26. Chapter 26

Chapter 26

ALEX

I t was a long fun night with the kids. A lot of screaming and pillow fights. We ate pizza then watched a movie while eating popcorn. I didn’t give them any sugar tonight; we were going to need them to go to sleep at some point, but all bets were off tomorrow when we take them to the park. Mom and dad can deal with the sugar high. We played with them until they fell asleep in their makeshift beds. We decided to sleep out on the couch so we could be close in case one of them woke up scared, not knowing where they were. They had a lot of fun with Roman. He gave them horsey rides on his back and wrestled with the boys while Soph and I played dress up and did each other’s hair. She wasn’t much for the girlie girl stuff, but sometimes a girl just wants to do girl things. She and I were very alike in that manner. Maggie used to say she should’ve been my kid.

Thank goodness the sofa was so comfortable or that would’ve been a terrible night’s sleep. We didn’t get them to bed until about two in the morning and they were up bright and early, by six. Roman and I got in the kitchen, making breakfast and coffee while the kids washed up, brushed their teeth and changed their clothes.

We were taking them to the park, having lunch and ice cream, then maybe going to the aquarium. I had the day all planned out but if the aquarium was too crowded, I didn’t want to go and have three little excited ones to watch. I’m sure it wouldn’t be a big deal but Roman is in overprotection mode, so I don’t want to make his life more hectic than it needs to be. Maybe the children’s museum would be better.

We got the kids fed then put them in front of the TV for some Saturday morning cartoons while we went to get showered and changed.

“Roman, do you want to go to the aquarium or the children’s museum with the kids today?”

“Either one would be fine with me.”

“I’m a little worried that maybe one would be more crowded.”

“Ok.”

Maybe he wasn’t that worried. “I mean for watching the kids an all. Less crowded might be a better way to go.”

He laughed and said, “Am I making you anxious?”

I had to admit it was partly him, but these are my godchildren. I’m a little overprotective about them myself.

I said, “Yes, but I get super protective about these kids too. ”

“I think either would be fine. We just tell the kids that we need to hold hands and no one goes anywhere without an adult. How about that?” I felt so relieved because I really wanted to take them to the aquarium.

“That sounds perfect. Aquarium it is.”

He smiled and we headed out to the living room to tell the kids what we had planned for the day.

***

ROMAN

I think it was a good idea that we didn’t do anything that required driving. Since we lived right downtown, we could walk to everything we decided to do today. I wished I didn’t worry her so much though. She couldn’t even feel relaxed talking about what we should do. Luckily it wasn’t just me that was worrying, she was too, and it was cute.

She loved those kids so much. I knew she’d be a great mom. Maybe a little neurotic, but still a good one. Those kids loved her too, that’s for sure. I think they were comfortable with me after last night as well.

The morning went smoothly at the park. We rode the carousel, swung on the swings, went down the slide then had lunch and ice cream after. We walked off lunch on the way to the aquarium. We spent a good amount of time with the fish. I really got to envision what life might be like if Alex and I got married and had kids. I liked what I was seeing so far. She barely talked to me at all because she was so enthralled with all the questions they were asking her about the fish. They had to hurry me up sometimes because I got caught up in staring at them. I did get to answer some questions they threw my way, but mostly they only asked Alex .

After the aquarium, we walked back to the penthouse. I had to carry Jax on my shoulders because he was too tired as Alex gave Sophia Grace a piggy back ride and Cameron played the “First born big boy” and walked. I knew that role well.

Alex had training at five, so we had to drive the kids back soon.

I looked at her hoping she was too tired to go to the studio. “Are you up to going to training tonight after today?” She looked like she had more energy now than this morning.

“Absolutely. The kids give me so much energy. I don’t know how I’ll feel after training, but I should be fine tonight.”

If you say so. I’m freaking beat.

“Since I’m just going to drop you off after we return the kids, I think I’ll just wait in the car for you to finish.” Watching her fight was a lot more anxiety than I could handle.

“If that’s what you want. I like it when you watch me though.”

How am I supposed to say no to that?

“Maybe I can try for a little bit and see.” Ugh. I don’t know how this is going to go.

We took the kids back home and everyone was in one piece. Their parents were very appreciative of that. Now on to the MMA studio.

She reached over and put her hand on my thigh, “Thank you for going with me again and at least trying to watch it. You really do make me feel so much stronger.” I took a deep breath.

“I’m glad my being there does that for you. I hope I don’t throw up this time.” She giggled, but I wasn’t kidding.

“Why don’t you start taking classes with me? Take the kickboxing class with me and the girls. Maybe I can see if Matt and Jack will do it too.” That could be fun. I mean, I’d rather take a bourbon tour with them, but maybe they’d be up for doing something like that so I’m not the only guy in the bunch.

“If Matt and Jack do it, so will I.” I agreed. She looked happy now, and that helped. Until we pulled into the studio and all relaxation left my body.