#raiden baizen

Birdie Mae walks into her art class ready to showcase her newest work when she hears the quiet murmuring behind her. Keeping her head in front of her, but her eyes sting with tears.

“She’s only with him for his money.”

“I heard she’s baby trapped him. He got a full scholarship and didn’t need it. Wonder if that’s how she was able to afford this school.”

Unable to take anymore she turns around glaring at the two girls, “He would never give you the time of day because you’re disgusting. Raiden is the nicest and most generous person I’ve ever met. And my parents paid for my tuition,” without another word she leaves her piece before running out of the classroom.

Irritated that no matter what, it’s always these stupid accusations about her and Raiden. Unable to stand out on her own merit because he overshadows her.

“Hey. Hey,” Raiden comes up to her, catching her trembling body in his own large one. “Birdie what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing doesn’t make your eyes this red. What’s wrong?” he watches her a few minutes wishing she would just tell him something when she looks away.

“I can’t do this anymore.”

“What?”

“This. Us. You and me. It’s always…”

“What happened?” Birdie Mae shakes her head no, and he pulls her chin up to him. “Let me fix it.”

“You can’t fix everything just because of your last name.”

“It has nothing to do with my last name, and everything to do about some making my girlfriend cry. And clearly it’s enough to think that we…Birdie don’t do this. Please, I…I finally have you in my life, and I can’t lose you.”

“We were kids.”

“My feelings have never changed. I tried. I tried a lot. Keisha, Avani, Fleur, Taylor, Taraj…”

“I get it,” Birdie Mae rolls her eyes. “You’re…they had a piece of you that I haven’t. And…Raiden, I-I…”

“You have a piece of me that no one ever will. And that’s this right here, Burd-Dee,” he taps on his chest and gives her a look over. “If you want sex, all you gotta do is ask.”

“Raiden,” Birdie Mae sighs, pushing her head against his chest. “I’m scared.”

“Of what?”

“You’re huge.”

“Yeah, so I’ve been told,” she gives him a little swat to his back, still not lifting her head up to look at him. “Birdie, I’ll wait forever for you. You’re more than a lay.”

“That’s what we should be doing. And…I did not baby trap you.”

Raiden pulls her up to him, and she naturally wraps her legs around him. “How can you baby trap me if you’re a virgin? That’s what got you upset? Stupid jealous girls? They’re just mad that I have no desire to date them. It’s only ever been you.”

“And I’m not after your money.”

“I know. You’re after me because of my piercing blue eyes, long hair, fat ass, broad shoulders, and skinny waist.”

Birdie gives him a little giggle, moving forward to kiss on his nose, “You figured me out.”

“Sweet Birdie Mae gonna corrupt this sweet Baizen boy.”

“Raiden?” he raises his eyebrows looking at her seriously. “Can I stay the night at your place? Your apartment is bigger than my dorm.”

“Is that all you want?”

“I don’t know.”

“Fine, we’ll watch a cheesy chick flick, get to making out, and you tell me how far you wanna go?” she nods her head and he starts carrying her back to the room. “Now, I gotta see this new piece of yours.”

Otto tags a swig of his beer, trying to watch the girls.  Trying to get out of his head, and remove Annie.  It was a failing game.  It was the last night of just him and the girls before his family came for the rest of the week.  And of course Illiana had used her puppy dog eyes to let them go out to a local bar.  He of course thought it was a terrible idea, but Illiana had appealed to his better nature.  He loses focus on them dancing with each other the moment that Annie sat down at their table.

“You look deep in thought?” 

“Are you not?” he asks her with a smirk.  She nods her head, and reaches for his beer bottle.  “Careful now, you’re underage, Annie Gables.”

“One sip won’t hurt anyone,” their conversation was too easy.  She had thought about Brooks less and less.  And even dreaded the thought of going home.  Scared of what she would find.  Over a week of him alone, and his favorite excuse for his recent behavior was right in front of her.  His own brother.

He gives her a timid smile, before looking back down at the table.  Otto didn’t get nervous in front of women, and here he sat, unsure what to say to the pretty redhead.  “You ready for the rest of your family to be here?”

“Ready for ten more Baizen’s?  I guess.  Brookie coming?” Annie is the one to look at the table shrugging.

“Haven’t heard from him.  He’s really busy at work,” really busy working on another woman.  She has to bite at her lip, so she doesn’t cry.  Unsure of how she’s going to go back.  Ashamed that it’s him sleeping with someone else, and not the drugs that makes her want to leave.

“Annie, you deserve so much more than that.  You need someone who will love and cherish you,” she looks up at Otto, and he reaches over to cup her cheek.  The two having one of the many tender moments they’d had the past few days.  

Iclynn stops her dancing to stare at the two.  Confusion wasn’t even the word.  She knew something was going on between Brooks and Annie, but now there was something blooming between her and Otto.  “Ow, jackass,” she shouts at an older man who bumps into her.

“Well, look what we have here.  Aren’t you girls a pretty bunch?”

“In your fucking dreams, asshat.  Leave,” Illiana gives him a less than polite shove, while Daisy moves further away.  Looking over to the table where Otto and Annie are, and bites at her lip.  “Excuse me, I didn’t fucking stutter.”

“Ills, shut up,” Iclynn pulls her little sister back.

“A bunch of college girls, trying to sneak into this exclusive club.  Which dick did you suck to get in here?  I’ll give you another, and we can go to the VIP room,” Iclynn pulls at Illiana to get them away from the situation.  “Oh, come on sweet cheeks.  You’re ruining all the fun.”

“My pussy cost a lot more than you’re willing to spend.”

“Sugar baby, huh?  You want daddy’s money?”

“Oh my god.  I already got daddy’s money.  Leave us alone!” Iclynn tries dragging her sister away, but Illiana was just getting started. 

“You looking for a new daddy?” his eyes look hungrily at Daisy who rubs along her chest, tears in her eyes, and she only looks at Otto.

“My father has more than enough money.  I don’t need your cheap ass,” Iclynn begins to get uncomfortable with the talk of money, even giving a yell of Otto’s name.  The crowd backs further away from them, and she grabs Daisy's hand.

“You fucking bitch.”

“What did you just say to me?”

“Ills!  Stop,” Iclynn reaches for her hand, and starts dragging her over to Otto, who finally takes a glance at the girls, and sees Iclynn trying to drag his sister, while Daisy has worried her chest to a deep red shade.  “Just leave us alone.  We’re leaving.”

“Shit,” Otto jumps up, jogging over to the situation.  Looking over the girls, before pushing them behind his back.  “What the hell are you doing to a bunch of high schoolers?”

“New money.”

“It’s the fucking Hamptons, man.  Most of us have money.  Who cares where it’s from.”

“These your bitches?” he squares up with Otto who gives him a devilish smirk.

“They’re my sisters.”

“Yeah, you’re a bitch, too.”

“Mr. Baizen,” the owner of the bar, steps beside the two of the men, eyeing up Otto.  “Is everything okay?”

“This man has had too much to drink.  And he was making advances on a minor.”

“What?”

“She didn’t give you the time of day, and she’s only seventeen, asshole,” with a snap of the owner’s fingers, he apologizes having the gentleman escorted.  “Ills, I’ve told you about running that damn mouth of yours.”

“I can’t help it.  He started it.  Made it out like we just snuck in here.  I didn’t even mention that Archie invested in this place.”

“Doesn’t matter.  Grab your stuff.  We’re going to the house,” Illiana whines at Otto, but Daisy and Iclynn scurry off to the table.  “Ills, I’m not playing, and I’m not in the mood.”

