by Melody Anne
“Ryan got the cribs and swings all set up for us. I think the girls are going to do great but our first few days are going to be hectic so I’ll leave Britney home, although it will kill me a little bit. If she was still nursing, I couldn’t do that,” she said.
“Yes, nursing can definitely be a blessing and a curse,” Trinity said. She was the food source for her daughter and since she was still so tiny, she ate far more often.
“I’m desperately trying to fight those baby blues right now. Britney is almost a year old already and holding Stephanie all the time is making my womb jump. Of course Derek is ready anytime I want to have another one but I want to wait at least six more months before we start trying. Of course I never get tired of practicing,” she said with a huge grin.
Trinity was a little jealous of her friend. Drew hadn’t even touched her since the week before the baby had been born. He blamed himself for sending her into early labor, which was ridiculous but she figured that was more of an excuse. She still had baby weight to get off and she was always so worn out she was sure she wasn’t looking her best. She figured he wasn’t even kissing her because she looked a wreck all the time. It would be nice if he felt about her the same way Derek felt about Jasmine. She had to push those thoughts aside because they didn’t do her any good. The important thing was they were making things work, so their daughter could have security and love, which was far more important than her own needs.
“Are you ready to head out?” Jasmine asked her.
“Yes, I want to get going before I lose too much steam. I’m afraid I’m going to spend far too much time in that heavenly room Ryan built us,” she said, with a laugh.
“I was so excited to see that. He thought of everything. The man is an absolute genius at building,” Jasmine agreed.
The two women climbed into Jasmine’s car and drove the short distance to their shop. Trinity still felt awe as they pulled up to the front doors. It was beautiful, inside and out, due to the creative building skills of Ryan. He was doing some final painting to the outside of the building, as they stepped from the vehicle.
He dropped what he was doing as soon as he spotted the ladies. “You’re arriving a bit late,” he said, as he opened the back door and pulled out Stephanie’s car seat. She thankfully, was fast asleep so Trinity could get things done.
“It’s so hard to get out the door when you’re dealing with babies. They need changed and fed and then when you think you’re ready to go, they spit up all over you and them and you have to start all over again,” Jasmine said, with fondness. She adored being a mother.
“I wouldn’t know anything about that,” Ryan said. His words may have said he was relieved but the way he adored his nieces and nephew contradicted his words. At that moment he was carefully carrying Stephanie inside, gazing at her as if she was the greatest thing in the universe. The two women looked at each other with knowing eyes.
“Yes Ryan, you’re a confirmed bachelor, for sure,” Jasmine said with a twinkle in her eyes.
“Do you want me to take her out of the seat and put her in the crib?” he asked Trinity.
“No, she’s comfortable in there. Just undo the latches and tuck her blanket around her. I just changed and fed her, so she should sleep for a couple hours,” she answered him. He seemed disappointed by that. She’d have to keep an eye on him, to make sure he didn’t wake her on purpose just to carry her around. She’d noticed all the men doing that. “Don’t you dare wake her, Ryan,” she added.
“I won’t,” he said with a slight pout. How could she not love these strong, masculine guys, when they absolutely adored her daughter? She gave him a hug, then wandered around the building.
Ryan truly had done an amazing job. The floor space was huge, with custom built display shelves. Her coolers were framed in wood and there was so much color everywhere she looked. She wandered over to the play area and smiled. It was safe and completely enclosed so the girls wouldn’t be able to sneak out.
She walked behind the custom made counters and was still amazed by the amount of space. She had a huge work station to make any kind of bouquet she wanted. Beyond that area he had not only added a large bathroom but had created a break room. There was a soft sofa, she had the feeling she’d take many naps on, a changing table, two cribs and a luxurious rocking chair.
She and Jasmine would never need to leave their business. It was already stocked with full supplies so they wouldn’t have to tote diapers or rags back and forth. Everything was there and easy to use. He’d even made a small nook for a stackable washer and dryer, to clean their bedding right there in the shop. For a confirmed bachelor, he sure was smart when it came to the needs of the new mothers.
She reluctantly walked from the break room and over to Jasmine’s side of the shop. She had the most perfect kitchen imaginable. The counter matched Trinity’s, except it was longer and had stools attached in front.
She already had several glass cases set out, just waiting for her goodies to fill them up. The kitchen had top of the line appliances in it and plenty of room for several people to move around. She had a very limited menu and was only serving breakfast and lunch but Trinity had the feeling she was going to be full day and night because her food was excellent.
“What are you working on?” Trinity asked as she walked into the kitchen.
“I’m getting the soup of the day ready for tomorrow. This one is much better if it has a night to sit in the fridge and marinate before it’s cooked. I’m making a few pots because I think we’ll be busier than normal tomorrow. It will slow down after our opening weekend though,” she said.
There were a couple of people busy working on different things for the next day but Jasmine was huge on freshness and some things had to wait till the next morning. She had bread rising, which would be ready for the ovens in the morning and more pastries than she could imagine.
