by Kaylee Ryan
What? “Wait. Can you repeat that?” I ask, sitting on the edge of my seat.
“His heart is normal. Everything checks out.”
“Oh, thank God. I was certain it was bad news. I’ve never been brought straight back for results,” I explain.
He nods in understanding. “I scheduled out some extra time today. Just in case we didn’t receive a positive outcome. It’s rare when I’m not rushing off to another patient.”
“Thank you. I— Can I see him?” I barely push the words past my lips. He passed with flying colors. His heart is fine.
He’s fine.
“Of course. Josh will take you to his room. We’ll work on getting him discharged.”
“Thank you, Dr. Langston. Thank you for everything.” Reaching across the table, I offer him my hand.
“It’s been my pleasure. We’ll see you in a couple of weeks for Ben’s checkup.”
“Yes, sir,” I say, grabbing our things and following Josh out of the office and down the hall.
“He’s in a private room, but there’s a nurse in there with him.” He pushes open the door, and the sound captures Beck’s attention.
“Hey, buddy,” I say, and he smiles, waving his little arms all around. “How are you?” He babbles his little baby babble back to me. “I heard you were such a brave boy and your tests are all good,” I tell him, like he knows what I’m talking about. I kiss him on the head and step back. “I need to call my wife. Can you watch him a little longer?” I ask the nurse.
“Of course. I’m assigned to him until discharge. Take your time.”
“Daddy will be right back,” I tell my son. Backing out of the room, I rush down the hall and stop when I get to the waiting room. Pulling my cell phone out of my pocket, I dial Reagan.
“Tyler?”
“Hey, babe. I have some good news.”
“Tell me,” she says, and I can hear the hope in her voice.
“He’s clear. His tests came back normal.” My heart leaps into my throat as I say the words. Relief washes over me.
“Really?” she asks, her voice cracking.
“Yes. He’s going to be fine. They’re processing his discharge paperwork now. We’ll be home soon.”
“Okay,” she croaks. “I love you. Please be safe.”
“I love you too. We will.” I quickly pull up the group message to our parents and the guys, letting them know the results. When I get back to the room, the nurse is preparing one of those premade bottles we used when they were born. “I have his formula here,” I tell her. Pulling a bottle out of the diaper bag, I take Beck from her and settle into the rocking chair and feed him. He sucks greedily, and this time it’s without me worrying if he’s going to stop breathing from a congenital heart defect like his brother. My relief is overwhelming. My heart breaks for Ben and the limitations he’s going to have, but it’s soaring for Beck, for those that he’ll never have to endure. Most of all, I’m happy that my boys, both of them, are okay and going to live long, healthy lives. Again, relief has me inhaling deeply as the stress of the last few months lifts from my shoulders. Both of my boys are going to be okay.
Chapter 29
Reagan
* * *
Today marks the three-month mark since Ben’s surgery. He’s passed every one of his follow-up visits, and Dr. Langston assures us he’s doing great. Tyler and I went a little extreme when it came to the boys once we bought Ben home from the hospital. No visitors to bring in outside germs and they didn’t leave the house. If someone came over to watch them, they had to put on gowns we ordered online and booties to cover their shoes. We also bought hand sanitizer in gallon jugs. Sure, it was over the top, but these are our babies we’re talking about.
If we don’t protect them who will?
Our friends and family understood, and all took turns coming to visit while abiding by our requests to keep them healthy. Kendall thought it was best if Knox and Everly not visit considering the way kids can harbor and spread germs. It made me sad to keep the cousins apart. But looking at the bigger picture, making sure Ben had a good shot at staying healthy until he built his immune system back up, was more important to us.
Yesterday he had his three-month visit, and Dr. Langston told us we could lift the ban. He’s strong, the patch is staying in place, and he’s had no further incidents since that first night Memorial Day weekend. We thought about doing something at our place, but bringing in all those germs into our home just doesn’t sit right. Sure, we’re taking them out, and they’ll be exposed, but we just weren’t ready for that. So Kendall offered to host at their place. She’s excited to get the kids together again. I stumbled over my acceptance at first because that’s where all of this started. I know their house wasn’t the cause, simply the location. I pulled up my “mommy worries too much” panties and told them we would be there at four as promised.