“Can we have a drink?  Please?  Please?  Please?”

“Fine, a bottle of wine or something,” he tells her as he pulls her to the table.  Giving a quick, sorry to Daisy and Annie.  “Wait, have any of you three had a breakup?” Annie snorts, looking between the three of them.

“No.”  “Not recently.”  “I’m a virgin.”

“Right,” he says, giving an odd look to Daisy.  “If you stay in the house, away from water, you can have either a bottle of wine to share or some Ciroc and raspberry lemonade.  Not both Illiana or I’m telling dad.”

“Narc, but honestly, thank you for being so generous with our alcohol consumption.  Annie joining this time?  I mean,” Otto narrows his eyes at her.  “We’ve stayed in the room, and you didn’t notice.  I stop them before they puke.”

“I stop you, before you make a fool of yourself on the phone,” Illiana shushes Iclynn quickly, giving her brother a sweet smile.  Otto knows he’s in over his head with them, but tomorrow his family was arriving.  “Can’t take it back, Otts.  We’ll be good.”

_______________________________

Annie sits on the couch too close, and not close enough to Otto.  The two nursing a beer as they watch some stupid movie and for the first time at ease.  Able to hear the triplets giggling loudly on the other end of the house, but they were in their own bubble.  Annie didn’t think about Brooks.  Just carries on an easy conversation with Otto.  

The next morning Carter walks in with Zephyr and slams the door to the house, when he sees Annie and Otto asleep on the couch.  Both of them sit up, staring wide eyed at the man.  Zephyr gives a quick little chuckle, “You’re in trouble.”

“Zephyr, go help your mother with the girls.  Rosie can’t carry her own luggage.”

“Yep.”

“Annie, I need a moment with my son,” Annie had never seen Carter angry before, and it didn't take much for her to run towards the door, “Go get my daughters and Daisy.  They can help bring in everything else,” she nods her head, and hopes she can wake them up.  “Otto.”

“Not in the mood,” he says, going to stand, and walk towards the back balcony.

“I really don’t give a fuck what you’re in the mood for,” Carter follows right along with Otto, before his son stops.  “What the hell are you doing?”

“Dad, it’s not what it looks like.”

“Not what it looks like?  It looks like you were sleeping on the couch with a pretty redhead, who just so happens to be your brother’s girlfriend.  Otto, we don’t do this.  We’re Baizen’s.”

“I’m not,” Carter’s angry stare turns more into a hurt confused look.  “I’m not a Baizen.  I’m a fucking Barber.  Isn’t that what Lydia calls me?  This is what I do.  I sleep with my brother’s girlfriends.  Except we didn’t do anything.  She…Brooks hasn’t even talked to her.”

“You are too a Baizen.  That’s all you’ve ever been.  Because I chose you and you chose me.  You don’t remember it, but you reacted to my touch more than your bastard sperm donor ever did.  If I ever hear you talk about you not being a Baizen again, I’m cutting you off.”

“I’ve made my own money.”

“Otto, this isn’t you.  This insecure person who is doing whatever that is, with his brother’s girlfriend.  Brookie looks up to you.”

“And looks down to his girlfriend.  God, I know you don’t see it, because he wants to pretend he’s got everything under control, but he’s an ass to her.  He expects her to be just like mom, and do everything for him with a smile on her face.  The difference is he’s demanding it, and doesn’t treat her with respect.  I know not every woman is going to be like mom and do everything for her husband and kids first.  But you’ve always respected her, and never expected it.  Dad, it’s not fair.  He doesn’t love her.  I do.”

Carter looks up at his son, looking more like an eighteen-year-old instead of his thirty-year-old self.  He’s never been in love, or loved a girl for the past few months.  Never had a girl meet the family.  Never got personal with them.  “This isn’t happening.  Her and Brooks need to come to that conclusion.  Otto, Baizen’s don’t cheat,” Otto scoffs at him, starting to walk into the house, hearing Rosie giggle, while Veda is begging to be held.  “Otto, you put a stop to this.  Your brother’s girlfriends are off limits.  And if you think your mother won’t notice.”

“I got it.  Baizen’s don’t cheat.  We’re faithful, honorable.  Just remember that.”

“What does that even mean?”

“I’m sure it’ll eventually come out.”

“I’ve never even noticed another woman, besides your mother, since she was seventeen.”

“Not you! God, not everything is about you!  Not all of us have this picture perfect life with the woman of our dreams.    Just drop it.  I’ll stay away from Annie,” spinning on his heel he walks inside to see Audriana squeal at seeing Annie.

“Is he here?  Annie, is my Brookie here?” 

“No, sweet girl.  Maybe we can call him later,” Audriana’s face falls for a moment before Carter comes up behind her, to pick her up, spinning his baby around in a circle.  “Mr. Baizen, it’s not what it seems.”

Story looks over at Carter, with a toddler Rosie in her arms, giving him and Annie an questioning look, “I understand.  I think you have some things to think about, and process though.  How about, the rest of you lot, go get bathing suits on.  We’re going on the boat.”

“My king?”

“Story, not now.  Go get Veda and Rosie dressed.  Zephyr’s going to help me get the boat ready.  Arlo, you, too.  Don’t go near the girls’ bedroom, just straight out to the boat.”

“Yes, sir,” Arlo says.  He walks past Zephyr who gives him a playful smack to the back of the head.

“Baizen, you go easy on that sweet boy.  He’s done nothing wrong, but start dating your oldest princess.  Come on, Rosie Osie, let's get you and sissy your new bathing suits on.”

“And then, I get to be back with Daddy?”

“Yes, Veda.  You’ll get to be with daddy the rest of the day, okay?” Zephyr grabs up his oldest daughter, tossing her in the air, before he peppers kisses all over her.  Thanking his mom for getting them dressed.  “Maybe daddy can find him a nice girl to bring home.”

“Ma!”

“I’m just saying.  I made pretty babies.  And not one of you but Brookie has a steady girlfriend.”

“Hey!”

“Baby, I’m sorry,” she walks past Raiden, giving him a sweet little belly rub.  “I just like grandbabies, not from you, though.  You finish school first.  Sorry Birdie,” the sweet girl gives her a smile, but agrees completely.  “Come on girlies, let's get dressed, and go on the boat.”

_______________________

Otto sits on the sand, hearing his family giggling and laughing in the pool behind him.  This had been a draining day at best.  Every part of him had longed to keep touching Annie.  He doesn’t want to toot his own horn, but he’s pretty sure she wanted it, too.  He looks out to the horizon, wishing he would have grabbed a joint from Zephyr, because he could really use the escape.  

He hated this.  Hated feeling that he was in a constant losing battle.  “Otts,” Zephyr laughs, throwing a plastic shovel at Otto’s back.  “I brought the good stuff,” lighting up the joint, he passes it over to Otto for a quick toke.  “So, what’s going on?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing, as in a pretty redhead, Otto obsessed with redheads, said redhead is dating baby brother?”

“Nothing,” Otto deadpans, taking another drag.

“You were on the couch sleeping together.”

“Nothing happened.”

“Yeah.  My wife had a man sleeping on our couch, too.  A few of them actually.  Passed out in various rooms of our house, remember that?  Remember me finding her passed out in the bathroom, with Rosie crying on the floor?  I couldn’t find Veda.”

“This is different.  Don’t guilt trip me.”

“It’s different, because you’re not on drugs?” Otto shrugs, unsure where to take this conversation.  “Look, you could seriously get any girl.”

