“Yeah, we’ll get through this.” Charlotte air quotes. “There’s no ‘we’ when you’re at your office and traveling the world.”
I bite my tongue to refrain from debating this fact, but I’m a stubborn man and open my mouth. “Traveling the world is extreme. When was the last time I left the country?”
“Uh, how about two months ago when you went to Hong Kong and Amelia caught chicken pox?”
“I flew back as soon as you told me,” I remind her.
Charlotte throws her hands in the air. “What about me, Lex? Have you ever stopped to think about my career?”
My hand reaches out to Charlotte’s waist as I try to pull her toward me, but she won’t budge. Instantly, I remove my hands from her since it’s clear she wants nothing to do with me right now.
“We can hire help.”
With a sneer, Charlotte juts her chin and crosses her arms. “Money doesn’t fix everything.”
There’s a loud bang on the bathroom door, followed by Amelia storming in.
“We’re going to be late for Andy’s birthday party,” Amelia pouts, placing her hands on her hips.
Ava runs in, stumbling on her feet as I race over to pick her up from the ground before she cries.
“I need a minute,” Charlotte answers with resignation.
“Sixty seconds?” Amelia questions then raises her voice, “One, two, three—”
I glance at Charlotte, noticing she’s on the verge of a breakdown. With Ava in my arms, I usher Amelia out of the bathroom.
“How about we let Mommy get ready in peace? If we’re a few minutes late, Andy won’t mind.”
“But, Daddy!” Amelia complains in a high-pitched tone. “I want to play in the bouncy castle!”
This kid will be the death of me. I take a deep breath, trying to remain calm. Charlotte’s right. Three kids are a lot.What the hell was I thinking blowing inside her?
“Good things come to those who wait,” I tell her. “Now, sit quietly in the kitchen and wait until Mommy is ready. If you interrupt her again, we’re both in trouble. You understand?”
Amelia rolls her eyes in annoyance. “Yes, Daddy.”
* * *
Addison was born at the stroke of midday after a quick labor. According to Charlotte, Addison’s birth was the least painful of all the girls.
Thankfully, it was only an overnight stay in the hospital, so we encouraged everyone to hold their visits until we arrived home.
On the drive home, I thought it was best to warn Charlotte of the surprise party Adriana and Eric have thrown for her and the baby.
“Listen, as your husband, I need to let you know Adriana and Eric have planned a surprise party for you.”
Charlotte glances at me with a tired face, though I’m forced to look away and focus on the road.
“I look like shit.”
“You look beautiful.”
A yawn escapes her. “You have to say that. You want pussy.”
“Pussy is out of the question for six weeks,” I remind her with a chuckle. “However, if you said ass…”
Charlotte laughs, then winces. “My vagina hurts when I laugh. Why the party?”