Page 68 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

I laughed. “Talk about being busy with young children at home. Together, Liz and Angela have six children under the age of ten. And another on the way.”

Jessica’s eyes rounded. She turned to Liz. “I knew you have triplets, but I didn’t know you were having another baby.”

Liz chuckled. “It was a big surprise. I wasn’t sure I could handle it. But I have a supportive family and friends.”

Jessica shook her head. “I know I couldn’t do anything like that. One baby is so much work.”

Liz studied her. “Tell you what. Why don’t you and Ryan come to my house? You can meet the kids and see how it works for us.”

Jessica and Ryan exchanged glances, and then Jessica said, “Okay, thanks.”

“Angela and her husband, Reggie, are close friends with me and my husband, Chad, so it works well to get together. Sometimes, we end up having dinner as one big group.”

“It’s special,” said Angela, smiling. “We let our kids play together and have some adult time to socialize.”

“Mom? Rhonda? Want to join us?” asked Liz.

“I’m sorry I won’t be able to this time,” said Rhonda, getting to her feet. “In fact, I’d better go. The kids will be getting home from their school activities, and I need to keep an eye on Will.”

“I’m delighted to be invited,” I said. “I haven’t seen the Ts in some time, and I need a GeeGee fix.” I faced Jessica. “My son, Robbie, has swim practice, so he’ll be late getting home from school.”

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Later, I was sittingon the patio at Liz’s house, watching Chad and Ryan toss a ball back and forth. The triplets, laughing and shouting with glee, raced back and forth between them, trying to get the ball.

Angela had called to say they’d be a bit late, so while Liz was fussing in the kitchen, I had a chance to talk to Jessica alone.

“You mentioned that your baby, Wade, is ten months old. Is he an active child?”

Jessica’s lips curved. “Yes, he’s not walking yet, but he’s into everything. I can’t leave him for a second. It’s exhausting. Ryan wants more children, but I don’t see how I can handle it.”

“I wanted more children before and after Liz’s arrival, but it didn’t happen. I’ve always been sad about it. Having my grandchildren means the world to me. Does Ryan help you with the baby?”

“Not really,” said Jessica. “I mean, he’s gone for the day and is tired when he gets home.”

“He looks like he’s enjoying the kids now,” I said. Ryan was on all fours on the grass, giving Noah a “horsey ride.”

“Yeah, well, he isn’t that cooperative about changing diapers,” grumbled Jessica.

“Does he ever do that?” I asked.

“Sometimes, but I’m left alone all day to take care of everything,” said Jessica. “ Ryan’s ready for more children. But even the thought of it is exhausting to me. I was hoping that by coming here for the promo opportunity, he would see that we don’t need more kids; we just need to reconnect with each other.”

“Have you talked to a professional about this? It might help to understand one another’s point of view.”

“Maybe that would help,” said Jessica, sighing. “Look at Ryan now.”

Ryan had both girls on his back now, prancing around on the grass. Nearby, Chad held Noah upside down by his feet as Noah shrieked joyfully.

Liz joined us. As soon as she sat down, all three kids came running over to her. “Can we have a juice?” Olivia asked. “We’re all thirsty.”

Liz started to stand.

“Sit tight. I’ve got it,” said Chad. “C’mon, kids. Inside.”

The look of surprise on Jessica’s face was matched by Ryan’s.

“Is that how it always is?” asked Jessica. “Chad helps?”