“So could you.”

“I’m healing.  Gimme that shit,” he grabs the pot from Otto, taking a long puff.  “Man, sometimes I just want something to pound into.  But I don’t know about relationships,” Otto snorts, looking at his brother.  “Yeah, I know.  I fall in love fast, and that’s how I ended up with a psycho bitch.  Got two of the most beautiful girls in the world though.  And Otto who doesn’t date, but is falling for your brother’s girl.  You know he’s only dating her because she’s a redhead.  He only wants to be just like you.”

“Yep, it’s true,” Archer reaches for the joint, before sitting down.  “Raiden won’t be joining us.  He’s in training.  He doesn’t just know I brought some mushrooms.”

“God, don’t give that giant psychedelics.  Who is going to carry him when he’s tripping?  Archie don’t!  You hit send.  Explain that to mom.”

“Explain what to your mother?” Carter asks, sitting down between Zephyr and Archie, his hands already reaching for the joint.  

“That Archie brought hallucinogens for Raiden.”

“Hey, I want that guy to have fun.  It flushes out of your system.  Practice will be a breeze for him.  Why is he getting drug tested?  He’s not in season.  It’s spring,” Zephyr shrugs, while Carter laughs.  “Ah!  There he comes now.  Big guy,” reaching in his pocket, he throws the bag of pills to him.  “Arleigh made these last week.  You’re good.”

“You’re giving me drugs my future mother-in-law made?  This feels wrong.  Dad, have you ever taken drugs from Mimi?”

“No.  From Papa, yes.  Gummies.”

“Papa doesn’t,” Carter nods his head at Archer, who starts laughing.  “I want to see Papa high.”

“No.  You don’t.  Trust me on that.  I wish Brooks could be here.”

“Yeah, but he’s working,” Carter shoots a glaring look at Otto, taking another hit from the joint before handing it to Zephyr.  “He’s always working.”

“And you’re always here.  By the way, I moved into your spacious office.  I figured you weren’t coming back.  Ow,” Archer grabs his arm, where Otto had elbowed him.  “What’s the deal with Brookie?  Is he starting a branch or a company?  Should have already had that up and running,” Zephyr gives a quick nudge to Otto, shaking his head.  “Rai, how many of those did you take?”

“Five.  Me big boy.  Me handle it fine.”

“You caveman.  It’s a wonder how you’ve managed to get Birdie Mae.”

“Because I’m not looking for someone to replace mom? Just a thought.  Stop it, or face the wrath of Rai Man,” he gives Archer a karate chop.  “There’s only one mom.  Dad’s already scored her.”

“Ten times,” all the boys groan, and kick a bit of sand at him.  “Easy.  Boys, all I have ever wanted is for you to feel fulfilled in your life.  Whether it’s alone, with a man or with a woman.  Just be fulfilled and happy.”

“And happy!” Zephyr reaches behind him to a cooler, passing everyone a beer, but Raiden.  “Sorry, you’re a minor.”

“For like four months.  Gimme that.”

____________________________________________

Story stands at the top of the steps watching her boys.  Their laughter is carried on the wind, but she never goes to sleep without telling Carter goodnight.  Veda and Rosie already asleep in her bed beside Audriana, so she has a small window.  She wishes that her itty bitty baby could be here.  Misses him more everyday since he doesn’t call.  

This is what she had always hoped for.  Carter surrounded by his boys, being able to be their friend instead of just their father.  And her husband looked so happy.  Even with his high as a kite laugh.  With a sigh, she picks up her dress, hearing her biggest baby cry in distress.

“Raiden, quit your screaming.”

“It’s no good.  Ma!” he gets excited as she walks down to them.  Leaning over Carter to give him a kiss.  “Mom, I need belly rubs.”

“How is she going to rub your belly with chicken feet for hands?” Zephyr laughs laying back on the sand.  

“Mama, why do you have chicken feet on your hands?” 

“Oh, good grief,” she says, placing a hand on Raiden’s belly, giving him a little belly rub.  “Zephyr Christopher, would you please stop it.”

“That’s not my name.”

“It is now.  You want to torture my baby.  You get a new name.”

“You called me Zephyr Christopher.  I’m Zephyr Anders.  Take it back.”

“Yeah, well, I can’t put you boys in timeout anymore, so I call you the wrong name,” she gives Raiden a pat to his belly, and kisses the top of his head.  Making her rounds, to kiss all of them good night.”

“I mean, she’s called me Carter James Baizen.”

“You called dad after uncle Jamey,” Zephyr’s eyes completely closes, as he gives his dad a dopey laugh.

“No she didn’t!” Archer squeals.

“I’ve been Otto Steven before.”

“I’m Archer Beck.  Caught her calling Brookie, Brooks Buchanan Baizen.”

“Ma!  You are over here switching are names passive aggressively.  What’s Raiden’s?  Go on.  Tell us what the baby boy’s name is,” Zephyr asks, still laying back on the sand, his own hands starting to rub his belly.

“I’m Raiden Jensen.  Mom?  Seriously, what are we gonna do about your hands?  My belly still feels funny.”

“Go find Birdie Mae.”

“Oh!  Okay.  Burd-Dee!  I’m coming, baby.  No I’m not,” he sits back down, falling back to look up at the moon.  “When will it stop?”

“What is he on Baizen?” giving Carter a little tug to his hair, to look up at her.  “Baizen?”

“I didn’t do it.  That was Archie.”

“He would never.”

“He did, Ma.  And Zeph turned you into a chicken.”

“I’m bringing blankets.  Baizen, don’t let any of you drown.  I’m quite fond of you guys most of the time, but maybe you need to sleep out here.”

“My Queen, I’ll make sure all of us make it up to the house shortly.  I’ve spent enough nights away from you.  I won’t be spending another.  How many are in our bed?”

“The youngest three.  Audi is a bit upset that her Brookie isn’t here.  Maybe you should call him?” Otto rolls his eyes, before laying into the sand.  “He can at least spend a day and a night.  Take Annie home with him.  It’s out of the way for us.  We’ll make sure she gets home, but still.”

“I’ll call him,” she turns to leave, but Carter grabs her hand, “I love you Story Baizen.”

“Love you, too, Sir Lancelot.”

“Eh!”

“I love you Carter Rory Baizen.”

Listening, but getting nowhere, “Put Raiden on the phone.”

“Mrs. Baizen, we need for you to come to the school.”

“I understand, but I also need to hear how my son is doing,” she does a quick puff of air, irritated that she hadn’t been home long, barely got the girls settled, when this happened.

“Yes, mama?” her sweet, angelic boy asks.

“You want to tell me why you got into a fight at school?” Raiden looks at his headmistress, and shakes his head. “Raiden Carter Baizen, I will call your father.”

“Mama, they made Foxley cry.”

“I’m dropping your sisters off at the estate, and I’ll be right there.”

“Mama, don’t bring,” Story knows what he was about to say, but she hangs up before he could finish.

Grabbing up an emergency diaper bag for Fauna, and a few toys, “Edie, come on baby. We’re going to spend some time with Mimi and Papa,” Edie let’s out a squeal of delight, grabbing up her stuffed swan before she’s running to the car.

It doesn’t take much for Story to stomp up the stairs with her little babies, and bursting in the door, when her parents look at her oddly.

“I need you to watch the babies, Raiden pushed a kid at school,” she busies herself laying down everything, handing off Fauna to her dad, when Lucy walks in.

“That doesn’t sound like Raiden,” their mom says, picking up Edie that jumps into her arms.

