That brought me to the point of today’s meeting.
“So, Aiden, what did you find out?”
He lifted Ava to his shoulder, his hand fully encompassing her delicate frame.
“There are some good daycare places out there. And some truly bad ones. I think our plan of expanding the nursery onto another floor and hiring more staff would work.” He cleared his throat. “I really don’t want my dumpling being cared for by strangers, even when she’s older.”
“Well, eventually, we have to let them go to school.”
“Not yet.”
Brayden grunted and yanked on my shirt. Bentley leaned over, offering him a small giraffe, squeaking it. Brayden nabbed it, his baby hand still uncoordinated. It hit him in the face, making him frown. He looked so much like Dee when he did that, I had to laugh. I held it for him, squeaking it as he gurgled in delight.
“I think we need to expand.” Bentley grinned. “We can hire more caregivers, offer it to the staff as a perk, and, ah…” His voice trailed off, his ears turning red.
Instantly, I knew. The euphoric mood had a reason.
“Emmy’s pregnant again?”
He beamed. “Yep. I’m going to need the nursery for a long time.”
I ran my hand over Brayden’s peach-fuzz hair, smirking. “Me, too.”
Aiden gaped at me. “Brayden’s only six months old!”
“What can I say? My boys are determined. It’s early, but Dee’s pregnant again.” I laughed. “You better catch up soon, Aiden.”
He glared. “Ava is nine weeks old. Give me a break.”
Reid strolled in. “You mean, give Cami a break.”
He folded himself down onto the floor, holding out his arms. “I need a baby. Any baby.”
Addi squirmed, holding out her arms, and Bentley handed her to Reid with a frown. He was a natural with kids, but Bentley didn’t like to share Addi time.
Reid glanced up from his crooning at Addi. “So did I hear right before I joined the baby circle of truth? We got more little bammers coming?”
I laughed. “Yep.”
He raised his hand, and I fist bumped him. He did the same to Bentley. “Congrats! More minds for me to mold. You know, we need to add some computers to the new nursery. Kids love all that, and I can teach them.”
“Gimme Addi back,” Bentley demanded, reaching for his daughter.
“Nah, she’s happy with me.”
Bentley plucked Brayden from my arms.
“Hey!”
He ignored me, teasing Brayden with his tie. “You ready for the move?” he asked.
Phase one of Ridge Towers was complete. As Richard predicted, it had sold out long before we broke ground, with a waiting list for phase two. I had purchased the penthouse unit. Four bedrooms, with a roof terrace, and overlooking the water, it was spectacular. Dee was at the condo, packing a few last-minute items. The movers had handled the rest, and we were taking possession tomorrow.
“Yep. All set.”
Reid grinned. “I get mine next week. I’m still doing some tweaks on the sound system upgrade.”
“Of course you are.”
“It’s gonna be fantastic.”
“Is Becca excited?”
“Yes.”
“How’s the cottage?” I asked Aiden with a smirk.
He grinned, his eyes crinkling in the corners. “Awesome. We’re heading there for the weekend. Cami thinks she wants to stay for a few weeks. Use the peace and view as inspiration.”
Van and his crew had rebuilt the place, making it spectacular. It had the porch Aiden wanted, a loft for Cami to work from, and lots of space for their growing family. I knew, one day soon, they would live there full-time, and now I understood why. I was happy for him.
“You all need to come for a visit.” Aiden nudged Bentley’s foot. “And you need to build.”
Bentley smirked. “Soon. Baby number two has shifted my plans a little.”
I had to laugh. Babies certainly did that.
“We’ll figure it out. And finalize the resort. Now that Ridge Towers is almost complete—” he said with a quirk of his mouth “—and before we start the next one.”
We had found another piece of land, and Ridge Estates was in full planning mode. This time it was a gated community for adults. The designs were spectacular, and investors were begging to be part of it.
I took Brayden from Bentley. He snatched Addi, and Reid frowned. He turned to Aiden, who shook his head. “No. You’ll have to get your own.”
Reid ran a hand through his hair, looking wistful.
I glanced around the “baby circle of truth.” My best friends, our children. Life was good—no, it was great. Our company was strong, our personal lives even more so. We had all come a long way. Together.
Reid was an invaluable addition.
I studied him. He had matured and grown into himself. He was broader and thicker. More confident. He kept his hair short, and he dressed in business casual, the torn jeans and T-shirts retired only to the weekends. He was a solid part of our team, and we had rewarded him with a small stake in the company. He deserved it.
I wondered how long until he joined us in our weekly dad and babies meeting with one of his own in tow. I knew it was something he wanted.
He had been through so much and landed on his feet. We had been there with him for a lot of it, but he had pushed to make his dreams come true. I was proud of him.
But it was his story to tell.
And what a story it was.
Halloween Isn't Just For Kids
Vested Interest Box Set Books 1-3 Page 72
