Page 42 of Always & Forever

“It is.”

“Wait until you see inside.”

Taking Alexis’s hand, she walked with her up the front walk and opened the oak front door. The foyer led into a large, open living room, dining room, and kitchen area. A bedroom sat off to the front of the house, which would be used as Blake’s office. On one side of the house was the main bedroom with a tub so big Alexis couldn’t wait to sink into it one night with Blake.

Over on the other side of the house were the twin’s bedrooms. Or what would become their rooms as they got older. But each room was already decorated with the cutest theming. Archer’s room was a Marvel-themed room with a Captain America shield on the wall over his crib. In Reese’s room, two lights were lit up over her crib. Each had all the necessities they would need as they grew, and Alexis was thankful her friends had thought ahead when setting up the rooms.

“These are perfect.”

“Mason and I did most of the planning for them.”

“I love it.” Alexis kissed Blake, then turned around to hug Mason, who followed them along with everyone else as they toured the house. She had Archer in the baby carrier strapped to her, just like Alexis did with Reese. “Thanks, Mason.”

“Hey, you named your kid after me. I had to pay you back somehow.”

“Mommy, do you wanna see my room?”

“Of course, Harper!”

They all followed Harper up the stairs to the room over the two-car garage. Alexis had hesitated to let her stay up there, especially since it was so far from their bedroom. But Blake had convinced her it would be good for Harper, especially as she got older. That was something Alexis didn’t want to think about.

Harper’s room was the perfect representation of her oldest child. Huge built-in shelves filled one wall and were filled to the brim with all of Harper’s LEGO creations. Arden had even added recessed lights into the shelves so each set has its own mini spotlight. The other walls were filled with movie posters and pictures of their family and friends.

“Do you like it, Mommy?”

“Iloveit, Harper.” Alexis pulled Harper into a hug. “Do you like it?”

“I do,” she giggled.

“Let’s go show Mommy outside, okay?” Blake was as eager as Harper was, which Alexis found endearing. She guided Alexis down the stairs with her hand on her back. While Alexis didn’t need the assistance, it was too damn sweet for her to ever say otherwise.

The backyard was even better than Alexis could have imagined. A stunning wrought iron fence allowed Tucker and Harper the perfect place to play without Alexis worrying about them running off. There was a seating area along with a grill on one side of the paved and covered porch while a swing set with three swings—two for the babies and one for Harper—were already set up. Their property backed up along a creek, which allowed them a quiet backyard. Well, silent except for Harper, Chase, Tucker, and Scout running around playing. Alexis leaned into Blake, savoring everything about the moment.

“Do you love it?”

“I do.” Alexis kissed her. “And I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Inside the house, Alexis heard the doorbell ring. She looked at Blake, who seemed just as confused. All of their friends would have just let themselves in without knocking or ringing the bell. Leaving everyone else outside, they returned to the front door.

“Mom,” Alexis gasped as she quickly went to her mom and hugged her.

Moira Holland didn't openly show emotions, especially not to Alexis. But as she looked down at Reese sleeping peacefully, Alexis swore she could see tears in her mother’s eyes.

“Mom, this is Reese.” Alexis watched Moria lean closer to the baby, cooing softly as she ran her finger over her chubby cheek. “Blake, can you get Archer and Harper?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“She’s beautiful, Alexis.” Her mother stopped admiring Reese long enough to look up at Alexis. “She looks like you did as a baby.”

She didn’t bother to tell her that they’d used Blake’s eggs; the moment was too sweet to ruin. Alexis hugged her again as Blake came back outside with Archer in her arms and Harper trailing behind her.

“Hi, Grandma!” Harper hugged Moira. It wasn’t something Alexis ever thought she’d see. When she got pregnant with Harper, her mother wanted nothing to do with her. But things can change; Alexis knew that better than anyone.

“Hello, Harper. My, how you’ve grown.”

Harper grinned up at her, then at Alexis. “Can I go back outside, please?”

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