“All I got out of it was Foxley cried.”

“Yeah, I’m going with you.”

“Lucy, please don’t embarrass us,” their mother pleads.

“Lucy, please make sure our sweet Foxy girl is okay. I’ll have a special sundae for the both of them,” Ransom starts to make a comment about Fable, but leaves it alone. Watching his two most opposite daughters, walk nearly hand in hand to see what’s going on with their babies.

Story marches directly to the headmistresses office, seeing her baby boy with the blotchiest face, crying. He runs to his mom, repeating I’m sorry. Grabbing his hand the three of them sit in the office waiting for this meeting.

“Mama, can y-y-you rub my belly?” he asks holding up his button up shirt a bit. Story’s hand rubs over his belly gently, and he backs up until he’s in her lap. She looks over at Lucy, and grabs up her hand.

As soon as the headmistress sits down, she gives a quick glance over to Lucy, “We didn’t ask Miss Drysdale to come in.”

“Mrs. Drysdale, I’m married. My husband took my last name.”

“I apologize. Mrs. Baizen, Raiden is going to be suspended for a week, due to this being his first offense.”

Lucy opens her mouth, but Story blurts out, “That’s it? No trying to get to the bottom of things?”

“I’m sorry?” she looks amongst the women, and Raiden who stares a hole into her desk.

“What transpired to cause him to get in a fight?”

“We have zero tolerance.”

“Raiden,” Story ignores the woman in front of her, “why did you start a fight with those boys?”

“They called sissy weird, because she talks to her markers. You know she says she hears the colors talk to her, and that’s how she decides what to use. And one boy, pushed her, and mama, they’re so mean to Foxy, and she’s just different. Lucy she cried the big big tears.”

Lucy gasps, starting to speak again, but again Story interrupts her, “Are these other…how many boys?”

“Four.”

“And they’re ages?”

“They’re eleven,” the headmistress deadpans.

“So a whole three years older than Raiden, and four years older than Foxley. It was four against one,” she takes a glance at Raiden, seeing a few bruises forming, and scratches, “He’s eight, and has marks on him as well. My family teaches our kids to stick up for one another. He saw his little cousin being made fun of and pushed, and he reacted in the only way he can think of.”

“We have talked about Raiden’s excitement.”

“He functions fine at home. My child will not be put on medication, just because his teachers allow him to get bored. He has football practice daily, and a private coach three times a week. He gets his energy out. But I am not talking about your need to make sure he’s stimulated, even though you won’t allow him his fidgets. I am talking about how my son is being suspended, which I don’t disagree on, but those four other boys are not.”

The headmistress stares at Story a moment, hearing a commotion on the other side of her door. “That sounds like our niece,” Lucy almost laughs. “Headmistress, is there a reason the school has failed in doing their job with my daughter? I want Foxley to be as innocent and creative as she can be. Yes, she can have her eccentricities, but she is a child. And a boy who is more like a brother to her defended her. But since this has continued to be a problem, I want to unenroll her. I work from home, and she’ll be homeschooled.”

“Miss Drysdale…”

“Mrs. Drysdale,” Lucy growls out. “I want my daughter to have social skills outside of her family, but I also realize our extended family are people she spends time with as well. Foxley is a different child, but she’s mostly quiet, and keeps to herself.”

“I want my daddy!” Story and Lucy both turn towards the door when they hear Fable shout. “I want him right now! This is an injustice! I demand to have a chat with those boys, since my stupid teacher wouldn’t let me!”

“Why is Fable in the office?” Lucy asks, almost chuckling when she looks at the headmistress.

“Your gaggle of a family always stick together,” Story, Lucy, and Raiden all smile at her. “Apparently there was an issue with Fable, and she didn’t get a chance to assist Raiden.”

“Mama, Brian O’Connor was holding her back, and Birdie was comforting Foxley.”

Story actually snorts along with Lucy, the headmistress nearly glaring at the two of them.

“Raiden! I know he’s in that room, if you so much as punish him, I’ll make sure to send my lawyer aunt Iris to defend him. I demand to see my daddy! Where is he?”

“Headmistress, please send my daughter down to the office. She’s going home. Call our brother and let him know that Fable is going home with us,” the headmistress looks between the two of them shaking her head.

“I assure you, me and my sister are both on her checkout list. Both her parents are working, and busy,” Story looks at the door when she hears Fable scream Raiden’s name again. “You will not calm her down.”

“She’s being suspended as well for arguing with her teacher.”

“I understand. I’ll make sure her parents come to sign the papers. Is that all?” Story leans around her son to give him a soft kiss on his cheeks, before running her fingers through his hair.

“Very well, all three of your children can go home. Mrs. Drysdale, I urge you to reconsider your withdrawal of Foxley.”

“I’ll discuss it with my husband and her. We like for our children to be included in decision make.”

“Raiden! Beat twice if you’re okay!”

“Please, take her home.”

————————————

Carter runs up the front stairs of the estate, Brooks, Iclynn, and Illiana with him, while the older two boys are with Otto and Ellie. Bursting through the door, the kids run to the back, but he’s only looking for Raiden and Story.

He gets stopped on his mission by Lucy, “Ahh, you’re wife.”

“Is she okay?”

“Okay?” Lucy asks oddly. “Okay? She was amazing. I rarely had to say anything she was assertive and took care of business. In fact, his suspicion has been reduced to two days, which she said is going to be mommy and Raiden days while the babies are here. Dad can’t wait for his mini Story book to be here with him.”

Carter gawks at his sister-in-law, his eyes moving quickly for any sign of his wife. “I know that look,” she gives him a grin. “Her, Raiden, and Fauna are in the theater room. She’s just in there because she’s napping and needed some beebs to lay on.”

Carter walks towards the theater room, and sees his youngest son, cuddled up with his mom, his youngest daughter sleeping sweetly on her. “Daddy…I…”

“Raiden, we’ll talk later. Go outside with your brothers and sisters. We’ll be going home shortly.”

“I’d rather talk right now. It scares me when you’ve had a minute to process,” Carter cocks up an eyebrow, and Raiden jumps up, walking over to his dad, who pulls him in for a tight hug.

“I’m proud of you for protecting your family. Birdie Mae will be coming here any minute now. Arleigh said she’s very upset and wants to check on Foxley, you let her do that first.”

“Yes, sir,” he says with a sweet grin, going to join his family, and hoping that his Mimi will give him belly rubs.

“Story…”

“Carter, he didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I know.”

“Lucy is thinking of withdrawing Foxley, and I don’t want her, too, but I get it. Fable also got a day of suspension for arguing with her teacher and administrators. And…”

“Story, I heard you kept all our babies from a harsher punishment,” he sits down beside her, lifting her chin up for a passionate kiss. “I don’t know how I feel about you being so assertive. I was for sure I would find you in need of some confidence when I got her.”

“That is my baby, Baizen, and he needs me to advocate for him.”

“And I think you need another baby.”

She looks down at the sleeping baby on her chest shaking her head no, “Story, the nine we have says otherwise. We don’t do odd numbers. I’ll be seeing you in the vault this evening.”

“Oh hush, and kiss me again.”

————————————

As soon as Chris walks into the backyard, his Foxy girl comes rushing up to him, wrapping her hands around his neck tightly and burying her face on his shoulder. Her cloud dog, Waffles nipping at her feet.

“Daddy, I was so scared.”

“I know baby.”

“There was so many of them, and they…daddy, they wanted to hurt Raiden,” he smooshes his face up against her holding her as tight as possible, when he searches out his little quarterback.

