Chapter 14

FOURTEEN

The time when I ‘apparently’ couldn’t keep my dick in my pants

“No, no, no…”

Charlotte paces the bathroom shaking her head. “This is all your fault.”

I knew Charlotte falling pregnant would somehow be my fault, even though she never complained during the multiple orgasms when I was fucking her that night when the kids stayed with my parents.

“No one’s to blame.”

Her nostrils flare as she points her finger at me. “You’re to blame. You’re the one with a degree in medicine.”

“What does that have to do with it?” I argue, knowing very well I’m playing with fire right now.

She places her hands on her hips, annoyed with me. Only now, I notice the red stain on her shirt from when Amelia spilled cranberry juice. Ava slipped into the mess, which resulted in her being covered in the sticky liquid. Then, of course, she needed cuddles.

“You should have known the antibiotics I was taking for the flu would somehow affect my pill.”

“Everyone knows that.”

Charlotte’s eyes widen in disbelief. “Everyone knows that?”

“You know what I mean.”

“No, explain how everyone knows that, and by everyone, you mean you?” She rushes in a frustrated tone. “You still fucked me!”

“Will you calm down? So, we’re having another kid. You’re a great mother.”

Charlotte bows her head while shaking it, then lets out a huff. “I woke up at four this morning just to get work in. I tried to shower but the girls’ wanted pancakes. In case you haven’t noticed, we had a juice incident. I’m not sure what’s in my hair, but I suspect it’s candy from when I fell asleep on the couch and didn’t realize Amelia left it there.”

She has a point. Our life is chaos with these two girls. Whoever said girls are easy is a fucking liar. Sometimes, when I need a moment, I visit Adriana and spend time with Andy because he’s such a relaxed kid.

Apparently, we procreated a spawn from the devil. Ava, I can’t fault. She’s innocent until her big sister gets involved.

“We’ll get through this. We always do,” I assure her.

“Yeah, we’ll get through this.” Charlotte air quotes. “There’s no ‘we’ when you’re at your office and traveling the world.”

I bite my tongue to refrain from debating this fact, but I’m a stubborn man and open my mouth. “Traveling the world is extreme. When was the last time I left the country?”

“Uh, how about two months ago when you went to Hong Kong and Amelia caught chicken pox?”

“I flew back as soon as you told me,” I remind her.

Charlotte throws her hands in the air. “What about me, Lex? Have you ever stopped to think about my career?”

My hand reaches out to Charlotte’s waist as I try to pull her toward me, but she won’t budge. Instantly, I remove my hands from her since it’s clear she wants nothing to do with me right now.

“We can hire help.”

With a sneer, Charlotte juts her chin and crosses her arms. “Money doesn’t fix everything.”

There’s a loud bang on the bathroom door, followed by Amelia storming in.

“We’re going to be late for Andy’s birthday party,” Amelia pouts, placing her hands on her hips.

Ava runs in, stumbling on her feet as I race over to pick her up from the ground before she cries.

“I need a minute,” Charlotte answers with resignation.

“Sixty seconds?” Amelia questions then raises her voice, “One, two, three—”

I glance at Charlotte, noticing she’s on the verge of a breakdown. With Ava in my arms, I usher Amelia out of the bathroom.

“How about we let Mommy get ready in peace? If we’re a few minutes late, Andy won’t mind.”

“But, Daddy!” Amelia complains in a high-pitched tone. “I want to play in the bouncy castle!”

This kid will be the death of me. I take a deep breath, trying to remain calm. Charlotte’s right. Three kids are a lot. What the hell was I thinking blowing inside her?

“Good things come to those who wait,” I tell her. “Now, sit quietly in the kitchen and wait until Mommy is ready. If you interrupt her again, we’re both in trouble. You understand?”

Amelia rolls her eyes in annoyance. “Yes, Daddy.”

* * *

Addison was born at the stroke of midday after a quick labor. According to Charlotte, Addison’s birth was the least painful of all the girls.

Thankfully, it was only an overnight stay in the hospital, so we encouraged everyone to hold their visits until we arrived home.

On the drive home, I thought it was best to warn Charlotte of the surprise party Adriana and Eric have thrown for her and the baby.

“Listen, as your husband, I need to let you know Adriana and Eric have planned a surprise party for you.”

Charlotte glances at me with a tired face, though I’m forced to look away and focus on the road.

“I look like shit.”

“You look beautiful.”

A yawn escapes her. “You have to say that. You want pussy.”

“Pussy is out of the question for six weeks,” I remind her with a chuckle. “However, if you said ass…”

Charlotte laughs, then winces. “My vagina hurts when I laugh. Why the party?”

“Because you didn’t want a baby shower. I told you this would happen.”

“I didn’t see the point,” she admits while staring out the window. “We have everything from Amelia and Ava. The bonus of having all girls.”

“Speaking of all girls…”

She shakes her head almost immediately. “If this is about trying for a boy, I swear to God I will cut your dick off right now.”

A fake smile spreads across my face. “Pleasant. No, it’s about school. Have you thought more about Amelia attending an all-girls school?”

“Look, you don’t understand how a young girl’s mind works. Take boys out of the equation, and all they can think about is boys.”

“That makes no sense,” I chastise.

“Yes, because you’re a man. Your brain works differently. So, to answer your question, I think Amelia will thrive in a co-ed school.”

We drive onto our property as I pull up next to the front door. It’s a warm summer’s day, typical Californian weather. The sun is shining brightly, burning my skin as I step out of our SUV. I quickly move around to the passenger side to assist Charlotte. When she’s safely out, I unbuckle the carrier and gently remove Addison from the car.

“How are we able to produce such perfect-looking little girls?” I ask, beguiled by the tiny little face sleeping so peacefully. “I think she’ll definitely have your eyes.”

