“Don’t think it’s the kind of thing you can plan, baby. Let’s just go on in and get settled,” he coaxed as he cut the engine.
“Okay,” I agreed.
When we walked in we were greeted with the sounds of a baby wailing, kids squealing in glee, and giggling from the kitchen. Despite the chaos, it was music to my ears.
Cole was on the ground in the living room with Gracie and Mason on top of him in a heap. Max and Emmie were in the kitchen with Sophie, baking something that would hopefully be edible at some point, and Tatum was screaming his newborn head off, probably wanting to be fed.
Everyone looked up when we walked in. There was a moment of silence in which my breath caught before several pairs of feet came rushing for me. I scooped Emmie up since she reached me first, and Mason and Max hugged my legs. I didn’t even care that my leg was sore as hell.
“Hi guys.” I grinned, kissing Emmie’s sweet cheek as I ruffled both boys’ hair. “How are things here? Wait, what is that?” I laughed, peering down at my jeans now covered in some mysterious goo.
“It’s chocolate,” Sophie explained, coming in to join us from the kitchen. “We’re baking brownies.”
“Tryingto bake brownies,” Cole stage-whispered from his spot on the floor.
Sophie shot him a glare. “I’ll have you know that I have baking pretty much down pat. If you don’t believe me, then all the more for everyone else.”
I fought back a laugh as I reached over with one arm to hug my friend.
“I’m sure they’ll be delicious,” I lied.
Scarlet shot me a knowing wink from the couch where she’d started feeding Tatum under a nursing blanket.
“Where were you?” Max asked, peering up at me, his dark eyes assessing.
The room went silent as I fought for what to say. “I got into a bit of an accident, sweetie,” I explained softly. “But I’m okay now,” I assured him, stroking my hand over his head.
Emmie peered at me with concern. “Owwie, Jilly?”
I nodded. “Yeah, sweetie, a little bit of an owwie.” I smiled at her. “You know what? I think I need some brownies to make me feel all better.”
She squealed in delight but Max remained serious. “I’m okay, Max,” I assured him again gently. “I missed you guys. What happened while I was gone?” I asked, wanting to distract him.
To some degree, it worked. His eyes brightened some. “We went swimming. I put my head under this time,” he said proudly.
“Good job!” I exclaimed as Cal reached for Emmie. I dropped her into his waiting arms and scooped Mason up as I continued to talk to Max. “Who took you swimming?”
“Everybody!” Max replied with a grin.
The room broke into quiet laughter.
“Well, I can’t wait to see you guys swim.” I smiled.
Max nodded seriously.
I looked up at my friends, unable to convey my gratitude but needing to try. “Thank you guys, so much.”
“Anytime, honey. We had fun,” Sophie replied sincerely. “We’ll get out of your hair. But we’re just a phone call away,” she assured me.
I nodded, accepting her one-armed hug as I continued to hold Mason. He giggled at being squished between us. Cole and Scarlet offered quick hugs as well.
When the door shut behind them, I looked to Max. “Give it to me straight, Max—are those brownies edible?”
He shook his head with comical solemnity.
Cal’s deep chuckle reverberated through the room as I nodded. “I didn’t think so.”
Cal put the kids to bed that night, forcing me to remain off my feet. I relished the routine of piling into Max’s twin-size bed and reading to all three of them. It was something we’d started a few weeks back and I loved every second. But it would have to wait. My wound was red and angry with me for not staying horizontal enough as it was.