CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
They walked in the doors the next morning, just in time for breakfast. Fairly rested, and feeling good about the ending, they were happy to see everyone laughing and enjoying the brisk fall weather.
In fact, they seemed to be having a party.
“Hey. What’s going on?” asked Angus. The silence was nearly deafening as the men frowned at one another. Bailey and Layla stood, walking toward their husbands.
“I wish I could say I hate you for this but we both knew it was coming,” smirked Bailey. Angus tilted his head.
“No! Already? No!” he laughed. “Shit. I’m gonna be a daddy! How many? Please tell me it’s three!”
“It’s three,” she laughed. Cole hugged his sister then turned to Layla.
“Am I lucky as well?” he asked.
“I guess we’re both pretty lucky,” she giggled. “Triplets. Due on the same day as Bailey and Angus’ babies. We are going to be big as a house.”
“Oh, I don’t care,” said Cole hugging her sweetly, gently as he lifted her off the floor. “Your grandparents. We have to get them here.”
“They’re coming,” she smiled. “They’re coming for the holidays and are going to spend some extra time. What about the other issue? Is he gone?”
“He’s gone, honey,” said Cole. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not. I’m grateful that he sent me with that silly donkey so that I could find you in the well. I’m glad he showed me his cruelty so I would recognize kindness in all of you. I will forever be grateful that your family has taken me in and treated me as one of their own.
“I love you, Cole and I cannot wait to have these three little babies welcomed into our home.”
“Oh, babe,” he said hugging her. “Me too.”
“Couldn’t say it any better,” said Angus. “It’s like I hit the lottery. The woman of my dreams, three perfect babies, and the family I should have never left behind. I love you always Bailey.”
“I love you always Angus.”
“Well, while all of you are getting mushy with one another could we talk about the holidays?” asked Ajei. “We’ve got a lot to prepare for.”
The buzz in the cafeteria only emphasized the excitement of the season and the safe return of all the men.
“New babies,” smiled Erin.
“You sounded like Mama,” laughed Marie.
“Oh, wow. I did, didn’t I?”
“It’s okay,” said Lauren. “I agree with you. We’ll have new babies running around here and I can’t wait.”
“Well, the guys are off with Matthew. What do we do?” asked Grace.
“I’m glad you asked,” smiled Irene. “We’ve got lots of work to do and y’all need to get moving.”
“Mama, what kind of work?” asked Camille.
“Doesn’t matter. Work that needs to get done. Let’s go! Christmas will be here before you know it.”
Angus saw the older women leave and smiled to himself. It really was a place of magic.
“Are you truly happy?” asked Bailey staring up at her husband.
“Baby, I couldn’t be happier if I tried. In fact, I’m pretty sure it would be illegal.” Bailey just laughed, hugging him tightly.
“I always knew that dreams were real. You’ve only proven it to me.”