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I woke the next morning to sunlight streaming through the curtains and the sound of birds singing coming from the balcony doors in our room. I got out of bed and walked through the open doors to find Luke sitting on one of the lounge chairs with a cup of coffee. I walked up behind him and bent to wrap my arms around his neck. I kissed his cheek and chuckled, “I think this is the first time I’ve been out here.” Luke sighed, “I was just thinking this would be our ideal hiding place when the kids are up and fighting with each other.” I laughed, “That would be awesome! I need some coffee.” He smiled, “Why don’t you go ahead and take your shower and I will get you a cup.” I smiled, “That sounds amazing.” I took my shower then walked into my closet to figure out what to wear. I decided to go ahead and wear a pair of sweats and an oversize t shirt until Beagan got to the house. I figured that I would be able to change into a few different outfits during the photo shoot, so I really wasn’t wo
Nico and Queen Winnie teleported us back to my grandma’s and grandpa’s house, where Grandma Honi was living. Grandma hugged me tightly, “My sweet Sylvie, I knew you would want to see her before she goes. You really should say goodbye to her.” I sighed, “But grandma, I may be able to heal her.” Grandma smiled as she put one hand on my cheek and looked at me lovingly, “You can ask her about it.” I nodded, “I will.” Uncle Nico led Luke and I to her room and I was shaken by how frail she looked. She had been gradually getting weaker, but now, she looked like a skeleton. Her grey hair fell around her pillow; her wrinkled, tanned skin was evidence of how much she loved being in nature and connecting with her ancestors. She was always tiny, but now she almost looks like a malnourished child. I know it’s probably because she voluntarily stopped eating. I can’t help but cry just at the way she looks. I walked up to her bedside and sighed with a tear rolling down my face, “Hey grandma. It’s Syl
I woke up this morning with a pounding headache from all the tears I cried last night. I looked around at my familiar, yet unfamiliar surroundings. Familiar because I’ve seen them before, but unfamiliar because it’s not the usual place I wake up at. We’re in another one of my grandma’s guest bedrooms. It’s actually my Grandma Abby’s old room from when she would stay here during summer vacations. The house is clearly a little girl’s room with the pink bedding and matching curtains, stuffed animals everywhere and a small table in the corner with a tea set sitting atop it and a doll sitting in one of the chairs. I smiled as I looked around the room, imagining my Grandma Abby sitting in the other chair, pretending to fill her doll’s cup with imaginary tea. Luke sensed my movement and sighed, “Good morning, love. How are you feeling?” I answered, “I have a massive headache from all the crying and it feels like my eyes are swollen. How do you feel?” He replied, “Almost the same. My head is
When we walked in grandma and grandpa’s door, everyone was sitting around the table, laughing. I smiled, “We have an announcement!” Everyone stopped with all talking. I continued, “We found out the sex of our babies!” There was an audible gasp in anticipation and I chuckled, “We are having three boys and one girl!” Mom smiled, “I would be willing to bet the girl is an oracle.” I laughed, “That’s what we are thinking too. She is hiding behind the boys.” Everyone smiled and my Uncle Ace started telling a story, “There was one time, mom and dad left to cut wood for winter, and Gabi and I had gotten into an argument. I decided I was going to scare her and climbed a really tall tree. As she got closer, I kept climbing. I didn’t realize I was nearly to the top when she was directly under me. When she finally looked up it scared the shit out of me and I fell and landed on my back. It knocked the wind out of me and I was rolling around, trying to catch my breath while Gabi went to get Grandma
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.
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
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
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
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.