I walk in to see all four of my boys are sitting on the chaise lounge as Paige models the sandals she stole from my closet. They're a bit too big for her still, but I knew this day was coming. My eyes start to fill with tears. She’s getting so big.
“They are gorgeous on you, sweetie.” Everyone turns to look my way.
“You think?” She beams.
“I know.”
“You don’t care if I wear them?”
“Of course not.” I walk over and kiss her on top of her head.
“There going to be boys at this party?” Conner, our oldest, stands, folding his arms over his chest. He’s only eight, but he’s already taller and bigger than Paige. Most people think he’s her age. He is all Bear.
“Don’t start.” She rolls her eyes at him. I fight a laugh. Bear hadn’t been joking when he said he was going to give me all boys so he would have a handful of bodyguards to protect Paige. He’s pulled it off. I’m pregnant with our last baby. It was no surprise when the doctor told me last week it was a boy.
Some people thought I was going to be disappointed. I’m far from it. I love my boys, but I really love this bond I have with Paige being my only little girl. She’s special and different to me. I will only ever share this kind of bond with her.
“Boys, why don’t you change into your swim trunks? People are arriving already.”
“I’ve got them,” Conner says before taking them out of the closet for me. But not before I steal kisses from each of them.
“I can’t believe you’re thirteen,” I say to Paige once we’re all alone. “You’re growing up so fast on me.” I sniffle.
“Mom. Don’t cry.” She walks over, wrapping me in a hug. She’s so tall already. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” I kiss her cheek. “You’ll always be my little girl.”
“And you’ll always be my mom.” She returns the kiss onto my cheek. “The best one a girl could ever wish for, and I wished a lot when I was little.”
“Oh sweetie.” My tears slip free.
“It was terrible what happened to my dad, but truthfully, I can’t imagine not having you and Bear as my parents. Is that horrible of me to say?”
“I don’t think so. I feel the same. You’re my little girl, and I’ll fight anyone that says otherwise.”
“Let’s not get carried away, Mom. You might be married to Bear Chan, but you’re terrible in the ring.”
“Hey! That’s only because he never really lets me try to fight when I get in there.” I try to defend myself. I am terrible. Who am I kidding? Fighting or doing anything in a gym other than watching is not for me. Paige is really good at it, but thankfully it’s not something she ever wanted to do professionally. Bear taught her more for self-defense.
“You don’t need to know how to fight.” Bear comes strolling into the closet. “Julie and Skye are here,” he tells Paige.
“Awesome! I’m going to put my swimsuit on.” She rushes over to Bear, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Love you, Dad.”
“Love you too,” he says before closing the door behind her. I don’t miss the fact that he flips the lock into place. “You need to change.” Bear folds his arms over his chest. The same as Conner did a few seconds ago, blocking the closet door.
“Why?” I grab my dress and lift it. “I’m going to be in the pool, so what does it matter? The dress won’t be on much.” I show him my bikini, turning to the side. “I’ve already popped out so much.” I run my hand across my baby bump.
“No.” He grunts.
“Wait! How are you all jelly? Women throw their panties at you!” I laugh. Well, it’s been awhile. That was only at fights. It was weird at first, but it never bothered me. Other wives have asked me how I deal with it.