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I giggle as she runs to me. She hugs me as soon as she reaches me, “I am so happy to meet you!” I chuckle, “I’m happy to meet you too. I just finished making dinner. Have a seat at the table. We can visit and eat together.” I started putting the food on the table when Luke came in the kitchen, “Can I help you bring the food in?” I smiled, “You sure can.” I took the hot-hot out of the refrigerator and grabbed a spoon. I stirred it to make sure all the flavors are melded together. I grabbed a smaller spoon and let him try a bite, “Spicy enough?” He chewed it up and nodded while he swallowed, “That is awesome! My dad is going to love this.” We finished taking the food to the table and sat down. We started filling our plates and Luke smiled, “Dad, you need to try this. Sylvie calls it hot-hot. It’s her grandmother’s recipe.” Luke’s dad took a bite of it and smiled as he ate it. When he swallowed the bite of food, he moaned, “Sylvie, that is amazing. You must teach my mate how to make this
Luke must have overheard me, because I heard him agree, “Now that’s a sight I can’t wait to see.” He wrapped his arms around me and I leaned into him, enjoying the sparks. Zara gushed, “I just love watching you two. I can tell you already love each other.” I smiled, “We do.” Zara laughed, “This guy has loved you for most of his life. He never even wanted to date while he was in high school.” I smiled as I looked at him, “What would you have done if we weren’t mates?” He blushed, “I have no clue. I always just counted on you being my mate. If you weren’t at this ball, I would’ve come looking for you.” I chuckled, “You’re so cute.” He laughed, “Thanks, I think.” I chuckled, “It’s a good thing to be cute. Especially by me.” Zara laughed, “And your mama.” He laughed, “I will always be cute in your eyes.” Zara replied, “Of course you will.” And now it’s my turn to gush, “Aw, you guys are too cute!” Luke smiles, “Okay. Enough with the girly shit. I’m going to go sit with dad and take back my
I grabbed my purse and kissed my mate goodbye. He kissed me and sighed, “I guess I will work on paperwork until you get back. Call me if you want me to rescue you.” I chuckled, “You are too sweet. I will do that.” I put my phone in my pocket and I smile at Zara, “I’m ready. This is going to be so much fun!” I started to walk out the door when I felt a hand grab my wrist and the familiar sparks run up my arm. Luke pulled me back to him and wrapped his arms around me. I’m totally swooning while he kisses me with so much love, I nearly lose my footing. I smile, “You are sweet, but I really need to get going. The sooner I get done, the sooner I can come back to you.” He sighs, “I know, I just don’t like being away from you.” I shake my head, “I will try and get back to you as soon as I can. Is there anything you would like for supper tonight?” He replied, “You?” I laugh, “I mean something we can both have.” He laughs, “How about pizza? There is a restaurant in town called Zuccaro’s Kitchen
I walk up to Luke and kiss him on the cheek. He stands up and hugs me tightly, “I missed you so much! Never do that to me again.” I giggle, “I can’t make any promises, but I will do my best to do it when you have to be busy for the day.” He smiles, “I can live with that as long as you always come home to me.” I chuckled, “I think I can do that. Now, let’s get in the house. I have other stuff that I need to put away.” He asked, “Are your dresses getting altered?” I giggled, “They didn’t need to be altered. I asked your mother to keep them at her house so you can’t peak.” He laughed, “It would seem you know me too well.” I grinned, “I have already figured you out, mister. You have no secrets that I can’t discover.” He laughed, “I’m shaking in fear.” I kissed his cheek and suggested, “Let me go change clothes. I seem to recall you wanted to take me out for pizza tonight.” He chuckled, “I did suggest that.” I went upstairs and Luke followed. I asked, “Do you need to change clothes too?” H
I blushed with all the added attention while Luke beamed with pride. When I finally recovered, I asked, “So who is she?” Luke shrugged, “Just a werebear who wants the title of princess. I could care less about what she wants. The only person who matters to me is you.” I sighed, “It doesn’t help that you are easy on the eyes too.” He cocked his head to the side with a smirk, “Oh really?” I nod, “Yep. I’d do you.” That comment made Rachel and Cody nearly choke on their pizza. Once they swallowed their food, they laughed uncontrollably with Luke. When things settled down, Rachel chuckled, “That was so unexpected from you, Sylvie. Up until this moment, you seemed so quiet and reserved. We didn’t realize that you had this side to you.” I laughed, “Oh, you’ll see, I have many sides. Don’t I?” He nodded his head and chuckled, “Oh yeah. Why don’t you guys come out tomorrow for a barbecue?” Cody looked at Rachel, “What do you think, babe?” Rachel smiled, “We have no plans. We’ll be there.” I s
King Parker smiled, “I love the way you think, my daughter in law. But right now, the problem is not solved. She admitted she was not working alone. We need to find the others.” I asked, “Is she still alive?” He nodded and I suggested, “Then I would love to spend a little time with her. I can find out.” He smirked, “I have no doubt that you can do it. Do you want to do it tomorrow?” I smiled, “I would love to. In the meantime, I would appreciate it if you would withhold food and water.” Luke walked into the dining room and asked, “Who are we withholding food and water from?” I replied, “Emma. She indicated to your dad that she wasn’t working alone to kill me off.” Luke nodded, “Sounds appropriate. Let’s eat.” I moved all the food to the table and we all sat down. Zara laughed, “I don’t think I will ever get used to how we speak so casually about being so cruel to people.” I shrugged, “Our species are the opposite of two extremes at the same time. We are extremely loving and protective
