay Alaia down on her stomach, and she immediately crawls over to her mother. I lay on my side and watch as she makes cooing sounds, pressing her hand to Shay’s face, who stirs from her sleep and smiles.

“Mm, good morning, birthday girl.” She sighs, lifting her arm and wrapping it around Laia, who tries to crawl over her. She looks over at me and grins beautifully. “And good morning to you, Stud.” I smile at the nickname and brush a kiss to her waiting lips.

“Morning, Gorgeous girl,” I whisper, pulling back and gazing into her eyes. “You’ve got ten minutes before we have to be up. The caterers and the event organisers will be here in half-hour.” I inform her, and she nods, kissing Alaia’s head when she rests it on her chest.

Shayla pouts. “Can we just stick her in a jar, so she won’t grow anymore?” I chuckle, reaching over and rubbing Laia’s back.

“Sounds tempting,” I reply, scooting closer and laying my head beside hers while we watch our daughter move around the bed. “It feels like just yesterday she was born.”

Shayla heaves a sigh. “I know, she’s grown up in the blink of an eye. I want her to stay small forever so she will never leave us.”

I smile fondly and lace my fingers with hers. “I’m not ready to think about that yet,” I admit, leaning over, holding Alaia’s foot and pulling her back to us before she crawls to the edge of the bed. She giggles and crawls off again. “Get back here, you little rascal.” I laugh, pulling her back, and she cackles. “Soon, our home will be filled with the laughter and cries of our babies,” I assure Shayla, and she lifts her eyes to look at me. “You promised me at least three babies.” She laughs sardonically.

“We’ll see.” I pout, and she looks over my face.

“You can’t backtrack now. You promised, and you’re a woman of your word Shayla Hoult. Your word is your bond.”

“Cole, I’m still in the process of cooking the last one you popped in me. I’m not a bloody machine.” She squeaks when I grab her face and plaster my lips to hers.

“But baby, you make the cutest and sweetest buns, and I want more.” I groan against her lips, and she laughs.

“Get off of me, you fertile freak.” She grins, trying to scoot away while I nuzzle her neck, Alaia sitting between us, watching us goof around. “You’re going to get me all fat and then leave me to be with your secretary.”

I laugh into her neck. “Honey, you’re confusing reality with porn again,” I mumble, nipping at her ear. “I’m not going anywhere. You’re stuck with me forever and then ever after that too.”

Shayla sighs with a content smile. “That’s an awfully long time to put up with your raggedy arse.”

I gasp, affronted. “You love my arse,” I growl, nipping at her lip, and Shayla beams up at me.

“Yes, yes, I do. You have a fine arse, Cole Hoult.” She declares lovingly, and I smile, kissing her nose.

“As do you, my love,” I lean in to kiss her, but she pushes me away and sits upright. She mumbles about her bladder being full before she rushes to the bathroom. I look at Alaia, who was lying down with my phone in her hand. I couldn’t imagine living my life in any other way. I’m truly blessed.

An hour later, the house was bustling with people. The event organisers and the catering company for Alaia’s birthday party setting everything up before family and friends arrive to celebrate our daughter's first birthday with us. The house was decorated to perfection, Hawaiian style. Everywhere I looked, I saw Moana and Maui and pictures of Laia we took of her growing up. Her birthday cake was four tiers, blue and white with shells, resembling the ocean with a chocolate mould of baby Moana sitting on the top.

Of course, our birthday girl was dressed like a baby Moana with a red crop top and white mini baby skirt, and a pink flower in her hair. She looked beyond cute. A couple of hours later, the party was in full swing. Good food, the company of those we love the most, laughter of children running around the back yard playing with the actors or jumping like crazy in the bouncy castle.

I watch Shayla as she sits with Alaia and the girls while the actress sings Alaia’s favourite song, ‘How far I'll go’ to her, and the other kids gathered around, and Laia beams watching her, her green eyes vast and wonderous. “I’m going to go check on the boys, make sure everything is okay,” Josh says, walking off toward the team of security guards scattered around the house.

After posing for the millionth photo of the day with Shayla and Alaia, it was time for her cake to be cut. I was holding her while Shayla brought the cake out, and everyone starts singing happy birthday to Alaia, who stares at the cake lit up with candles and a sparkler, the most beautiful smile on her face. “Let’s get another photo of the three of you with the cake.” The photographer says. Shayla wraps her arms around my neck from behind, and once the photographer got Alaia’s attention, we smile for the camera.

Shayla and I lean over and blow out the candles for her. I look up at her, and she kisses me softly, her soft fingers brushing along my cheek. “Thank you for giving me the world’s greatest gift.” She whispers, gazing into my eyes lovingly.

“Are you kidding? I should be thanking you. You’ve filled my life with so much love, baby. I’m so thankful I got drunk and married you. You turned out to be the best mistake I have ever made in life.” I declare, and she smiles, rubbing my jaw affectionately. “I‘m crazy about you.”

“I’m crazy for you too.” She whispers, scooping up some icing off her cake and smearing it on Laia’s little nose. “I’m most definitely mad about you too, princess.” She coos lovingly, taking her face into her hands and kissing her forehead. “Happy birthday, sweetheart, be happy, and may that light in your eyes always shine bright, baby.” She expresses to Alaia, who smiles up at her adoringly. Shayla is such an exceptional woman and mother. The rest of the party went by without a glitch, and Alaia was wiped out. Shayla and the girls took her upstairs to bathe her and put her down to sleep.

“That was a great party. I’m a grown arse man, and I had a blast.” Josh chuckles, sitting back on the sofa, taking a sip from his beer. I smile and nod, looking over at my mother and Shay’s mother directing the kitchen's cleaning crew. Sam comes across with baby Trey in his arms and sits on the sofa with a tired sigh.

“It really was. Shayla did a great job with organising everything.” I tell him, and Josh nods, looking over at the baby in Sam's arms.

“How’s fatherhood treating you, bro?” Josh questions putting his beer bottle down and taking Trey from Sam.

“Tiring man, but I wouldn’t give it up for the world,” Sam admits looking over at Trey curled up on Josh’s chest. “To think I was terrified of ever having one of those, now I can’t picture my life without him.”

I smile in understanding. “Yeah, they really do change your life, especially if it's with the right woman,” I state, and both men nod in agreement.

“I feel so left out. I can’t wait to hold my baby girl in my arms and relate to what you guys are saying.” Josh grumbles put out.

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