Her body never lets go of him, when he walks over to Raiden, “Uncle Kissy, Mimi and Papa gave us special sundaes.”

Chris gets down on his knees, holding his free arm wide for Raiden. The big little boy runs to him, and Chris leans in his ear, “Thank you for taking care of my baby, QB. I don’t know what everyone else thinks, but you’re not in trouble with me.”

“Kissy, you’re squishing me,” he pulls back from the boy, giggling at him. “Hey we Drysdale’s stick together. They better be glad that Brian was holding Fable back, I think she was ready to claw their eyes out.”

“You guys are way too young for fights.”

“Daddy, mama said I don’t have to go to school anymore, but I like it most of the time.”

“Shh, baby,” he gives her another hard kiss, “we’re not gonna worry about it right now, okay?”

“Okay.”

“You two go play. Raiden, thanks again buddy.”

It was like Story knew before she knew that Raiden was going to be her last boy. She had cherished every second of this pregnancy. Even when her belly became stretched much sooner than with her previous children. Becoming all belly, quickly.

She took an indefinite hiatus from writing, focusing on her children, and enjoying her gigantic bump, that kept knocking into everyone. More than once hearing her dad fuss at the baby, “Story!” he’d scream as she bumped his back again. Her big blue eyes turning up when she laughs at him.

“If this is our future, you’ve got a giant and clumsy kid.”

She would rub over her belly a bit, smiling down at her bump, “I hope so. I hope he’s so clumsy, and needs me to kiss all his boo boos.”

“After this one you’re done?”

“Daddy, we don’t have our girl.”

“What the hell? Tweedle Dum, do you have to look at her when she says daddy?” while Carter just about tucks his tail and runs with a little Brooks in his arms, Story giggles at him. “I’m serious, Story book, I’m the daddy.”

“Carter is too. The daddy of my kids. You’re being ridiculous.”

She was only slightly afraid of needing a c-section. Hoping that his big head would fit. Terrified that the cesarean would shorten how many kids she could possibly have.

But when it came time for her to deliver him, he was the easiest labor. The nurse laid him on her chest, and she couldn’t even look at Carter who was just holding a kiss on her head as his own eyes looks at their big baby. This most perfect little boy with the biggest cheeks trying to open his eyes and look at her. “Carter,” the only thing she can whisper out as she holds him.

Not making a peep until the nurse removed him from her chest, and even Story cried right along with him. Neither stopping until he was returned, “I don’t think we need to show you how to nurse do we?” she shakes her head no, and he latches on immediately.

His large hand wraps around her perfect pink manicure, and if wasn’t her husband and four other boys, she would say she’d never seen anything more beautiful. His head full of the blackest curls.

She finally looks up at Carter with a sleepy smile, “He looks like your baby pictures, Baizen.”

He never tires of her calling him that. A sign that she was happy and in a good mood, “He does. I think his cheeks are a bit bigger.”

“Don’t let him lie to you. Your daddy was a chonky baby, too.”

And his belly grew quickly. Gaining weight rapidly, while Story struggled to keep any breast milk frozen. All the kid wanted to do was eat. Those big silvery blue eyes that reminded her of her husband, and his rotund belly that poked out of his diaper.

Being an August baby like herself, and growing too quickly for his clothes, he was always in just a diaper.

That belly always poking out after he was a bit milk drunk. She would wipe his mouth clean, and then couldn’t take it anymore. Her hand would rub over his sweet big belly, “Baby mine, don’t you cry,” she would start singing as his eyes drift closed. “Baby mine, dry your eyes. Rest your head, close to my heart, never to part, baby of mine.”

He’d give her a smile, eyes already closed, and she’d poke a pink finger in his one dimple. So many of her family members only had the one, and right now, his was the sweetest.

Raiden got so used to his belly being rubbed, he couldn’t relax without it. And no one rubbed his belly like his mama. She never had to ask if he was tired. As a baby, unable to walk, he’d tap on his belly blubbering out Ma. When he could walk, that shirt was being pulled up as he took wobbly steps to her.

Crawling in her lap, he’d just place her hand on his belly. She wouldn’t even have to look at him, and that hand was giving him his belly rubs. With a squeaky, “Mama,” he’d pull at her chin for a sloppy kiss.

“Mama, I did not kiss you like that,” a five-year-old Raiden flips through his photo album with his mom as she tells him how he was.

“Yes you did baby. You would pull my chin and just kissed me with your mouth wide open. Drool and everything.”

“Nu-uh. I did not,” she flips the next page to show Raiden with his mouth open on hers. “I was eating you,” he crosses his arms over his chest giving a little pout.

“You were kissing me. No one else but Mimi wanted kisses from you because of the baby drool.”

“How old was I?”

“You were one and a half years old.”

“Do I kiss better now?” Story turns to him puckering up her lips, and he gives her a quick smooch before flopping back on the couch. “Well?”

“No drool, see?”

“You let me do that?”

“You were a baby, Raiden. I wasn’t going to just give my baby’s kisses away. Those were for mommy,” he gives her quick pout flipping the next page. “What’s that?”

“You and Birdie Mae.”

Raiden pulls the album closer getting a better look, “That is a little baby. Who’s baby is that?”

“That is you and Birdie Mae,” he looks at her in disbelief, and she giggles, flipping to another page of him and Brooks.

“What is that?”

“Brookie.”

“No, he’s older than me.”

“Raiden, you were a hoss. A big boy. My chunker. The chonkiest of babies.”

“Ahh! Why is my mouth of your beebs! What is that?”

Story takes a deep breath looking at him, “I breastfed you. Like I’ve done with your sisters.”

“Why?”

“Because, it is natural. Because it’s good for you. Because it’s good for me. Because I could. Not everyone can. You did about suck me dry. We had to put you on baby food before any of the other kids.”

“Who else put their mouth on your beebs?”

“Just my babies,” Story says starting to close the book.

“Am I going to have big big babies?”

“Your wife may,” his face scrunches up in concentration as he thinks about that. “Don’t even go there.”

“Burd-Dee is much smaller than me.”

“Go play.”

“Mama?” Story smiles at her biggest baby, and he starts to lift her arm. His other arm raising his shirt as he leans back poking his belly out. “I need belly rubs.”

“You sleepy?” he nods his head at her, “You need Dumbo?”

“Only if you sing Baby Mine.”

Story questions why it’s too quiet when the boys came home from school. Archer had already came to give her a hug and kiss, sitting in the kitchen to do his homework with her, while the other boys had said their heys, running upstairs.

Her usual rowdy stomping boy Raiden had not given her a hug. Had not let her squish his cheeks, and had not animatedly told her about his days. “Archie, where’s Rai man?”

Archie looks up at his mom laughing, trying to stop himself, before he’s laughing again. Story tilts her hip to the side, “Archer Harlan Baizen you better tell me what’s so funny, and what’s wrong with my baby.”

“He…I think maybe you should go talk to him. Kindergarten was rough for him today.”

Story gives him a scolding look before kissing the top of his head, and walking into the living room to see her baby boy arms crossed over his chest with an exaggerated pout of his face. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Raiden Car…”

“Do not call me that name ever again,” he looks up at the ceiling and blinks his eyes a bit. “They just won’t come out anymore.”

“What won’t come out?”

“The tears, mama! The tears. They’re all gone and can’t come out anymore. And I…I’m heartbroken so bad. My little heart just hurts. And…she kept the baby,” Story nods her head finally understanding.

