Chapter 11 #2
Rex steps in, his large hands gently corralling our energetic duo. "Alright, alright, let's give Mama some space," he says. "Why don't you two go show Uncle Bobo that new video game you've been talking about?"
Bobo's eyes light up at the suggestion. "Oh yeah? You rugrats got something new to show me?" he asks, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
Birdie squeals with delight, grabbing Voodoo's hand and tugging him towards the stairs. "Come on, Uncle Bobo! It's so cool, you're gonna love it!"
Beaux follows close behind, already launching into an explanation of the game's mechanics.
I lean back in the recliner, taking in the scene around me.
I watch Rex and Mama in the kitchen doorway, their heads bent close as they talk in hushed tones.
The sound of laughter drifts down from upstairs, where Birdie, Beaux, and my brother are engrossed in their video game.
Outside, the rumble of motorcycle engines mingles with the chatter of voices and the clinking of bottles.
The Voodoo City Queens and the Zulu Kings, once bitter rivals, are now united in their concern for me and my unborn child.
It's a peace I never thought I'd see, let alone be the cause of.
My hand rests on my swollen belly, feeling the gentle movements of life growing inside me. It's a miracle, really, after everything we've been through.
Bobo's voice suddenly booms down the stairs, jolting me from my reverie. "Hey, Remy! Got a question for you. You naming his kid after me too because I have some ideas.”
I can't help but chuckle, shaking my head. Leave it to Bobo to bring up something like that. Before I can respond, Rex's grumbles from the kitchen.
"Fuck no!" he says firmly, but I can hear the hint of amusement in his tone.
Mama smacks Rex on the arm at his swearing.
I can't help but smile at the familiar banter. The warmth of family and friends surrounds me, a stark contrast to the cold fear that's been my constant companion lately.
"For your information, Bobo," I call up the stairs, "we haven't decided on a name yet.”
Bobo's laughter echoes down the stairs. "Well, just remember, 'Bobo Junior' has a nice ring to it!"
Rex makes his way back to me, perching on the arm of the recliner. His large hand covers mine where it rests on my belly. "How are you feeling, sweetheart?" he asks.
I lean into his touch, savoring the warmth and strength of his presence. "Better," I admit. "It's good to be home."
"You know, we don't have to do all this today. If you're tired, I can send everyone home. A little alone time with my beautiful fiancée sounds pretty fucking good right now.”
I look up at Rex, a mischievous glint in my eye. "Alone time?" I tease, patting my swollen belly. "I think that's what got us into this mess in the first place."
Rex's deep chuckle rumbles through his chest, and I feel it vibrate against my shoulder. His large hand splays protectively over my belly, warm and comforting.
"Besides," I continue, "with three kids, I think we can kiss 'alone time' goodbye for the next eighteen years or so. Maybe we'll get a moment to ourselves when they all head off to college."
As if on cue, a crash echoes from upstairs, followed by Birdie's high-pitched giggle and Beaux's exasperated, "Aw, man!
" Bobo's voice rises above the commotion, a mixture of amusement and mock sternness as he referees whatever chaos has erupted in the kids' room. “Hey, stop throwing turtle shells at me, Uncle Bobo! That’s not fair.”
I can't help but laugh "You hear that?" I say to Rex, gesturing towards the ceiling. "That's what we have to look forward to, times three."
Rex grins, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Wouldn't have it any other way," he says, squeezing my hand.
I take a deep breath, feeling a flutter of excitement in my chest. "Speaking of which," I start, "I think it's a good thing we're having a girl this time around."
Rex's eyebrows shoot up, surprise written all over his face. "A girl? How do you know that?"
I can't help but smirk, enjoying the rare moment of catching my usually unflappable fiancé off guard. "Woman's intuition," I tease, then add more seriously, "Plus, the ultrasound tech might have let it slip at the hospital. I was waiting for the right moment to tell you."
Rex's expression softens, a mix of joy and wonder crossing his features. "A little girl," he mutters. "Another princess to spoil rotten."
I chuckle, leaning into his touch. "Yeah, and thank goodness for that. I don't think the world could survive if it were another boy.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, darlin’,” Rex declares. “If she’s anything like you, we’ll be just fine.”
I laugh, playfully swatting at Rex's arm. "Very funny. You better be ready to chase after her because I have a feeling she's going to be a handful."
Rex leans down, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "I can handle it. After all, I've been chasing after you for years.”