During her party, Gemma and Tyler announced they were pregnant with baby number two. Of course, everyone was excited and happy for them. I think it’s great they’re growing their family, and I hope one day to have that with Everleigh. Right now, she’s focused on the boutique and even mentioned opening a second one in Mobile. I’ll support her decision because I love seeing her chase her dreams.
I’ve been saving money since I started working at the gym and hope to build my credit so we can buy a bigger house in the future. Though I love where we live now, it’s not big enough for what I have planned.
“So I have a little something I want to give to you,” I tell Everleigh as everyone listens. “I had help getting it and figured I’d bring it out since it’s here.”
“Oh my gosh. Show me already!” Everleigh shrieks.
“Okay, hold on. Gotta go to the cottage.”
Everleigh gives me a weird look, but I grin. I go to Gemma and Tyler’s house that’s behind Jerry’s. A few months ago, Tyler mentioned they were looking for a bigger house because more space is needed for the new baby. As soon as they find something, Annie and Sadie will move into the cottage. Everleigh loved the idea, and I’m ecstatic they’ll still be close to us.
Belinda’s even more excited because she adores Sadie. She’s already told Annie they’re invited to dinner every night. Since Annie got hired as the elementary and middle school nurse, she’ll work daytime hours and be home in the evenings. I’m so happy it worked out because she hated working those long swing shifts.
I return with a large box in my hands, and Everleigh’s eyes widen when she sees me. “Holy crap, what is that?”
Before I can say anything, a little bark howl gives me away. Everleigh stands with her jaw on the floor. “No way. Is that a puppy?”
Kneeling in front of her, I set it down, then open it. She immediately bursts out into tears as she stares at the puppy who’s looking at her.
“You actually got me a husky puppy?” She picks him up, then holds him to her chest.
“I did, for this exact reaction, sweetheart. Merry Christmas.”
She nuzzles her face against his nose. “He’s so sweet. Thank you, babe.”
Owen and Sadie come over and ooh and aah over him.
“What’s his name?” Sadie asks.
“We still have to pick one out,” I say, wrapping an arm around Everleigh and kissing her forehead.
“I’m seriously so shocked right now.” Everleigh beams.
“Tyler and Gemma helped and kept him for five days.”
“Scarlett’s obsessed with him,” Gemma says. “You better give us visitation rights.”
Everleigh laughs, then sets the puppy down so the other kids can meet him.
“You should name him Chase,” Tyler says. “Considering that’s all you’re gonna be doing.”
Gemma snorts and agrees. “He has a lot of energy, that’s for sure.”
“I love it actually,” Everleigh says, playing with him on the floor. “I can’t believe you all hid this from me.”
“We knew you’d lose your mind,” Gemma says.
“I can’t believe he’s all mine. This is the best Christmas gift I could ever ask for.” Everleigh’s eyes soften when she meets mine.
I lean in and press my lips to hers. “I love hearing that. I hope Sassy adapts to not being the only child anymore.”
She snickers. “God. Yeah right. She’s a spoiled princess.”
Everyone takes turns holding and playing with Chase. After an hour, we help Belinda clean up, then decide to leave so we can help Annie get ready for Santa coming.
“I think this puppy is gonna be more challenging than I expected,” Everleigh says over coffee the next morning. Between taking him out and hearing him whine nonstop, we got zero sleep.
“I think a newborn would’ve been easier,” I say around a yawn. “At least they stop crying when you pop a boob in its mouth.”
She snorts.
Chase comes barreling in from playing with Sassy outside. We watch as the two wrestle and bark at each other. So much for our quiet mornings together.
I don’t regret it, though.
Seeing Everleigh’s face light up when she first saw him and catching them snuggling together last night is worth the sleepless nights. I know it’ll get easier and we’ll adjust.
“He really is so dang cute,” Everleigh says as Chase sleeps on his dog bed.
“Yeah, when he’s not awake,” I quip.
“Uncle Archer!” Sadie shouts, and we quickly shush her, but it’s too late. Chase’s head pops up. “Oops, sorry.”
“It’s okay. What do you need, sweetie?”
“Chase was chewing on this. Should I throw it away?” she asks, coming closer with something in her hand.
“What is it?” I narrow my eyes.
She hands it over, and when I realize it’s a pregnancy test, I look at Everleigh, who’s as white as a ghost. I swallow hard as I read the word PREGNANT on the small screen.
“Sadie, can you give us a minute, please?” I ask, and she nods, walking back to Everleigh’s bedroom.
“I guess that’s my Christmas gift to you,” she says softly. “I was gonna tell you tonight over a romantic dinner.”
I blink hard in disbelief. “Come here.”
She moves closer, and I immediately pull her onto my lap. When she wraps her arm around my shoulders, I place a palm over her stomach. “We’re having a baby.”
“Are you happy about that?”
I cup her face, bringing her mouth to mine, and passionately kiss her. “I don’t think I’ve ever been more happy in my life, sweetheart. Since we weren’t trying, I’m surprised but not at all disappointed.”
When tears spill out, she wipes her cheeks, and I hold her tighter. “I haven’t had much time to process it, but as soon as I read the test, I was beaming with excitement.”
“Since this was our first Christmas as husband and wife, I wanted it to be perfect. One you’d never forget, but I think you’ve just made this the best one for me.”
She presses her mouth to mine. “For both of us.”
“I love you.” I slide my tongue between her lips.
“I love you too,” she murmurs.
“Do we still get to use the anal lube?” I ask, waggling my brows.
She bursts out laughing, then smacks my arm. “I’ll be surprised if we ever have sex again with Chase, the cock blocker.”
“Thank God we’ve decided to crate train him. He’ll get used to it soon and won’t whine all night long. I hope.” I blow out a breath.
“At least we’ll be ready for those sleepless nights. That right there is our baby in training. By the time ours is here, we’ll be pros.”
I laugh. “That’s one way to look at it.”
She kisses me softly. “Don’t worry, daddy. We’ve got this.”
I arch a brow, already loving how that sounds. “Daddy? Can you use that in bed from now on?”
“Tell me where you hid my vibrator, and I’ll scream it all night long,” she taunts in a seductive tone.