Without speaking a word, she sits on the couch beside him. With a single sigh he crawls into his mom’s lap, laying his head on her bump. “It hurts.”

“Your heart?”

“Yes, deep in my chest. It hurts. And…and she told me she couldn’t talk to me anymore when I told her to please not do this.”

“I’m assuming you didn’t take it well?”

He tilts his head back to look at her, and turns his nose up in disdain.

“Does this look like I took it well?”

“Buddy, you want to start from the beginning? Mama is good with broken hearts. Ask Otto and Zephyr.”

Raiden takes in a deep breath, exhaling quickly. Those Carter Baizen puppy dog eyes look up at her and start getting glossy, and that bottom lip puckers out, and his head shakes. “I can’t. It’s horrible.”

“We can go to Mimi and Papa’s for dessert. I’m sure his magic sprinkles will make my big boy feel better,” she tickles at his belly a bit, but he pushes her hand away.

Lifting his shirt up, he pats his belly. “You wanting me to rub the belly?” responding by nodding his head, she gives him a nose kiss, pushing back his curls before slowly rubbing on his belly. “Does this make it better.”

“Uh huh,” he breathes in deeply, and looks up at his mom, “She told me she didn’t want to be with me like that. That her daddy said she can’t get married and she doesn’t want to right now. So now what am I going to do?”

“Right now, Raiden.”

“But Beau said…”

“Maybe,” Story gives her son the biggest smile she can. Still rubbing over his belly. With the other hand she cups his cheek. “Maybe you’re too much for our sweet Birdie Mae.”

“I’m a Drysdale.”

“She doesn’t have any Drysdale. Not everyone is as dramatic as us Drysdale’s. But don’t change who you are. Maybe it’s time for you and Birdie Mae to be friends. Just friends. No more kissing behind the slide or swings. No more chasing her and telling her if you catch her she has to marry you. Just chase her.”

“What do I get?”

She moves to petting his curls again remembering when her oldest Otto was this little. Wishing time could slow down with her babies. Especially since he was her baby boy. “You get to have fun. And in time, should she want to marry her, she will.”

“You wanted daddy to marry you, and he did.”

“Because he wanted to marry me, too. It’s not fun being in a one sided relationship, bubba. Both people need to want to be there. Or want to be romantic. Want to be friends. You know?”

“So…” he pauses thinking about all his mom was telling him. “One day, Birdie Mae will want to marry me.”

“Maybe.”

“You said, yes or no. That’s not yes or no.”

“I say that when it can be answered with a yes or no. Like do you want ice cream? Emotions are difficult. Sometimes people’s emotions change, and that’s okay. Change can be beautiful. It can be sad, or scary, or exciting. But, that’s up to Birdie Mae. You’ve made it clear your emotions. And maybe, in time, if you don’t pester her, she will want to play house again. You understand?”

“Kinda. So…tomorrow she’ll play with me?”

“Raiden, I’m not Birdie Mae. I don’t know. Did something happen?” before she’s even finishing the sentence his head shakes back and forth rapidly. “Raiden Carter Baizen. You better tell me what happened or I’m calling Arleigh right now.”

“Mama, no! I don’t want to talk about it. Please don’t call Bunny! Please! I promise I won’t do it again. Mama,” he pouts up at her, begging again.

“Then you talk to me. If you did something to Birdie Mae.”

“But I didn’t mean to!”

__________________________________________

“Birdie Mae,” Arleigh peaks her head into her daughter’s bedroom who holds onto that baby. “Baby what’s wrong.”

“I did it.”

“Did what?” Arleigh goes to sit beside her daughter, and wraps an arm around her. “Dovey, what did you do?”

“I broke up with him. Even though, I don’t remember when that happened. But I don’t want to see him. He…well…”

“Baby, do I need to call Story?”

“No…it’s…he embarrassed me. I can’t forgive him,” she takes a deep breath and Arleigh waits patiently on her daughter to gather her thoughts. Birdie Mae is unable to think of how to tell her mom.

“I should start from the beginning.”

“That’s probably best.”

“Well, we always play tag. And…he jokes that when he catches me, we’ll get married. Sometimes, but he usually just says it to me. But everyone knows,” her Beau Adler green eyes look up at her mom, and she sighs.

“Today…someone dared him to kiss me when he caught me. He said no. But when he caught me…mama they pushed him to my lips and everyone laughed, and I cried, and they laughed again, and Raiden tried to tell me something but it’s his fault.”

“I thought you two kissed behind the slide.”

“Mama!” Birdie Mae yelps at her. “This was a different kiss. This was a real one.”

“How was this real?”

The little girl looks back at her baby doll, and taps on Ember’s lips. “Behind the slide he kissed my forehead and I kissed his cheek. This time…he kissed my lips.”

“Dovey, it sounds like he didn’t want to kiss you there either. If someone pushed him…it was an accident.”

“He’s the reason they say that though. He tells me he’ll marry me when we’re thirty. But now he kissed me so we have to get married. And I don’t want to be a Baizen. I like being an Adler. Don’t make me marry him. I’ll lie and say we didn’t touch our lips. Mama please!” her words mesh together, and it’s just nonsensical.

“Baby,” Arleigh coos down at her. Lifting her daughter up to sit in her lap trying to soothe her. “There’s more to getting married than kissing. You don’t have to marry him because you touched lips.”

“But daddy said…”

“Your dad was trying to scare you. I hate that your classmates did that to you. But it seems that Raiden didn’t like it either. Should I call Story and Carter?” Birdie Mae only cries harder burying her face in her mom’s chest. “Oh, Dovey girl. I know it’s embarrassing.”

“He’s my friend. I don’t want to not play with him.”

“You don’t have to.”

“We broke up.”

“Then,” she pushes her sweet daughter back to look at her face. Using her hands to wipe the tears off her angelic freckled face. “You can just be friends now. No kissing. Play house if you want, but just be like everything before.”

“So I don’t have to take care of Ember all by myself?”

“No, baby. Mama can help too. But you and Raiden should just have fun. We don’t have to talk about a future. The kissing showed you that your not ready for such a relationship, huh?” pouting at her mom she nods her head. “Okay, let’s go pick some strawberries, I made shortcake earlier. And tonight you and daddy can make a mess with the whipped cream.”

“Mama,” Birdie Mae gazes at her mom with such fondness, her tiny little finger starts dotting over her mom’s freckles, and Arleigh scrunches up her nose. “I love you.”

“I love you, too sweet girl. I love my Dovey girl so much! Can I kiss you on the cheek now?”

“Yes ma’am.”

Raiden gives a quick wave to his family, most of his siblings there along with some cousins, aunts, uncles, and all of them wearing the number twelve somewhere on their body.  He isn’t sure who is more proud, his parents or his uncle Chris.  His mom giving him her big smile, and he waves, looking into the crowd for someone else.

He sighs not getting sight of her, before returning to his team.  Being the captain, he can’t get too distracted.

Fable pulls her best friend down the bleachers, and sees that they already missed them coming out onto the field and his wave to his family.  “You just had to get cold feet, huh?” she huffs pulling her down with her.

Story spots Birdie Mae immediately, giving her husband a shove with her elbow.  “I just...I told you, when it’s him,” Birdie Mae stops her train of thought, when Raiden turns and spots her.  Giving her the biggest smile he can, and a wave.

“What was that you were saying?” Fable scoots down below her family, and in the student section.  Not caring to shove people out of the way, so she can have Birdie Mae where Raiden can easily see her.

“When it’s him, there won’t be any others.”