“I’ve got to get out of here and set up fans to blow the smell away from me because I’ll never lose this weight with you cooking such amazing food,” she said, then practically ran from the kitchen. Jasmine’s laughter followed her across the shop.
She soon got busy setting out the last of her gift items on the pristine shelves and with the help of her two employees’, began making several bouquets. She wanted the cases full of everything imaginable, from single rose vases, to huge baskets. She’d be incredibly happy if she sold even half of the display. It would be her biggest day ever.
She was just finishing a basket when the monitor signaled Stephanie was waking up. She went to get her but Ryan beat her to it. He was pulling her out of the seat and talking baby talk to her. She blew bubbles at him, as she stared up at her uncle with her big blue eyes. He carried her around for a while, until she decided it was time to eat and he reluctantly handed her over.
Trinity was more than happy to take her back to the break room and have some alone time with her daughter. She sat back in the rocking chair and enjoyed the sounds of her hungry slurps, as she gulped down her milk, like it was the last meal she’d get. Her daughter had liked eating from day one. It was a good thing for her putting on weight. Trinity rubbed her head, as she sang softly to her.
She could feel her eyes getting heavy as she finished feeding her and raised her to her shoulder for burping. She couldn’t wait until she was back to having full energy again because she hadn’t made it through one day since the birth without a nap.
The two women finally were satisfied everything was perfect for their next day and headed out of the shop. They were both worn out but had a great sense of pride at what they accomplished. The shop looked spectacular and they knew it would be a success. The men had hung up huge Grand Opening signs and she’d noticed several cars driving by slowly to see what the new business was.
As Trinity laid Stephanie down for the night and slipped into her huge bed all alone, she had to fight back tears. She had really wanted Drew to be there with her for the Grand Opening. She knew her little business was nothin
g compared to the billion dollar resorts he owned but it was special to her. She knew he had to be away but she was still saddened. She fell asleep with a tear on her cheek.
“You guys have done an excellent job at getting this cleared up in time. I won’t be available to come back over here for at least a month, so anything you need will have to go through the home office,” Drew told the table of men surrounding him.
He’d been stuck on the small island off the coast of Spain for two weeks and had to leave within the next hour or he was going to miss the Grand Opening of his wife’s shop. She hadn’t pled with him to come back but he knew it meant a lot to her and he wouldn’t have cared if it ended up costing him the deal, he was leaving one way or the other that day.
He shook hands with the men and headed out the door. His driver was waiting and the jet was ready. He could barely contain his excitement as he boarded the jet. He’d never had such urgency to return home before. He’d missed his baby girl more than anything he could’ve ever imagined. He had also missed his wife. He needed to tell her how important she was to him and he needed her to accept they were going to stay together forever. If the last two weeks were any indication, he knew he couldn’t possibly live his life without his two girls in it.
They’d become such a huge part of his entire being and the thought of any distance from them ripped him apart. He’d started conducting interview for a new executive who would do the majority of the traveling because he was done. He was excited because the man he hired to do the job had accompanied him on this trip and he was perfect. Drew knew he’d be able to rest well, knowing the man wasn’t only competent, but eager and hungry.
He didn’t think he’d be able to sleep but before he knew it the captain was coming over the intercom stating they were preparing for landing. He looked out the window as the sun rose in the sky and could hardly wait to pull both Trinity and Stephanie close to him. Heck, the baby was only a month old and he could hardly wait to watch Trinity grow large with his second child. He had become like Derek and could picture their house with ten children running around. The more the merrier, he thought. He decided he’d better wait a little while before suggesting that to Trinity. She was still pretty tired after giving birth to their daughter.
The car picked him up from the airport and he was soon heading towards the shop. It was to open in an hour and he had about a forty minute drive to get there. He told the driver he’d get a five-hundred dollar bonus if he got him there in thirty. The man hit the gas and Drew smiled because money always talked.
They pulled into the parking lot and Drew was thrilled to see a line outside the door. He could imagine both the women were brimming over with excitement to see the eager crowd. He slipped around back and let himself in the employee entrance and headed out to find his wife. He spotted her at the counter, looking over some paperwork and his heart swelled. He’d missed her so badly.
He snuck up behind her and wrapped her in his arms. She stiffened for a minute until she turned around and saw it was him. Her face split wide open in a huge smile. They stared at one another for a few moments, then Drew bent his head to take her lips. He’d missed her so much and as he deepened the kiss his body came fully alive. He knew it was too soon for them to make love but his body wasn’t listening. It was a good thing there were a lot of people around, or he may have done something stupid.
“I missed you and Stephanie so much these last two weeks. I finally got that employee hired so I won’t have to travel nearly as much and when I do, I’m taking you both with me because I can’t bear to be apart for so long,” he finally told her, when he managed to pull away from her.
“I missed you too,” she admitted to him quietly. She had her arms wrapped around his back and couldn’t pull away from him. It was so great to be back in his arms.
“I’m taking you out for a special celebratory dinner tonight,” he told her and brought his lips back to hers and neither of them could speak for several minutes.
