“You’re gonna be the hottest pregnant mama-to-be when you’re ready to pop. I can’t wait.” I smirk.
“Ugh, shut up. I’m fat and only gonna get fatter.”
“You’re growing two babies,” I remind her. “I can’t wait for a houseful of girls.” Smiling, I press a kiss to her cheek. Due to Maize being high-risk with twins, they took a bunch of bloodwork, and we found out the genders early on. “Which means we’re gonna have to try for a boy next.”
She relaxes against me and laughs. “I thought of what I want their names to be,” she says, then looks up at me. “Madison and Bailey, the middle names of my biological mother and my mama. Then their middle names should be Rose.”
“After my mom?” I ask, honored.
“Yes, and it’s Grandma Bishop’s first name too.” She beams. “I thought it was a perfect tribute to the amazing women in our life.”
My heart beats with pride and excitement. “I love them. It’s a great idea, sweetheart. Mila’s gonna love that you named one of the babies after her.”
“I wanna surprise her, though. Announce it after the babies are born.”
“She’s gonna cry.” I chuckle, and Maize does too.
“Oh, she definitely will.”
* * *
MAIZE
I can’t wait to see everyone today. Though I frequently see my family, I’m usually too busy working to visit for more than five minutes. Plus, I’ll get to spend more time with my cousins and sister without being interrupted by guests. Not that I mind, but a break is definitely nice.
Now that I’m pregnant with twins, I need to slow down, which is hard when I’m trying to keep up with my catering business too. I book parties for up to fifty people a couple of times a month, and it’s rewarding for me. I hope I can continue after the twins are born, but I’ll hire someone if not.
One of the best things about growing up with a ton of cousins is that our kids will get to grow up together just like we did. My grandparents are in their late seventies and want to be more hands-off with the business side of things. They’ve already discussed passing the operations entirely over to my dad and uncles, which is a significant milestone. Bishops have run the ranch for generations, and the legacy will continue.
Although the idea of getting pregnant again after twins seems crazy, I do want to try for a boy. My nephew Zach is two, and he’ll have a little brother soon since Riley and Zoey are expecting baby Zealand in just two months. There are Bishop boy cousins for him to grow up with, plus I know Gavin would love to teach our kids about bull riding and training horses. Mutton bustin’ is already on the list for the girls when they’re old enough. I’d be willing to give Gavin a houseful, but for now, I’m focusing on these two precious babies inside me and soaking up every minute I get to carry them.
“My girls,” Gavin says, wrapping his big hands around my belly and grinning into my neck. “You’re beautiful.” He looks at my reflection in the mirror, and I smile in return.
“This bump is cute now, but in a couple of months, I’ll be surprised if I can see my feet.”
“You’ll be waddling all over the B&B like a cute penguin,” he mocks.
“Thanks,” I deadpan, adjusting my dress so it covers my boobs that have doubled in size.
“Your mom’s here. Kenzie too.”
“Oh yay! Tell them I’ll be right down.” I turn around and kiss his lips. “Assuming it doesn’t take me an hour to climb down the stairs.”
“I could carry you. You’re on your feet too much as it is, no wonder they’re swelling.”
“My feet are swelling?” I squeal in panic, then look down at them. “Do I have chubby ankles already?”
“Uh…” Gavin removes his hat and brushes a hand through his hair, a tell that he’s about to bullshit his way outta this question. “I think I hear more people at the door. Meet ya down there, sweetheart.” He quickly kisses my cheek before leaving.
He’s lucky I love him too damn much to scold him. I didn’t think it was possible to love him more than I did the day we got married, but when I found out we were pregnant, I fell for him even deeper.
By the time I enter the living room, it’s filled with Bishops and friends of the family. I greet people and swipe Rory out of Rowan’s arms. He’s seven months now, and his little personality reminds me so much of Diesel.
“Hey buddy.” I blow raspberries on his cheek, and he giggles. Rory is a perfect blend of his parents with adorable little dimples. Rowan and Diesel got married two months ago, and I hope they’ll try for baby number two soon. Grandma Bishop hasn’t stopped reminding them.