“We’ve kind of spoiled ourselves by staying exiled to the house.” Tyler laughs. “We’re not used to packing up and taking them out.”
“Right? But it was worth it,” I say, watching the boys as they lie on their bellies playing with the activity mat Grandma and Grandpa Justice got them last week.
“Parenting is hard. We made the right choice for us. For our boys. That’s all that matters.”
“I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
“Okay. I’ve already loaded the stroller and the Pack ’n Play. What else goes?”
“I’m packing up this bag with diapers, clothes, toys, and blankets. We need the other with formula, baby food, spoons, and bibs. Oh, and can you toss in a couple of receiving blankets just in case?”
“No, you don’t, mister.” Ty laughs, scooping Ben up into his arms. “You don’t pull on mommy’s blanket. She’ll get you for that.” He tickles his belly, causing Ben to cackle with laughter.
The sound fills the room, and it’s one I’ll never tire of hearing. “And you.” I bend over and lift Beck into my arms. “You’re the innocent one in all of this, right?”
“Hey, now. Don’t go betting them against one another. They’re partners in crime. Beck had it first before Ben took over.”
“What?” I gasp in mock horror and Beck giggles. “You were trying to take Mommy’s blanket?” I ask, making a funny face, only to make him laugh harder. It’s just a throw I bought when we moved in. It has zero sentimental value, and they’re allowed to play with it. Well, drool all over it is more like it. Except for the fact we’ve picked it up what feels like a million times today already. It’s a constant battle keeping the house straightened up with the twins.
“All right, in you go.” Tyler places Ben into the large gated play area, and I hand him Beck to do the same. “Mommy and Daddy have to finish loading up so we can go bye-bye,” he tells them. He then turns to me and grins. “Hurry. They won’t be happy there forever.”
My happiness follows him as he races into the kitchen to pack the meal bag as we call it. It’s a smaller diaper bag that holds all the formula, baby food, and bibs. The boys cackle with laughter seeing their daddy be goofy, running all over the house. That is until they can no longer see him. “Daddy will be right back,” I tell them. They turn to look at me and don’t seem too impressed. Have I mentioned that Daddy is their favorite person?
With the Explorer loaded, we each pack up a baby and put them in the car. “We got everything?” Tyler asks.
“I think so.” I laugh. “If not, we’ll deal.”
“So, a change from the last time we did this,” he teases.
“They’re older now,” I defend myself.
“All right, boys,” he says, looking in the rearview mirror. They each have mirrors on the back of the seat so that we can see them. “You ready for a day of adventure?” he asks. Nothing from the boys. “Good. Let’s go,” he says, laughing.
“I thought we were going to be early. What time are we supposed to be here?” I ask him.
“Four.”
I glance at the clock and see that
it’s fifteen minutes till. “Since when did the guys become so punctual?”
He shrugs. “You’ll have to ask them.”
We park behind Seth’s truck. Tyler grabs one bag while I grab the other, and we both grab a baby. Seat and all. Knox is at the door waiting. He jumps in excitement when he sees us. “Hey, buddy,” I say. I can’t wait to squeeze him. I’ve missed him so much. I went from seeing him multiple times a week to not at all. He shies away a little, and it hurts my heart. “Aunt Reagan has something for you,” I tell him. His little eyes light up.
“Hey, what about me?” Tyler asks. Apparently, he’s feeling the disconnect from Knox as well.
“Fine.” I snigger. “Aunt Reagan and Uncle Tyler have something for you.” Knox still doesn’t look real sure. We make our way into the house. Before we can set the babies down, they’re taken out of our hands. Kendall and Dawn are the first to take them this time. Digging in the diaper bag, I pull out the football I picked up for Knox. “Knox,” I say, getting his attention. He turns to look at me.
