Page 55 of Coach Me (Boston Blues #2)
Seven months later
“Okay, Miles, when you’re done writing your vocabulary words of the week, we’re done for today.”
“Okie, Mommy.” Miles picks up his pencil and scribbles away.
My heart grows a little every time Miles calls me “Mommy.” It started soon after Dex and I had a very small wedding in the offseason.
We really didn’t want to do much of anything other than get married, but Miles had other ideas.
Many compromises were made, but I have to admit—it was nice having everyone together to celebrate.
I watch Miles make every turn of his pencil when a loud bang comes from the other side of our house. Miles looks up to me. “What are they doing now?”
I shake my head. “I have no idea, want to go check it out?”
Miles jumps up from his seat. “Yes!”
He races down the hall, with a shout for me to follow, but there’s no way I’m moving that fast. Imagine mine and Dex’s surprise when we just had our shotgun wedding, then go to our first ultrasound to find out that we’re having fraternal twins.
I should have known when Miles said he wanted a brother and a sister, but I really didn’t think I’d give him both at the same time.
There were a lot of emotions when we found that out. Dex tried saying that he’d just coach again and, for the third time, I cussed telling him no fucking way . I’m growing two babies—my man can throw some balls.
As I get closer, I can hear the bickering of men and then the squeal of Miles. I reach what used to be the office. After painting the alphabet and shapes all over the classroom, Dex started Emma on this room. One side is painted with a golden sunrise, and the other with a burnt orange sunset.
It’s truly breathtaking every time I look at it, but right now, all I really see are pieces of wood on the floor and four men standing around them, staring.
“Okay, what’s happening here?”
My brother points a piece of something at Dex. “Your husband bought the most complicated cribs I’ve ever seen. And we have two of them to put together.”
Dex looks at Beck. “I’m not the one who unboxed both of them at the same time then threw away the boxes with the fucking instructions.”
My dad covers Miles’s ears. It’s been a slow road for Will to come to terms with, but our dad continues to make an effort to make amends. He loves Miles, calls him specifically at least three times a week.
Beck continues to stare at the pile. “Okay, well, your father-in-law is in construction, so I’m pretty sure we can figure this out just fine.”
I bite back my laugh. “Do I need to look through the trash to see if I can find them?”
I get a resounding “no” from every man in the room. Dex steps around the pile and kisses my head. “We’ll figure it out. How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine, Dex. Babies are moving fine. Miles and I actually just finished up for the day.”
Miles raises his hand high. “Can I stay here and help build?”
My dad doesn’t miss a beat, like any grandparent would. “We’d love your help. Why don’t you go get your tool kit that I got you for your birthday?”
“I’ll be right back!” Miles squeals and then races back down the hall.
I huff a small laugh, but then one of the babies turns sideways and I’m pretty sure starts kicking the other.
I reach for Dex’s hand and place it right where they’re wiggling about.
Dex’s eyes light up like they do every time he gets to feel them move. “Fuck, Luce.” He leans down toward my belly to talk to the babies. “You guys take it easy on your momma.”
Will steps up next. “Hey, let their favorite uncle feel.”
“Hey, fuck off, that’s my title.” Beck tries to shove in the middle.
Dex blocks them both. “Back off. You can feel the babies after you assholes fix those cribs.”
Will and Beck both mumble some more curses before backing off. My dad steps forward with his hands up. “I’m not asking to touch, just wanted to say you look beautiful, Luce.”
“Thank you.” I look down where Dex’s hands still rest on my belly.
I have to admit, I like being pregnant. I also never want to do this again, but every time I get to my prenatal yoga class, they have a mirror set up and I just love seeing my belly.
“Have you guys decided on names yet?” Will asks.
It’s been quite the debate. Miles has thrown out many suggestions, and while it’s hard to say no to him, I did shoot down naming the babies Pip and Pop.
“Well, considering Dex has this whole sunshine thing going.”
Dex kisses my temple. “You’re my light, baby.”
I grin up at him. “With light in mind, I looked up names with that meaning. We’ve picked Thea and Lucas. Specifically, Lucas William for the boy.”
My poor brother, you’d think I’d put him through enough already. His hands rest on his knees for a moment before beelining right to me. He wraps me up tightly in a hug.
Beck tosses down a piece of wood. “Well, he can put these cribs together if he’s the only one getting a namesake.”