As soon as the potatoes were done, I finished the potato salad and started mixing baked beans. I put them in the oven and started shaping the bread dough for dinner rolls. I covered them with a towel and asked Luke, “Do you want to put the corn on the cob on the grill to cook?” He asked, “Do you want me to?” I shrugged, “I’m good either way. I just need to know so I can start boiling water if I’m going to make them in here.” He smiled, “Okay, I’m going to cook them on the grill. You have a lot to do in here.” I smiled, “You’re so sweet. I need to get a salad going.” He asked, “Don’t you think you have plenty of sides now?” I replied, “Not everyone is going to like everything I’m making.” I started cutting the vegetables for a standard garden salad. As I put the salad in the refrigerator, the doorbell rang and Luke opened the door to greet Cody and Rachel. As soon as they walked in, Rachel ran to the kitchen and hugged me tightly. I smiled and asked, “How are you doing?” She smiled, “I
I laughed as Cody continued, “This is some of the best stuff I have ever tried! You have to show Rachel how to make this.” I smiled, “I can definitely do that.” Rachel looked at me with surprise, “You would really give me the recipe for this?” I looked at her with confusion, “Why wouldn’t I share it with my friends?” She smiled, “There are a lot of women who are extra protective of their kitchen secrets.” I scoffed at the idea, “I am nowhere near protective. I am all for sharing the love.” She smiled, “Thanks!” I shrugged, “I’ll write it down for you and explain it as I go.” We finished our dessert and I was so full I could hardly move. Judging from the way Rachel was stretched out on the couch, holding her stomach and groaning, I think it’s safe to assume that she feels the same way. Luke and Cody decided they would run off the excess food and I’m beginning to think we should’ve gone with them. Either way, I really needed to move. I started cleaning the kitchen. I loaded the dishwash
I smiled as I watched my kids get out of Alex’s car. They are eighteen now and are now in college and they are home for spring break. Luke and I had two more girls, twins, who are twelve now. Lizzy and Emily ran out to greet them. Lizzy yelled, “Adele! You’re home!” Adele hugged her sisters, “Hey, ladies, how are things going?” Lizzy growled, “I can’t keep Emily out of my clothes!” Emily scowled, “I would stay out of your clothes if you would stay out of my makeup!” Lizzy sneered, “Don’t leave it out where I can get to it.” I laughed, “Girls. Stop. Both of you have the same exact clothes and makeup. You should each be using your own. You even have your own bathrooms and bedrooms to keep your own stuff in. Use your own rooms.” Lizzy whined, “But, mom, why can’t we share anything? We’re twins, we already share your beauty.” I laughed, “I’m not giving in. You two need to stick to your own things.” Lizzy was right. All of my girls inherited my light blonde hair and blue eyes, while our bo
I was feeding Zachary when Adele’s highchair starts to float off the floor and she starts giggling wildly. I laughed at the little boy with the mischievous eyes, “Micah, put your sister down. You’re such a naughty boy.” Alex was just minding his own business while eating some dry cereal all by himself. These babies are now one year old and I am positive that these babies communicate in their own language. I know they conspire against me daily. Luckily, I helped my mother raise triplets. I know Micah is running the show that I am currently witnessing. He knows that Adele’s sweet giggles crack me up and distract me. However, I know to watch Alex. He’s about to make a big mess with his cereal so that I will have to pick it all up. I shook my head, “Nuh-uh ya’ll. I know what you’re up to. Micah, tone down the magic.” I looked up and saw my daughter’s highchair had nearly ascended to the ceiling. Micah gave me a guilty look and she suddenly started slowly descending to the floor. I shook my
The next day, the babies and I were discharged from the hospital and Luke and I took them to our house, where everyone was waiting for us. When we got home, Luke carried two baby carriers into the house, then came back outside, carried two more babies into the house, then helped me. I asked, “Is anyone in the house right now?” He chuckled, “Everyone is in the house right now. Including grandma.” I smiled, “That means grandma has been cooking!” He laughed, “Our island is full of cookies, cakes and cobblers.” I laughed hard while holding my abdomen, “She is so predictable. I’m sure she won’t be cooking as much once she gets her hands on the babies.” He laughed, “I think you’re right. She ran from the kitchen to the baby carriers as soon as I was in the door with the first two.” I was smiling widely as soon as I walked in the door. I looked around and saw a house full of family. I mean FULL… my parents, all of my grandparents, all of my siblings, Uncle Nico, Brenna, King Parker, Queen Za