“Okay, and?  You’ve dated.  You can’t stand them,” Fable turns to look at her friend, and wants to laugh when her eyes are only on Raiden.  “They’re never going to be him.  If you’re searching for him in someone else you’re going to be disappointed.”

“We’re just seniors in high school.”

“My mom was nineteen when she met my dad, and he was basically her first and only.  It could work.  Ris and James.  His damn parents fell in love when his mom was seventeen.  You can be together and not be married or...” Birdie Mae jumps up screaming when Raiden makes a touch down.

“Uh huh.  Lets find that girl that paints faces, you need a number twelve.”

________________________________________________________________

Raiden takes a deep breath before the play.  Trying to keep his head in the game, but he can’t deny that there’s a sweet little distraction this time.  With only a few seconds left in the game, scouts here to watch him, and even a championship riding on this game, he zones in. 

His time on the field, is nearly over for the night.  He doesn’t even peek towards her, although he wants to.  Noticed her cheering appropriately, and he...he gets his head back in the game.  Seconds left.

Birdie Mae watches as Raiden catches the ball, and runs as fast as his long legs can carry him.  Getting a touchdown right as the buzzer goes off, and winning the game.  In lieu of celebrating with his teammates he runs over to where she sits, giving her a huge sweaty faced grin, “You came, Burd-Dee,” he pulls his helmet off his head, so she fully take in his handsome face.

“I couldn’t miss your big game,” she takes a big gulp, and he jumps up onto the bleachers with her, climbing over the fence.  “Raiden Carter, what’re you doing?  There was stairs just over there.”

“I wanna kiss you.  Properly.”

“Why?” even though the crowd roars all around her, all she sees is this towering football player in front of her.

“I don’t want to date anymore of these girls.  They’re not worth my time and effort, because it’s always just been you.  Gimme a kiss, and lets quit with our...” Birdie Mae stands on her tippy toes, struggling to reach his lips.  Wrapping his arms around her, he lifts her up and they melt into one another.

The crowd cheering for a very different reason now.  Her fingers play with his long hair, and when they pull apart, she smiles up at him sweetly.  “I gotta shower.”

“Yeah, you’re gross.”

“Will you meet me after?  Shouldn’t take but thirty-ish minutes.”

“Is that how this works?”

Raiden gives her a crooked grin and laughs, “It works however we want it to.  I’d like to hang out afterwards.  But if you need to get back to the cabin.”

“I can wait.  You’ve waited long enough.” 

“Mama,” Raiden looks at his mom as she walks into his room, letting out a deep sigh. “Rub my belly.”

“Rai Man, you’re…”

“I’m your baby boy, and my belly needs rubbed. It doesn’t feel good,” Story only gives him a soft smile, and rubs her hand over his belly. He closes his eyes for a moment, before looking at himself in the mirror.

“Do I have to wear the tie?”

“No. I have a feeling that sweet Birdie Mae that you’re meeting will be just fine if you didn’t.”

He pushes her hand off of him, and looks in the mirror again while he fixes his suit. “I’m nervous.”

“Why?”

He takes a deep calming breath, before looking at his mom, instead of her reflection. “Because, she agreed to go to the dance with me.”

“I’m not following.”

“I’m still convinced she’s going to marry me. I just don’t…when we ‘broke up’ because that idiot Jonathan pushed me into her, and everyone said we kissed. And by the way I stand behind the fact I did not. It was more our noses bumped but you know how kids are.”

“Your Carter Baizen is showing. I have heard this story many times. You don’t have to sell me on this.”

“Mama,” he gives her a little pout. “I really like her. Still. She’s the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen, and no one is going to compare to her. I want to date…”

“No,” Carter answers walking into his room. “Your twelve. No dating. Don’t come on too strong. You’re going to a middle school dance.”

Raiden gives his dad a pout, but Carter still shakes his head no. “Is there something wrong with being a kid? There’s plenty of time to date. When your older.”

“When was your first dates?”

“I was seventeen, and it was your father.”

“I’m not talking about mine. It was miserable and everyone before your mom doesn’t matter. The point is son,” Carter’s hands smooth out the wrinkles on his son’s suit before spritzing on some cologne.

“I grew up in a household that pushed me to grow up way before I needed to. It hurt me and it hurt a lot of other people because I had one goal, and that was to find a wife.”

“I get it. You had to wait until your wife grew up, but me and Burd-Dee are the same age. I don’t have to wait so…”

“You’re waiting bubba. Go tell your sisters bye, and then daddy can take you to pick up Birdie Mae.”

_____________________________________________

Arleigh uses her fingers to slowly twist Birdie Mae’s natural curls even more. She’s amazed at how grown her daughter looks even for twelve. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

“I like him. But I don’t. And then I do. And he’s cute, and he’s funny. He’s full of manure. But he’s so nice. And he’s respectful. And he’s…I shouldn’t have agreed to go go with him.”

Arleigh picks up a gloss and puts it on her daughter’s lips, nodding her head. Moving on to a light coat of mascara and some blush. “Why do you say that?”

“I’m not ready.”

“For what?”

“To date.”

“Oh,” she pulls her Birdie Mae out into her bedroom, and starts adding bracelets to her wrist. “Why do you think you have to date?”

“We are.”

“Baby, you’re going to a middle school dance. Have fun. That kid will dance with you, unlike your dad. He wants to act like he’s too cool. Why are you putting so much pressure on this dance?”

“I really like him, but,” she sighs, looking over to that baby doll that she hadn’t played with in years. “I’m afraid…I don’t want to rush it because…because I…well, I like my necklace,” Birdie Mae gives a solid nod, giving her necklace a few taps.

“I’m not ready to give my necklace away just yet.”

“Well, then don’t. There’s no timeline that says when you do or do not get married. Boppy and Buzzy aren’t married to each other. But Buzzy and Gimma are married. Each relationship is different and beautiful. Your dad and I waited almost seven years to get married. But I loved him just as much being his girlfriend and then his fiancé. I always wanted babies with him, but we got to spend so much time being us before we got you. Don’t try to put your relationship in a box. Just be Birdie Mae.”

“And Raiden Carter.”

“And you can’t date anyways,” Beau tells her. His eyes looking at his watch. “Thirty,” Arleigh scolds him, so Beau changes his mind, “Twenty-five and then you can date. But you may ruin something before it starts if you don’t hurry. We’re gonna be late.”

___________________________________________

“I had fun tonight, Raiden Carter,” Birdie Mae gives him a little nudge with her shoulder and playfully smiles. Looking at the door to see if either of their parents had made it to pick them up, while they just sit behind the bleachers.

Giving them a moment of quiet and privacy. “I did, too, Burd-Dee.”

“I don’t want to give you my necklace.”

Raiden laughs throwing his head back. “Okay. Don’t give it back then. It’s not that serious.”

“It is to me. Would you…I mean…I’d like it if you…just wait for me.”

Raiden’s crystal blue eyes look over Birdie Mae’s face, unsure of what she’s asking. “I don’t want to give it to you, yet. Maybe eventually.”

“Is that a promise? I am going to marry you,” Birdie Mae’s face falls flat and she lets out a groan. “I think we deserve a do over.”

“For what?”

“I want you to be my first kiss. A proper one. Lips to lips. With a promise, that I will wait on you. All you got to do, is tell me you’re ready.”

“We’re twelve.”

“And I’m Story Baizen’s kid. I’ve looked at the stars, wished on them, and,” his words stop when Birdie Mae leans for giving his lips just the tiniest kiss, that he swears could make him fly.