“Come here, bud.” Tyler holds his hand out. Cautiously, he makes his way toward us. He stops when he’s a few feet away.
“Look what we got for you,” I tell him, holding out the football. He reaches for it. “Can we have a hug first?” I ask him. He hesitates then takes a few more steps. He wraps his little arms around me, and relief washes over me. “I missed you, buddy.” I know he couldn’t care less, but I still have to tell him.
“What about my hug?” Tyler asks. Knox pulls away and does the same to him. Tyler tickles his side, and he cackles with laughter.
“Here you go.” I hold the ball out for him. He grabs it with two hands, and a smile lights up his face.
“He’s obsessed with balls. Even his own.” Ridge laughs.
“Hey, we’re working on that,” Kendall chimes in. “He’s just being a typical man.”
“Right.” Ridge chuckles. “Because we all sit around squeezing the hell out of our bait and tackle.” He winces, and the room erupts in laughter.
“Hand her over,” I say to Kent, who’s holding Everly. I need to get my hands on her.
“Damn it,” Kent grumbles. “I knew you’d take her from me.” He’s grinning the entire time he says it. “All right, princess, you have to go visit with Aunt Reagan now.” He kisses her little cheek before handing her off to me.
I snuggle her in my arms as she stares up at me. To her, I’m a stranger. It’s been three long months. I think about how easygoing all the guys are with the kids. If I’d been asked two years ago if I thought that would be the case, I would have said no. They’re all… manly men. Covered in tattoos and with muscles for days, inside they all have hearts of gold. I knew that part, but I could never have imagined them jumping in and babysitting or being on diaper duty. If I hadn’t witnessed it with my own eyes, I probably still wouldn’t believe it.
“You planning on hogging her all night?” my husband asks me.
“Maybe.” I smile over at him.
“Let me have her.” He holds his arms out, and I pass her over. “Hey, sweetheart,” he greets her. She reaches for his beard, and he laughs. “Did your brother teach you that?” he asks. “I hate to break it to you but now you have three boys looking out for you. Your dating life is not going to be fun.” He laughs, and the guys murmur their agreements. I glance over at Kendall and Dawn. Both roll their eyes, making me smile.
These guys think they’re going to keep her from dating, but we know better. They never say no to us. We might have to use our feminine powers to persuade them, but if Miss Everly wants to date and we approve, we’ll make it happen.
Tyler stands and walks over to Ridge. Ridge takes Everly from his arms when she reaches for him. She’s daddy’s girl. They talk in low tones I can’t make out, so I turn my attention back to my boys.
“Who’s got you?” I ask them, and they both give me big toothless grins.
“Reags,” Tyler says, approaching me. He holds out his hand, and I place mine in his. He pulls me to my feet and winks. “Come downstairs with me,” he says, leading me to the stairs of the basement.
“What are we doing?” I ask him.
“I just need your help.”
I look over my shoulder, but no one seems to be paying us any attention. It’s all on the kids, or the guys are talking amongst themselves. “I should tell them….” I trail off when he pulls me into a kiss.
“They already know. Come with me.”
I nod. I would follow this man anywhere. With my hand in his, he slowly leads us down the basement steps. When we turn the corner, I gasp. “Tyler, what is this?” The room is decorated with candles and twinkle lights. There is soft music playing on the radio and a fancy table set up for dinner for two.
I look at him and he smiles, his eyes soft. “This is for you. For us.”
Chapter 30
Tyler
* * *
I wait for her reaction. Our anniversary was last month. For one year she’s been my wife. We celebrated with the boys, and I loved it. But I want some time for just us. I mentioned it to Ridge and the guys, and they helped me create this oasis for us. They’re watching the boys upstairs, so she doesn’t have to be far away from them.
“What is all this?” she asks again.