Sylvie’s POV When we got to my room, the nurse already had four little cribs with four tiny babies in them sitting beside my bed. Nurse Holly smiled, “Well, princess, you have a bunch of people outside who are looking to see you and these little sweeties. You should feed them soon, but breast feeding will be impossible for all of them. I would rotate babies to decide who will get the breast milk… at least for the next few weeks. There are some prepared bottles of formula under the cribs for the ones who don’t get breast milk.” She showed us where they are as well as the diapers, wipes and blankets. Luke handed boy A to me and I tried to get him to latch on. As he started suckling, I noticed Luke was watching and beaming. I smiled at him, “Are you happy, my prince?” He sighed, “More than happy. I can’t wait to show you all off to our kingdom.” I laughed, “Should we invite Beagan to the house for a couple days to take a bunch of pictures? We can choose a few to send to the media.” He s
Two weeks later, mom and I were making cookies and cupcakes to freeze. Luke reminded me, “Don’t forget, we have a doctor appointment today.” I asked, “What time?” He looked at his watch, “We will need to be there in an hour.” I smiled, “Okay. Do you mind if mom comes with us? I’m sure she would love to see the babies.” He smiled, “Of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” We finally got everything together and left for the castle hospital. When we got there, the nurse led us to a room and I sat on the exam table. When Doctor Kelvin walked in, he smiled, “It won’t be long before our prince has an heir.” I chuckled, “A few heirs. I’m feeling it too. They are super active. Sometimes it feels like they are wrestling around in there.” He chuckled, “They probably are. I’m sure their elbow room has diminished greatly.” I asked, “I’ve been having a ton of back pain lately. It feels like my belly has dropped too. Do you think they will be coming soon?” He raised his eyebrows, “We should ch
I actually only got to work another month before King Parker put me on maternity leave. I was not happy about it, but I accepted it with as much grace as I could muster. Luke tried to comfort me, “Love, he only cares about your health and you are getting so close to giving birth.” I sighed, “I know. It doesn’t take much to hurt my feelings these days. It’s just the pregnancy hormones.” He shrugged, “That doesn’t mean it bothers me less to feel this feeling. It hurts me when you are hurt.” I smiled, “Okay. I will try to block off those feelings.” He laughed, “You will do no such thing.” I laughed, “I’m kidding, love. I will do my best try to keep my emotions in check.” As we sat in the living room, I picked up the current blanket that I’m working on. I have already completed a Cape Cod blue and white blanket, a royal blue and white one, and I am currently working on a pastel blue and white one. The last one is going to be a pastel pink and white. They are all eight-point stars. Luke wat
It has been a month since the dinner with Benny and Cayenne, and I’m starting to get very uncomfortable. My belly is getting very big now and my doctor is threatening bed rest for the last three months if I don’t start taking it easy. That means no more going to the apartments and helping with the remodel. I’m not very happy about it, but my awesome mate has made it well worth my while. He found out that I learned how to crochet when I was young. He asked, “Would you be happy about taking it easy if I bought all the stuff for you to start crocheting blankets for our babies?” I acted like I was thinking about it, “Well, if I had something to keep me busy, it might help. Crocheting is something I can do and see progress. I guess that would help. Can I go with you?” He chuckled, “You will have to come with me. I wouldn’t know what to get.” I laughed, “I would also like to try to find some maternity clothes.” He responded, “Okay, but we need to make sure you aren’t on your feet for too lon
When we got home, I realized that it was time for me to start dinner. I asked Luke, “How does chicken parmesan sound for dinner?” He asked, “Are you going to make your homemade garlic bread for it?” I laughed, “Of course. I also want to make a triple berry cobbler with homemade ice cream for dessert. What do you think?” He asked, “Triple berries?” I explained, “Strawberry, blackberry and raspberry.” He smiled, “That sounds really good.” I started making the bread for my garlic bread and smiled, “I think I’m going to make dinner rolls slathered in homemade garlic butter. I think that would go over better.” He smiled, “That would be great, love.” I started the bread and kneaded it until it was ready to rise. I covered it with a clean, damp, tea towel. I went to the office while I was waiting for the bread to rise and checked my email. I didn’t see anything new, so I checked for more receipts and purchase orders and only found four of each. I was able to enter those in a matter of minute
I decided to cook fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans for supper. I had the chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans ready and was working on the gravy when Luke walked into the kitchen, his phone up to his ear. I heard him tell someone, “Just do what I wanted to do. Stop thinking about what he wants. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” I furrowed my brows, “What was that about?” He tossed his phone on the island and sighs as he runs his hand down his face, “My business partner is an idiot. He wants to waste money on redecorating all of the apartments in a newly acquired complex, but most of them already have renters in them.” I asked, “So why not redecorate each one as it becomes vacant? It’s less of an initial expense. You can charge more for the newly renovated ones and keep the rent steady for the ones that are currently occupied. That way you will keep earning money while you are spending it. Plus, the newly renovated ones will attract renters much faster.