Pulling back way too quickly, and now he can’t quit smiling at her dopily. “That was just for us, Raiden Carter. No one else. No teasing. Just our secret.”

“Our promise.”

“Quit talking like that,” she squeals. “We’re twelve!”

“You better run, Burd-Dee, I’m going to chase you!”

“This is ridiculous,” Carter looks at the toy and both his wife and youngest son gasp at him. “It is. It’s utterly ridiculous. Your Drysdale is showing son.”

“This,” he points at the baby doll refusing to remove his eyes away from his dad. “This is our baby,” Carter rolls his eyes but Story smiles sweetly at her big boy. “You’re making fun.”

“Daddy’s not making fun,” she turns glaring at Carter. “Are you my King?”

“No, I’m not making fun. I think it’s great that you wanted a lifelike doll for your five-year-old girlfriend so you can play in treehouse,” Story shakes her head no, and Carter gives her an odd look. “In the playroom?”

She gives him another shake of her head no, “Then where, woman?”

“Well,” she pets back the soft curls of Raiden’s hair and turns away from Carter for a moment. “He was concerned with Birdie Mae’s safety high in the tree.”

“No one has fallen out of the tree yet.”

“Yet, daddy,” his chubby little fingers points at his dad. “Tell him mama.”

“He…um, he kinda picked out a playhouse for her on the ground.”

“It’ll be our home. Our baby needs a place to sleep.”

Carter’s eyes slowly close, and he wonders if his wife ever had a doll she pretended was their baby. “Are you splitting your time with the baby?” Story snorts while Raiden looks at him confused.

“You and Birdie Mae don’t live together, so where does the baby stay? Will you have full custody, or joint? These are things we need to think about buddy. There’s a discussion of prenups should you get married. Also if the baby stays here who will watch him? Me and your mother both have enough kids.”

He looks outside their window to see a large box delivered. “Story, why is there a car seat being delivered?”

“My baby has to be safe! When is Burd-Dee getting here? When is our house being built? Can I have slumber parties with Burd-Dee in there? I will marry her, so we can start now.”

“Story, do something with your clone.”

“He looks just like you Carter,” she giggles. “And no slumber parties until your thirty. James is building you the playhouse in about thirty minutes. Even uncle Airy said he needed to see this. I believe Beau has no idea.”

———————————————————————————

“She’s coming right?” Raiden asks his mom excitedly. Story nods her head, and Raiden starts running upstairs, “I gotta get our baby! He’s not been named yet.”

After breakfast Arleigh comes over with her three babies, mostly spending time by the pool, while Raiden grabs Birdie Mae to give her a tour of the new playhouse.

“And this, is the fridge. Mama put some water in there. And look these cabinets,” he opens one up raising his eyebrows, “Real food. Icy and Ills tried to sleep out here last night. Come see,” he nearly drags her into the bedroom, and she sees the baby doll.

“Raiden Carter, he’s beautiful.”

“It’s…our baby. The future QB. But you have to name him,” he gives her a sweet little smile while she contemplates a name.

“Ember.”

“He’s a boy.”

“Like burning wood. That red part. Ember Cove like mama and daddy’s spot. We went swimming there,” Raiden smiles and pats the baby doll on the head.

“Let’s go swimming. Mama will babysit Ember Cove.”

Arleigh and Story with their floppy hats, drink their mocktails while they watch the kids swim. Arleigh’s hand rubs on Story’s belly still amazed that the woman is still having kids, and still is able to wrangle them up. And then she spots her daughter cradling a baby.

“You normally keep other babies in the playhouse?”

Story confused looks at her smiling boy. His face going from looking ahead of him to smiling at whatever it is she says. His little bouncy curls jumping with his steps and he even runs into a chair, because of the sweet little girl being a distraction.

“Oh that’s their baby.”

“Their baby?”

“Mama, Burd-Dee and me want to swim can you watch Ember Cove Baizen. You’re good with babies. Arleigh, this is your grandson,” with another sweet smile he pulls Birdie Mae into the pool with him splashing around with Brookie.

“My grandson?”

“He also got a car seat carrier for the baby, too. The baby needed to be safe,” she gives a sweet smile to her friend. “I’m sorry. Those Carter Baizen eyes, I can’t say no to. And he has a plan. He’s going to Boston college and play football, and she can travel with him, if she wants. And then when he makes the Pats, they’ll get married. He’s very convinced of this.”

“It’s a little much. Cute, but they’re five.”

“Oh, he’s already been told by me and his daddy, that he needs to calm down, and not be shouting how Burd-Dee Mae Adler is his and nobody can touch her in the hallway. He understands that’s embarrassing and he doesn’t want to hurt her. Raiden…he doesn’t always have a filter.”

“Sounds like someone else I know.”

“Oh he’s me. Worse. Had Carter been my age, that would be me,” Story agrees laughing. “Oh, he means well. He’s so sweet with her when I’m putting him to bed. Telling me how she’s the mostest prettiest girl at school. And she’s sweet to all the kids, and her eyes sparkle, and he wants to count her freckles.”

Arleigh shakes her head looking at the two young kids. When he’s not being overly aggressive about them getting married, they play well.

“Where did he get his height from?”

“Blade. He’s built more like Blade. But, one of the first memories I have of Carter’s face…Raiden looks just like him. Even his baby pictures, that’s my baby. I promise, he will treat Birdie Mae with respect throughout her life, even if they don’t get married. Carter makes sure that all the boys are respectful of women. Even if Otto can’t keep a girlfriend,” she rolls her eyes thinking of her oldest son.

“He likes those redheads you know. I think he’s determined to date every redhead at that school before he graduates.”

“Beau’s not gonna like the baby.”

“I think Raiden said he wants joint custody. So we’ll keep the baby this time.”

____________________________________________

Beau looks angrily at the carrier that sits in the middle of the living room. Birdie Mae in the bath and getting ready for bed while this baby doll that looks very real lays in front of him. “I don’t know what’s creepier, the baby doll or the fact they bought their son a fake baby to show that Raiden Carter and Birdie Mae are a couple.”

Arleigh flops down on the couch by her husband. “Why is that thing here?”

“That’s your grandson. And Birdie Mae missed him and wanted him here.”

Beau leans back pouting, crossing his arms around his chest. “It’s weird, that’s what it is. That thing isn’t going to stay here all summer.”

“They have joint custody,” Arleigh throws her head back in a fit of laughter, and Beau still just glowers at it.

“If that thing gets left in the car, people will call the cops on us. It looks real.”

“They’re just kids.”

“That’s…that’s what Mrs. Drysdale said about James and Iris. How did that end up? And you know who else played house like that? James and Iris.”

“I believe Arthur and Guinevere did, too,” Beau turns to glare at his wife now. “We’re well past that. But you did. How many times did you try to convince her Arthur marries Guinevere? You two have a baby?”

“Nope.”

“Roselyn…Blue? Gray?”

“Skye,” Beau deadpans.

“Ha! See. And who bought who the baby doll?”

“You and Story talk too much. I forbid you to go back over there unless you’re taking that thing.”

Birdie Mae stomps her feet over to the baby, “He is mine! And you will call him Ember Cove. You can be so cruel. He misses his daddy, and you’re hurting his feelings. Come ‘ere baby, Papi is being mean,” she hums still stomping to her room.

“Papi? Papi? That’s my future? My kid is five and already calling me a grandpa. What’s ‘Ember Cove’ call you?”

“Bunny.”

“Of course he does.”