“Go back to sleep, handsome. We’re about to have a whirlwind come in,” I suggest.
He nods and wanders to his own room. Gunner pats his back as he goes. I point at Nick. “You?”
“I can handle a hello,” He promises me.
But when our kids come in, running and yelling, I see him wince. Not that he lets the kids know. He welcomes Link on his lap and listens to every single thing he says. I know he doesn’t miss a thing.
Cora clings to Gunner as Roman wraps his arm around me, kissing my temple. “I feel unloved, Bambina.”
I pat his belly. “You’re never unloved.”
My dad looks between us and hugs my mom close. “Look at what a lovely family they have. Maybe Sophie did know a thing or two.”
“A thing or four, babe. Four husbands ...” But mom looks around. “One is missing.”
“Holden got more than he bargained for last night,” Gunner says with a wicked smile. “Never did know how to party.”
Dad laughs. “He was the tame one.”
“Not last night.” I giggle.
Roman covers my mouth playfully. Link slides off Nick’s lap and joins Roman and me. He hugs me tightly. “No nightmares, Mommy.”
“Good.”
“I told you.” Roman pats his shoulder.
Mom and Dad head out, promising to be back for trick-or-treating. I’m almost shocked when we make it to Sunday. Holden’s been exhausted, and definitely not eager to party again. But he comes downstairs, dressed up as an army man.
Link gasps and runs to Holden. “Daddy!”
Holden salutes Link and Link giggles. Roman’s dressed as a zombie, Gunner’s a king again and Nick is a werewolf – without a mask. Cora shows off her skeleton princess costume that Nick worked hard on and Link is thrilled at being a doctor.
I put on a white shirt and have Nick and Link draw a pumpkin for my belly. With green pants, it’s the best I can do. Not that either of our children mind. We take a picture together and then start our trick-or-treating.
Of course, stop number one is my parents’ house. They coo over the costumes, eagerly listen to Link and Cora as they talk, and give them both more candy than either of them needs. I shoot my parents a look, but my mom shrugs.
“It’ll last them all the way until Christmas.”
“Not if we steal it.” Gunner wiggles his fingers at Link and they run down the hall.
We make a few more stops until Cora is being carried by Gunner – as King, he said it’s his job – and Link is holding hands with Holden. I steal Nick and Roman for myself. As our kids go up to a few more houses, Roman rubs my belly.
“How are our other two babies?”
I feel one of them kick and see Roman’s answering smile. I kiss his shoulder. “Eager for candy. I’m pretty sure we have at least one soccer player in there.”
Nick kisses my neck. “We keep this up and we’ll have enough for a soccer team.”
The three of us laugh. The guys take a million pictures and I do too, anytime I even think it’s a memory I want. When we get home Link helps Cora sort the candy, giving her what she wants even if he obviously wants the piece he gives away, I fan my face.
“Soph?”
“He’s so good. We’ve done so well,” I whisper.
“Link, can I have a piece?” Holden asks.
“What do you want, Daddy? Chocolate? A candy?” Link offers Holden a Jolly Rancher and a Snickers. Holden kisses Link’s cheek and thanks him for the chocolate.