It’s a flurry of excitement, kisses, hugs, and overwhelming joy. Except for Link, he crosses his arms over his chest. “It has to be a boy.”
“Mommy can’t control that.” Gunner ruffles his hair.
“If it’s another girl, I’m gonna be a doll. I just know it.”
“I’ll have to teach you how to defend yourself,” Nick says. “And we’ll make sure that we make you a special painting zone that’s all yours.”
“Promise?” He asks.
“Of course, but that’s for later. We have Halloween stuff to do today.”
At that reminder, he bounces. “Halloween! Mommy, what are you going to be?”
Just like that, the kids are eager to get out of the house and start a month-long Halloween celebration. We head to Central Park. Link helps me push Cora in her stroller. The changing leaves all red and orange distract my son quickly. He hops on them with Roman’s help, trying to find all the crunchy ones.
Nick rubs my side. “Are you excited?”
“So excited. Are you? I know we’re close to being outnumbered by the kids,” I ask.
“I’ve always wanted a big family.” He kisses my temple. “Ours is better than I could imagine, sweetheart.”
“Nick ... they should model a Disney prince after you.” I bump his hip.
He chuckles and kisses me full on the mouth. I rub over his shoulder. Since Roman retired, Nick has had to take on more roles. He won’t tell me what about recently, but now he’s my workaholic.
“We need to have a night together,” I tell him. “I miss being with you.”
“I have tomorrow off. We can take care of things then.”
“I’m working tomorrow,” Gunner grumbles. “can’t wait until this is done.”
“Untilwhatis done?”
“Don’t worry. You’ll be happy.” Holden assures, grabbing my ass even with Nick’s arm around my waist.
I feel my face heat as we pass some women who look over with sneers. Gunner smirks. “They wish they had all of us doting on them.”
“They wouldn’t know what to do with the four of you.”
“Not after the first day they wouldn’t.” Nick teases.
Gunner gives him a high five, then notices Cora. “Hold on. Our little princess wants to play with the leaves too.”
He helps her stomp some leaves as we take a break at a bench. Holden strokes through my hair. “Still feeling energetic and everything?”
“I am. I feel really good. But we should still make a doctor’s appointment to see how far along I am and all that.” I suggest.
We keep walking for a while. The guys disappear at some point while I’m playing with both kids. I’m too busy mooning over Link making Cora promise him that he’ll be the favorite brother no matter what.
“Mommy.” Cora waddles over to me and sits in my lap.
Link gasps. “Be careful. Mommy’s growing a baby.”
I laugh and pull him into my lap too. Cora looks up at me with wide eyes. “I still be the princess?”
“Of course, you will be.”
Link nods in agreement. After a bit of waiting on the guys, I get a text telling me to come to 5thAvenue. Of course, it’s not a real outing if the guys aren’t shopping. I roll my eyes but have Link climb on my back for a piggyback ride as we enjoy all the signs of fall.