CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Blake opens the front door and ushers us inside. I press her to my chest and she makes a little noise which has my heart soaring with love. Chatter spills into the hallway as Blake and I wander down.

Her blue eyes stare into the distance as she moves against my chest. They droop shut, but spring open at the sound of our mother's laughing.

"At least she'll be awake when she meets the family."

"I hope she doesn't cry while they're here." I nervously sigh.

"We'll deal with it together." He smiles.

Our parents stop talking as we enter the main living room. The sliding door is roughly opened and London springs into the room with Tori chasing after her.

Blake races ahead and scoops London into his arms. She wraps her arms around his neck, and he kisses her cheek. London grins as Blake whispers something in her ear.

Curiosity swirls in the pit of my stomach, but I push it aside.

Tori takes a seat at the dining table while I wander into the lounge room. Mum shuffles across and I slowly sit beside her. Blake takes a seat beside me with London on his lap.

He holds her waist as she peers onto my lap. London's smile widens and she vibrates with excitement. She looks back at Blake and he nods.

She brushes her fingers across her brown hair and grins.

"London, meet your little baby sister, Paris." Blake smiles.

"Paris?" Angela gasps.

Mum squeezes my knee and smiles.

"I can't believe you named her Paris!" Angela gushes.

"Neither can I." I laugh. "We went through so many names, and then I saw the picture of Blake and I in Paris and it felt right."

"Paris is a beautiful name." Mum grins.

London leans down and kisses Paris's head. Paris softly whines which makes London jump back. Blake rubs Lo's back and laughs.

"Babies just make noises, don't worry."

London snuggles into Blake's side, so I pass Paris to Mum. She gently nuzzles Paris to her chest and strokes her cheek.

"She's absolutely beautiful!"

"I can't believe we, I, made her!" A couple of tears swell in my eyes, but I blink them away.

Mum gently passes her to Dad and he pokes her nose which makes me roll my eyes. Of course that's what he does!

Blake sets London on the floor and she wanders over to Angela. He grabs my hand and tugs me up and out of the room.

"What are you doing?"

"Dragging you to the shower so you can freshen up."

"Please tell me I don't stink." I nibble on my lip.

"You don't, but our parents can take care of Paris and London while you take a few minutes to take care of yourself."

"I have anxiety being away from her, though."

"I know, but she's with our parents, and I think we can trust them considering they raised us and we're still alive."

"I know you're right, but it's so hard. Now that she's out in the world, I can't protect her anymore. It's so scary."

"You can still protect her." He tugs on a smile. "Better yet, we can both protect her."

"You're right." I nod. "We is better than I."

Blake and I slip into our bedroom and he leads me to the bathroom. He gently removes my clothes and guides me into the shower. Warm water caresses my tired and aching body. He grabs the soap and brushes it over my skin.

I lean against his chest and wrap my arms around his body. His kisses my shoulder and trails his fingers over my back.

"It's weird seeing you without a baby bump."

"Ugh, tell me about it! I'll be happy once my body snaps back because I'll finally be able to grab cups out the cupboard or washing dishes in the sink without a huge belly in the way."

"Don't get me wrong, you were so sexy pregnant, but I can't wait until you're back into those sexy french lace lingerie."

"I can't wait either!" I chuckle.

* * * * *

I place Paris in the cot and lean on the railing. Blake wraps his arms around my waist and kisses my shoulder.

"I've said it so many times today, but she's perfect."

"She's amazing! I could burst with how much I love her."

"When's baby Dallas or York going to come home?"

My body convulses at the thought of pushing another baby out my lady bits.

"In a year or whenever I forget what labour pain feels like."

"A year sounds like a good time to wait."

"What happens if it's another girl?" I chuckle.

"I'll book us another holiday and we'll try again."

"No way! Once our third baby is birthed, you're having a little snip so there's no more surprises."

"That's never going to happen."

"Enjoy using condoms for the rest of your life then." I laugh.

"I'll just get you in the mood for another baby."

"How many kids do you think this house is going to fit?"

"We can always move."

"You have an answer for everything."

"I do." He laughs.

"Mm." I sigh.

"We should go to bed and try and sleep before she wakes up."

"But I want to watch her sleep." I pout.

Blake swoops me off my feet and carries me to our bedroom. He lays me on the bed and kisses my forehead.

"You can watch her sleep in the daytime, preferably after you've had some sleep."

"Are you getting up first then?"

"Yes." He nods.

"Breast milk is in the fridge-"

"And the bottles are in the steriliser. Yes, I think I can handle it." He grins.

"Wake me if you need help."

"Don't bother! I know for a fact you'll be with me even though you should be sleeping."

My cheeks go bright red.

"I know you can handle it, I just."

Blake squeezes my hand and smiles.

"We don't want another angel baby, but don't worry, that's not going to happen. She's healthy and happy."

"Yet again, you're right." I nod.

Blake flips the light off and engulfs me with his arms. I shuffle away, but they tighten around me.

"Don't you dare think about sneaking away because I'll know."

I sigh into the pillow and get comfortable because he's right, I can't escape this bed without him knowing, and perhaps that's a good thing.

Excuse me while I die of cuteness :p