Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 260(@200wpm)___ 208(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 260(@200wpm)___ 208(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
“Come in.” Lennie’s voice is full of glee. Asher grunts his response. Yep, he’s in full dad mode and is getting pissy about sharing his time with everyone.
“Oh my gosh, you did great, Lennie.” Shae beelines for her. I glance from Asher, who’s holding one baby, to Lennie, who’s holding the other.
“Thank you. My insides don’t feel that way. I’d do it all over again if it meant having these two, though.” Lennie looks from the child she has on her chest to Asher.
“Congrats, man. Being a dad looks good on you, even if you’re a surly S.O.B.” I shake his hand. Neither of them offers for us to hold their babies, and we don’t ask.
“Just you wait. I hope Shae is as stubborn as Lennie, then you’ll see why I’m a basket case.” Asher walks toward Lennie and sits next to her.
“I hate to break it to you, Ash, but you just duplicated Lennie. The gray hair, the wrinkles, the stress, well, my dad blames it on my mom, Coralynn, and me. Even Zane isn’t lumped into the mix. He says boys are easier,” Shae adds fuel to the fire.
“Don’t worry, honey. I’ll still love you.” Lennie snickers. She knows full well what it’s like to raise a little girl. She practically did it with Minnie for more years than any sister should.
“Christ, I’m going to need a shit ton of antacids at this rate.” Asher talks a big fucking game. He’s got his eyes on Lennie, but they’re moving back and forth between the twin girls, too. It’s like he’s counting, one, two, three repeatedly in his head as if they’ll disappear.
“Probably,” I agree, knowing I would and will when the time comes.
“We won’t keep you. Thank you for letting us visit.” Shae bends down to hug Lennie while placing a kiss on her cheek as well. “Thank you for including us, and please let me know when or if you need anything. As I’m told, there’s no good reason to do it all on your own.” Shae rolls her eyes, although it’s done with a smile sent my way.
“Love you guys. We’re here whenever.” I shake Asher’s hand, pull him for a half hug, then skirt around the hospital bed to do the same with Lennie.
“Love you. I really like Shae. Please keep her forever,” Lennie whispers in my ear.
“That’s the plan,” I reply before making my way back to Shae. My hand goes to her lower back, feeling the skin that’s showing from her outfit she wore for work today, making it impossible to ever keep my hands off her.
“Thanks, appreciate everything you’ve done. We’ll get everyone together once things settle down. We’d like to spend as much time with the family while they’re in town. It’s almost calving season,” Asher explains.
“Brother, we’re here whenever. Enjoy your time. Drop us a line, and we’ll be good.” I’d rather they get adjusted to their new life and routine than fucking bum rush them and potentially have Lennie slide into postpartum depression. One newborn is a lot. Two, well, it’s a whole different ballgame.
“Still, appreciate it.” I lift my chin, letting him know all is good, and we dip out of there. Asher didn’t ask us to send anyone else in. I’m betting it’s safe to assume they need a minute to themselves.
“Let’s go tell everyone goodbye, and then we’ll head home. I’ll order food, and we can relax,” I offer.
“Yes, please. I’m whooped. I don’t know how Lennie’s eyes are able to remain open,” Shae says during our short trip down the hall, leaning her head on my shoulder. I wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her tightly into my body and softly kissing the crown of her head.
“Pretty sure Asher is going to make her rest. The adrenaline rush is more than likely wearing off.” I open the door. Everyone is still here, no one has left, and I’m sure they won’t anytime soon. Even if they don’t get to see Asher, Lennie, and the girls, they’ll stay here as a form of solidarity.
“Hey, man, you got a minute?” Gallo enters on our heels. I turn around to answer. Shae comes with me, and I notice Marissa’s father is standing there beside him. “This won’t take long.”
“I mean, I guess. What’s all of this about?” Shae stays where she is. Her body leans into me, her arms wrapped around my waist, and I watch as the group merges in, specifically the girls and their men.
“Susan stopped me this afternoon. She heard Marissa and Nadine bragging about their plan working. At first, she just assumed it was no big deal, until Shae’s name was brought into the mix. They discussed her chart, the reason for her appointment, and a slew of other shit out in the open.” I look from Gallo to Shae. She closes her eyes and takes a quiet breath, inhaling before exhaling.