Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 140965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 705(@200wpm)___ 564(@250wpm)___ 470(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 140965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 705(@200wpm)___ 564(@250wpm)___ 470(@300wpm)
“Is that what you’re going to do?” Cayenne’s voice trembled.
“You know me better than that, baby. I’m not as emotional as Wyatt. I’ll be just as bossy when you’re giving birth as I am all the time.” His thumb slid in a little caress over her lips. He stared directly into her eyes.
She must have been reassured by what she saw there because she nodded, and he let go of her face. “Don’t forget, Nonny’s with your mom,” Bellisia said, practical as usual. “So is Uncle Zeke. They’re going to help her and pretty soon you’re going to have two baby sisters. You’re really going to have to help your mommy and daddy with them. Babies can be a lot of work.”
Ginger nodded solemnly and shared a look with her two sisters. “We know what to do. Mommy told us. She’s been reading books to us and we’re going to help her a lot.”
Shylah wanted to laugh as she put Cannelle back on the floor. The three girls were very advanced for their age, but they were so little and sometimes little terrors. She had nightmares thinking about having children like the three of them. They thought nothing of sneaking off and playing in the swamp. It took the entire team and Nonny to watch over them. She couldn’t imagine what it was going to be like with two more little girls in the mix—especially with the influence of Ginger, Thym and Cannelle.
The water was boiling and smelling very citrusy and good. Zara dumped a massive amount of shrimp into the large pot. The men’s gazes were immediately riveted on the food. Shylah started laughing.
“What?” Draden asked, reaching to take several pieces of fresh warm bread from one of the many baskets. He handed the girls each one and then ate half the other in one bite.
“All of you think with your stomachs,” she accused.
Draden grinned at her. Not most of the time, sweetheart. I think with my dick.
She rolled her eyes. Okay, that too. I’m okay with that.
Zara is nearly as good a cook as Nonny already.
Is that a hint that you want me cooking more? They usually cooked meals together. Construction was going on big-time at the property Draden had purchased. Mostly they camped there, needing to spend time alone together. She loved being his wife. She loved everything about Draden, down to the smallest detail. He could get a little bossy, but she noticed all the men seemed to be that way, some a little more dominant than others. She supposed it was the amount of gene-editing done in each of them.
She especially liked Ezekiel and Gino, the husbands of her best friends. Each was very different from the other but suited his wife perfectly. She had grown fond of Trap, although she hadn’t thought she would. He was very distant, but she could see he had great affection for all of them. Joe had become a favorite as well. It was impossible not to like him. Mordichai and Malichai made her laugh, especially Malichai. Ruben and Diego broke her heart at times. She couldn’t help feeling their energy and the dark shadows residing in them. They both felt deep sorrow that at times threatened to overwhelm them. She wanted to find a way to make it better for both.
Baby, you’re too empathetic. When the Campos are having a difficult time, you need to keep a distance, so you don’t take that on your shoulders.
She was listening to the sounds coming from the bedroom. For the most part, Pepper was stoic, not crying out or letting on that she might be hurting. It was only when they could hear the murmur of Wyatt’s voice that she protested. Whatever he was telling her to do, she clearly didn’t want to do.
Shylah watched as Zara removed the shrimp from the boiling water when they turned pink. She couldn’t figure out how Zara could keep her mind on what she was doing when so much was happening around them. Zara immediately placed the shrimp in icy water to prevent further cooking and she did so automatically, as if she were listening to the sounds coming from the other room even while she was making the appetizer for all of them.
“I don’t know about this baby business,” Gino said, leaning down to brush kisses on Zara’s neck. “I have to say, it freaks me out, just a little.”
Zara laughed. “Nothing freaks you out. And you’re the one pushing for babies.” Her lashes swept down as she deftly began peeling shrimp. Shylah immediately pitched in as did Draden.
Gino wrapped his arms around Zara’s waist and nuzzled her neck as she worked. “Lots of babies to keep you home with me.”
Zara didn’t miss a beat, working as if she were used to Gino keeping his arms around her while she did so. “I’ll stay home with you babies or not, Gino.”