My Exception (sequel to No Exceptions)

Eleven

I can't imagine how he could find this funny!

I stumbled out of bed as I walked on shaky legs and addressed Skye through the door in hushed tones, "that's OK. I'm sorry you had to see that. We'll be out in a few minutes, alright?"

Her volume didn't change as she announced our morning activities to half the Hilltop. "WELL ALRIGHT THEN! I'LL GIVE YOU GUYS A CHANCE TO CLEAN UP! I'M SO SORRY!"

I heard her scurry away, my rugged man chortling as he rolled around on the bed, "holy shit Rackel, ye face when she walked in!"

Anger rose out of me through the embarrassment of it all; his amusement grating on me. "I thought you locked the door last night!"

He shook his head and shrugged trying to make light of the situation, "looks like I didn'!"

I huffed in defeat and opened the door, hoping that we didn't wake anyone up with our little performance. She'd left a whole outfit next to the entryway for me, making me feel even worse for leaving her in the lurch like that.

I scooped up the clothes and retreated to our room. She'd made a red flannel button down with  fitted boot cut jeans to match. As I turned them over I noticed the beautiful "R" she had embroidered on the back pocket in golden twine. She had somehow been able to source a pair of new size 9 red chuck taylors to complete the look. The thoughtfulness of the gift made my heart hurt.

I am a terrible person.

I fought through the lump of guilt that had accumulated in my throat as I quickly cleaned myself up and got dressed in Skye's creation. It looked funky as hell, and I was going to thank her for it ASAP. I looked over at Daryl who had just finished brushing his teeth over a metal bowl, walking up to me as my brows furrowed, all my emotions hitting me like a freight train.

"I think we've scarred her for life! I'm so stupid Daryl!"

He closed the gap and held me tight, looking down at my crimson face with only pure affection in his eyes. "We were jus' doin' wha' people in love do baby. These things happen, and I'm sure she'll get tha'!"

I buried my head in his chest and breathed in his scent; always a sure fire way of bringing myself down from a state. The pain in my throat subsided and a warm fuzzy feeling took its place. I kissed his naked chest, "come on my machine man! It's time to go catch up with our family and share the big news."

We made our way to the dining area, hands interlocked and completely in sync. I searched for Skye and found her with her head down, re-configuring peas on her plate.

Daryl leaned into my ear, "see, she's still alive."

Not helping...

Maggie waddled over as soon as she saw me, her belly making me caress my own. We hugged, the pregnant Mrs. Rhee holding onto me for an extra moment, "sleep well I trust?" she smiled knowingly as my face fired up once again.

She let me go and allowed me to walk to my victim's table to sort out that fiasco; a coy smile tugging at Skye's cheeks, "I'm sorry for my outburst, I shouldn't have walked in like that."

My face dropped as I shook my head, about to apologise to her. But, she grabbed my hand and squeezed. She Leaned into me and whispered, "Be happy Rackel! He wouldn't of wanted you torturing yourself like this."

I bit into my lip, holding back the prideful tears. What an amazing young woman she'd become.

Daryl sat next to me and held my other hand, nodding at Skye as if she hadn't seen him buck naked 20 minutes ago. Glenn and Maggie joined behind Skye as they chorused, "so what's the news guys?"

Daryl and I looked at each other, I nodded, allowing him to be the one to announce, "we're havin' twins!"

Our little group erupted with cheers and laughter, Daryl and Glenn's back slapping commenced while Skye and Maggie surrounding me with a sisterly hug. Mags shrieked, "twins guys! Oh my goodness, how far along are you? How much of a head start do I have?"

"I'm 8-9 weeks along."

A jarring silence fell over our group, drawing more attention than the hollering did. But I pressed on leaning into Daryl, not letting it destroy our celebration. "Daddy and I are very excited!" I kissed him as they cheered again, smiling from ear to ear.

I was grateful that they left sleeping dogs where they lie.

Skye stayed with Daryl and I whilst Glenn and Maggie went for their gender reveal ultrasound. Daryl left us to our clucking and speculation of the gender of their baby, performing maintenance on his small arsenal.

Skye had been busy designing little boy outfits at Maggie's request, "I just don't want you to waste your time making girl outfits when I know he's a boy!"

I couldn't help but laugh at her self-assurance, "well Skye, if anyone was going to know these things, it would be Mags!"

It was mid afternoon when they rushed into our room, excitement arcing off them like electricity. Maggie looked at me with pursed lips, awaiting my response.

"Boy?"

She clapped her hands together, "BOY!"

I shot up out of my seat and began flapping my hands, trying to calm myself. "I friggin' knew it Mags! Now we can stock up on boy stuff!"

She joined in the flapping, "Lets do it!"

I retrieved my protector with our bag slung over his shoulders, dragging Daryl out towards the car next to the gate. Everyone followed with an air of elation.

Daryl however dug his heels in as a means of protest, "now where do ye think yer goin'?"

Maggie cut in, trying to lighten him up, "we're all gonna go for a baby supply run! We need to now that there's three times the babies coming!"

Daryl shook his head and looked towards Glenn for back up, "surely ye can' be on board with this?"

He receded at the stares he was receiving from all sides, finally relenting to the side that was carrying his unborn child, "Let's just go with them. You know as well as I do we can't stop them when they get together and start plotting."

Daryl raised his voice, his breathing becoming ragged, "the hell I can'!"

I grabbed his forearm and gave him my best puppy dog eyes, "Please let us do this! Remember how quiet it was yesterday?"

His eyes were steely, but I could see the resolve in them dwindle as he continued to stare at my soft gaze. He growled and stormed off to the van, got into the driver's side and slammed the door shut. We stayed immobile, unsure of what he had decided.

"Well come on then! We don' have all damn day."

I pumped my fist in victory as we all jogged to the car, taking my seat beside him. I held his hand as he started the vehicle, and whispered a "thank you."

He grunted in annoyance but didn't let go, starting the van up and driving towards our destination.