“That sounds perfect,” she finally responded. They were then interrupted by one of the employee’s letting them know the doors would be opening in just a moment. Drew reluctantly let her go and went to find his daughter.
She was just starting to stir in her crib and as he bent down to pull her into his arms, her eyes opened and he had to fight back his emotions. She was still so small but she was so beautiful and he’d missed the soft scent of her. He cuddled her close to his chest and simply breathed the scent of her into his lungs. He wouldn’t be away from her for so long, again.
He walked out into the store and found his cousins. The three men stood there as the rush of people came flooding through the doors and were filled with pride for Jasmine and Trinity. The women were beaming, as they rang up sale after sale.
Trinity kept looking up, overwhelmed at the sight of her handsome husband gently cuddling Stephanie close to his chest. She was busy for the next several hours and found she wanted nothing more than to break away and simply hold her daughter, while Drew held them both. She had always wanted the shop and was proud it was having such a successful opening day but she’d finally realized being with her husband and daughter far outweighed her need for success.
She had a competent staff and would be more than happy to be there only part time. Jasmine told her she’d be working minimal hours herself, as she couldn’t bear to be away from her family for long periods of time. Trinity realized there was nothing wrong with depending on her husband. Even if the man never loved her like she loved him, she’d be happy to simply be a family together.
“I’d like to order every bouquet in the shop,” Damien said as he walked up and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“You said you wouldn’t be able to make it today,” Trinity said with a huge grin splitting her face. Her day was officially perfect with all the people she loved in the room with her.
“I threw business out the window. Today is about my best friend and beautiful niece,” Damien told her. She quickly came around the counter and threw her arms around him.
“Hey, I think there are holes being burned into my back,” he said with a laugh. He then dipped her low and whipped her back up, causing a giggle to escape. She looked over at Drew, who looked as if he was grumbling a bit too his cousins. She liked the thought he may be a bit jealous. It was good for him.
“Excuse me Miss, can you help me?” a woman interrupted.
“I’m sorry, Damien but it looks like I’m being beckoned,” she told him. She gave him one more hug and got back to work. He walked over to the guys and she caught a glimpse of Drew slugging him in the arm. Ouch, she thought but Damien laughed and the men continued talking for a while before Damien slipped out the doors.
She broke away a few times to feed her daughter but other than that she was swamped all day and by the time they were able to leave, she was pretty dead on her feet. Drew took her home instead of out to a restaurant, then massaged her feet while she fed her daughter. She laid back and enjoyed the feel of his hands on her.
They put the baby to bed and he pulled her to their room and laid her down. Her body wasn’t ready yet for love-making, which about killed her because she wanted them to share that again. She was incredibly self-conscious though of her body. He began rubbing her back and sides and she pulled away.
“I want to touch you. I know you aren’t ready yet for love-making but that doesn’t mean I can’t kiss you and enjoy your beautiful curves,” he told her before kissing her breathless.
“I’m not very beautiful right now Drew, I still have this extra weight from the baby and I never get enough sleep. I know I must look a mess,” she said to him and could feel the blush on her cheeks. He pulled her chin up so he could look into her eyes.
“You’re the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen in my life. Your body is perfect and I don’t care how much sleep you lose, you’re still gorgeous. Don’t ever try to hide from me because I love every square inch of you,” he told her with passion. He grabbed her h
and and pressed it against his very obvious arousal and her eyes widened.
“You haven’t touched me since the baby was born and I thought you were a bit repulsed by me,” she admitted.
“I’m sorry you thought that, Love. I could never be turned off by you. I was feeling so much guilt about our love-making the night before you went into the hospital. You make me go so crazy and I was so rough with you and simply didn’t trust myself,” he said to her.
“Drew, you’d never hurt me. You please me in ways I never knew were possible before I met you. You have given me so much and I can’t imagine my life without you in it. I know I’ve been stubborn and a bit of a pain but I really love you and want our marriage to be the real thing,” she said to him. She was afraid he wouldn’t be able to give her his love but she could no longer hold the words in.
“I’m so happy to hear you say that. I’ve loved you for so long. I never realized my life was empty until you were there and then gone. I missed you from the moment you left our private paradise and was overjoyed to find you pregnant with my child. I know I’ve made a lot of mistakes but loving you has been the best thing I’ve ever done,” he said to her.
He then pulled her close to him, so he could devour her mouth. Neither of them could breathe by the time he pulled back from her. He then explored her throat and moved down the slopes of her breasts. She was aching everywhere and cried out in frustration they couldn’t be joined together.
She may not be able to make-love with her husband right then but she could certainly make sure he was satisfied. She pushed him over and slowly unbuttoned his shirt as she ran her tongue over his muscled chest. A slight sheen of sweat was breaking out on his tanned skin.
“Baby, I can’t take much more,” he said through gritted teeth, as he tried pulling her back up to him. She shook his hands off of her as she reached his lower stomach and gently nipped the taught skin. He sucked in his breath at the pure pleasure she was giving him. “You don’t have to do this,” he growled as he realized her intentions.