“Happy Anniversary, baby. I know it’s a month late and I loved our night we spent with the boys, but I wanted some time with my wife. I know you’re not ready to leave them, especially with just getting clearance yesterday, so the guys helped me with this. This is date night, and the babysitters are upstairs.”
I don’t know what kind of reaction I was expecting. I can tell you I wasn’t expecting her to launch herself at me and wrap her legs around my waist. My hands land on her ass as her lips mold with mine.
We kiss until we’re both breathless. Resting my forehead against hers, we both work to catch our breath. “I love you,” I whisper.
“I can’t believe you did all of this.”
“Good surprise?” I ask her.
“The best. Did you cook?” she asks.
“No. I didn’t do anything but help plan it. The guys all pulled it off. Kendall made baked spaghetti and salad.”
“The decorations?”
“The guys,” I answer, kissing her neck.
“Don’t tease me,” she murmurs, tilting her head to the side, giving me full access.
“Trust me, Reags, teasing is not on the agenda tonight.” My lips trail down her neck as I relish the feel of her in my arms.
“Here?” she asks, breathless.
“They’ve been given strict orders to leave us alone unless it’s something with the boys.”
“In my brother’s basement?” she inquires, her tone implying it’s unheard of. However, the way her legs lock around me tells me she’s not as against it as she would like me to believe.
“Right.” I take a few steps until I feel my knees hit the sectional couch. “Here,” I say, placing her on the couch. I don’t give her the opportunity to move as I hover over her. I take her in. Her dark hair’s splayed out and her hazel eyes, full of desire and love—all for me—stare back at me. “I love you. No, it’s more than that. I wish I had the words to express it. It’s as if you live inside my soul.” Her eyes well with tears.
“I get it,” she says, cupping my cheek. She runs her fingers over my beard. “You live inside my heart, so it makes sense to me. These last few months.” She swallows hard. “I never could have made it through without you. You are my teammate, my soul mate, my partner in crime.” She smiles softly. “And right now.” She lifts her head and kisses my chin. “You’re all that, but you’re also my lover.”
“Is that so?” I ask, my cock already hard and ready for her.
“Mmm,” she hums. “So, what are you going to do about it?”
“Here?” I ask, mocking her earlier offended stance.
Her hands land on my chest, and she pushes me back as she sits up. I watch in fascination as sh
e tears her tank top over her head and tosses it to the floor. She reaches behind her and unclasps her bra; it too falls to the floor. “Right here.” Her hands slide under my shirt. I lift my arms in the air and allow her to pull it over my head.
Clamoring to my feet, I strip out of my shorts and boxer briefs, letting them fall to the floor. Reagan lifts her hips and pulls her shorts and panties down her legs. I take over, tugging them all the way off and adding them to the pile of clothes on the floor.
“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” she says, her eyes darting to the stairs.
“Oh, we’re doing this.” My words are a promise. “I’ve missed you,” I say, dropping to my knees. My hands caress her thighs as I push them apart, making room for me. Her pussy calls to me like a beacon in the night. Reaching out, I trace her wetness with my index finger, only stopping to dip inside her heat.
“Tyler,” she says breathily, her head tilted back.
“Yeah, baby?” Slowly, I pump my finger in and out of her. “You want me to stop?” She lifts her head and gives me a “you better not” look before letting her head fall back to the couch. “You want more?” I ask, sliding another digit inside her.
“M-More, definitely more,” she pants.
“What about this?” I bend down and tongue her clit. “This okay?” I know damn good and well from the way her legs quiver that it’s more than okay.
“Don’t stop.” She places her hand on my head and guides me back to her center.
I take my time, tasting her, teasing her. Just loving her. It’s been way too long since I’ve been able to take my time to savor my wife. “Too long,” I murmur before going back for more. Her legs are now over my shoulders as she locks them around my neck. I can feel her walls tighten, and when a low moan rips from her chest, combined with the way her hips lift, I know she’s there. When her body relaxes into the couch, I waste no time climbing to my feet and settling on top of her.