Charlotte snorts. “My boring brown ones against your emerald? Fat chance.”

Before we enter, I hold Charlotte back. “Remember to act surprised.”

“Yes, sir.”

My spare hand reaches out for the door as everyone yells surprise! Charlotte slaps her hands on her cheeks, forcing a shocked face.

“What in the world,” she exclaims.

Eric draws his brows, then crosses his arms with pouting lips. “You knew! That was the worst fake face ever.”

“Well, I just pushed a baby out of my vagina. What do you want from me?” Charlotte complains.

Everyone moves closer to gather around us, trying to catch a glimpse of Addison.

“She’s beautiful,” Mom says, wiping a proud lonesome tear from her face.

Dad places his hand on my shoulder. “Good work, son.”

Adriana is quick to pull a face. “Good work, son? Lex did nothing. The last I heard he didn’t suddenly grow a uterus.”

“Technically…” Eric begins with, “Mr. Winkle needed to drop his tinkle to make a baby, so…”

“Who is Mr. Winkle?” Amelia asks loudly.

I shoot an annoyed stare at Eric.

“Sweetheart, would you like to meet your sister?” I ask to distract Amelia.

My knees crouch so I’m at Amelia and Ava’s height. Amelia looks less than pleased that another child will fight her for attention.

“She’s fine, so about Mr. Winkle?” Amelia drags, uninterested in the baby.

Charlotte moves closer to Amelia. “You know, being the biggest sister can be a lot of fun too.”

“How?”

“Well, for starters, you’re going to be the first to do a lot of things.”

“Like have a boyfriend?” Amelia questions then turns to Eric.

“Look, I don’t know why she just looked at me.” Eric raises his hands, playing innocent. He’s notorious for being a bad influence and trying to teach her new things, which in my opinion are not age appropriate.

“Sure, one day, if Daddy doesn’t unalive them first,” Charlotte mutters.

Ava reaches out her hand, gently caressing Addison’s face. “My baby.”

We always knew Amelia would have reservations once the baby came home. Of late, she’s been playing up to garner our attention. Most of the time, she’ll blame Ava, but we know who is behind it.

“How about I go spend some time with Amelia?” Charlotte mentions quietly.

“Good idea.”

Poor Addison is passed around to each of our family members. It gives me an opportunity to take a small break, knowing tonight may be a sleepless night with all three girls settling into the new routine.

Mom and Adriana have outdone themselves with the food. I hadn’t realized how famished I was until I walked into the dining room and saw platters of food, all of which looked incredibly delicious.

We take turns eating. Then, I make sure the girls eat to distract them while Charlotte feeds Addison. When night falls, everyone says goodbye, and I’m glad for the peace and quiet.

Amelia and Ava are tired after running around with Andy. Ava falls asleep as soon as she’s bathed, and her head hits the pillow. Amelia, though, she’s wide awake.

“Daddy, I don’t want any more babies in the house.”

I force a smile, not sure how to tackle this conversation.

“It’s nice to have a big family, lots of love to go around,” I inform her.

Amelia crosses her arms. “I can give more love so we don’t have any more babies.”

“That’s not quite how it works.”

“Why?”

“Because God’s plan may be different.”

‘But why?” she questions again.

“Amelia, sweetheart, it’s late. How about we read a story and then go to sleep? There’s plenty more time tomorrow for questions.”

“I’m not tired.”

“Okay.” I nod, then grab a book from her shelf. “I’ll just read for fun.”

Not even a quarter into the book, Amelia’s eyes begin to droop. I glance over, smiling at her sleeping face. I don’t blame her for feeling this way, but I didn’t expect her to be so resistant to a new baby.

When she’s fast asleep, I tuck Amelia into her special blanket, then turn the light off. I quickly check on Ava, who is still fast asleep. With quiet steps, I walk toward our bedroom to find Charlotte in bed breastfeeding Addison.

“How did you go?”

I rub my chin, then let out a yawn. “Which answer will make you happy?”

Charlotte releases a sigh. “She’s still upset, isn’t she?”

“Amelia is stubborn.”

“Yeah, but we can’t ignore how she feels,” Charlotte points out.

My fingers begin to unbutton my shirt before I remove it to go shower. Charlotte’s eyes wander down my torso, but she quickly turns away.

“I’m not saying ignore Amelia. We just need to take turns in making sure we spend time with her so she doesn’t feel the baby has taken over.”

“Right, we should do that.”

I make my way toward the bathroom for a shower. Under the hot water, my muscles relax so much that it’s a struggle to get out. After drying myself off, placing my on boxers, then brushing my teeth, I head back into the room for bed.

Addison is in her bassinet beside the bed, fast asleep from the milk coma she’s found herself in. Last night, she slept for four hours straight, but I know the second night is always the worst.

“Do you need anything?” I ask before climbing into bed.

Charlotte’s intense stare catches my attention.

“You.”

A half-laugh escapes me. “Funny, you’re off-limits.”

I climb into bed, getting myself comfortable. Then, Charlotte places her hand on my thigh, sliding it up between my legs.

“You’re not off-limits,” she teases.

My head tilts with curiosity. “That’s true, but don’t you think you should be resting since you just had a baby?”

“It’s the hormones,” she blurts out. “It’s confusing.”

I scratch my jaw with a smirk playing on my lips. “So, you’re horny but obviously out for the next six weeks. If I understand this correctly, you want to blow me because that’s all you can do right now?”

Charlotte rests her hand on my cock, which instantly goes hard.

“Yeah, you got a problem with that, Mr. Edwards?”

My hands reach for the top of my boxers, yanking them down to free my cock.

“Not a single problem at all…”