Blayze's lips trailed down my neck, making their way towards my collarbone.
His hands roamed gently, but deliberately across my hips and under the hem of my t-shirt.
His weight felt delicious over my body, pinning Me into the mattress.
Nearly every inch of my skin felt like it was on fire.
Slowly and smoothly, he pushed the bottom of my t-shirt up, gradually exposing more and more of my skin.
My breaths became short as his warm hands trailed a soft, hot and deliberate path across my bare stomach.
I wound my legs around his hips, pulling his body more tightly into mine and raking my fingers into the dishevelled strands of his inky hair.
His fingers traced across the tender underside of my naked breast and an involuntary shiver shot straight down my spine.
I clenched my eyes shut and let out a hissing breath through my also tightly clenched teeth.
I snapped my eyes open to find myself staring at the darkened ceiling of our bedroom, my heart racing in a sprint and my skin feeling like it was on fire.
There was an all too familiar ache low in my body.
My chest rose and fell heavily as I attempted to catch my breath.
Stupid god damn hormones!
Swallowing hard, I turned my head to the right to see Blayze sleeping soundly, laying on his stomach with one arm tucked under his pillow, our blanket pooling around his narrow hips.
I couldn't see where his left arm was.
His inky hair fell across his forehead just perfectly disheveled.
His brow was relaxed.
His lips parted slightly as he breathed deeply.
His arm muscle-
I ripped my gaze off his delectable body and blinked up at the ceiling.
I wonder if he was feeling as frustrated as I was...
Mentally I facepalmed.
I'm supposed to be stopping myself thinking about that!
I pushed myself into a sitting position and slipped my side of the blanket off my legs.
There was no point in laying in bed, driving myself crazy.
I swung my legs over the side of our bed and pushed myself onto my feet.
Exercise.
I nodded to myself.
Exercise should make me feel better.
I tiptoed over to the chest of drawers in hopes of finding myself something comfortable but lightweight to wear.
I was taking my mug from the wire drying rack, the kettle boiling gently in the background, when I heard footsteps.
Shit.
Don't tell Me Blayze is up already and wants to go to work?
I twisted around, ready to bargain my case with him, though hoping I wouldn't have to tell him just how sexually frustrated I was, but found Noah stepping off the bottom of the staircase.
Phew.
She was dressed in leggings and a pair of sand shoes, wearing a black t-shirt with a yellow FOX symbol across the chest and was tying her long jet black hair up.
"Morning."
She greeted, making her way through the lounge room furniture.
"Morning."
I replied, leaning back against the kitchen bench.
"How you doing?"
It was barely 6AM, so i was pretty sure she wasn't doing too fantastically if she was up now, no Knox in sight.
Noah Zannox never used to do early mornings.
Noah shook her head, sighing heavily.
"I'm just pissed off."
She muttered.
I could imagine.
"Coffee?"
I offered, pushing myself off the bench after hearing the kettle finish boiling.
Noah nodded.
"Please."
I twisted around and got a mug out of the drying rack for her.
Turning back to start making our coffee's, I shot Noah a glance.
"I can understand why you'd be mad."
If Blayze told Me his Ex Fiancé was in town, I'd be mighty pissed.
I frowned at the mugs as I poured the just boiled water into the coffee, milk and sugar mix.
Scratch that.
I'd be bloody ropable if he told Me he'd been previously engaged at all!
We're engaged now, so I should've known something like that a long damn time ago!
So should Noah.
She and Codie are engaged.
What the hell was wrong with Codie?
I just wanted to smack him upside the head!
But that was Noah's job.
Noah turned around to lean backwards against the bench.
"It just feels like I can't catch a break at the moment."
She admitted, wrapping her arms around her middle.
"You'll get there."
I reasoned, sliding her coffee towards her.
She shook her head.
"I just can't believe he never told Me he was engaged before!"
Dick move 100%, Codie Benjamin!
"What are you doing up?"
Noah asked, lifting her mug.
"Did one of the Kid's wake up?"
I shook my head, lifting my own mug.
"I was restless in bed."
I explained.
Noah's blue eyes sparkled and she waggled her eyebrows suggestively.
Immediately I felt a blush warm my cheeks.
"And I really have to shed some of this Baby Condition before this Wedding, so I thought about trying to get some exercise!"
I all but snapped, attempting to hide my mounding embarrassment.
Though Noah had pretty much hit the nail on the head...
"Great minds."
Noah shot Me a weak smile.
"I thought I'd try going for a run or something, instead of biting Codie's head off."
I took a careful first sip of my coffee.
"Well I think he still deserves the ripping of a new one."
Noah's expression softened.
She wrapped both hands around her gently steaming mug.
"We lost nearly everything a few days ago."
She shook her head.
"We still don't know how we're gonna get back from that. He deserves some leniency."
She bit into her lower lip.
"But if He think's He can cheat on Me, that leniency goes out the window."
She scowled.
"I'm not fucking cheating on you!"
We both looked towards the stairs to see Codie coming down them.
Busted...
I bit into my lower lip.
"I didn't say you are."
Noah denied, shooting him a glance.
"Well I'm not! And I never fucking will!"
Codie retorted, coming into the kitchen.
"What are you doing up? Is Knox awake?"
Noah questioned.
"I'm awake because I couldn't sleep."
Codie rolled his eyes.
"And Knox is still sleepin'."
He lifted a hand to rumple his unruly dark hair.
"Can you watch Knox for a bit?"
Noah asked.
"Yeah..."
Codie looked slightly weary.
"Why?"
"Bails and I are stepping out for an hour or two."
We are?
I thought we both wanted to get exercise?
Codie blinked and looked between Noah and I.
"You do realise it takes nearly that time just to get to town from here?"
Of course I know that.
I rolled my eyes.
"We're not leaving the property."
I actually didn't even realise Noah wanted us to 'exercise' together.
But exercising with a partner had to be more enjoyable than doing it solo, surely.
Codie looked bewildered.
There was one more thing I had to do before leaving the house.
I'd checked on Luka, Brodie and Dale.
All were sleeping soundly.
I walked across our bedroom floor, to Blayze's side of the bed and leaned over his back to kiss his exposed right cheek.
He didn't even flinch.
Considering I used to sleep through anything until my Son's came along and I had to worry about their safety, it really wasn't a surprise all three Boy's sleep so well.
"Blayze?"
I prompted.
His deep breathing didn't even alter.
I leaned over to kiss his thankfully smooth cheek once again.
He finally shaved last night!
"Babe?"
I tried, my lips close to his ear.
Finally he shifted, his eyes slowly peeling open.
About time!
"I need you to get up."
I told him.
If I let him keep sleeping, He might not wake up to Luka, Brodie or Dale crying out.
So he has to wake up.
He blinked, then rolled over onto his back.
"What's the time?"
He questioned, shooting a glance towards both sets of floor to ceiling windows that were covered by thick curtains, keeping out the early morning light.
"Half past six."
I informed him, easing down to sit on the edge of the mattress.
"Shit."
He pushed himself up into a sitting position and lifted his hands to rumple his already unruly raven coloured hair, his stomach muscles rippling.
I bit into my lower lip.
"I really need you to be on Luka, Brodie and Dale watch, for an hour or two."
I requested, lacing my hands together on my lap.
He groaned.
"Bails, I really needa get to work! And find out what's goin' on with Azlan and Zuke!"
I frowned.
"Blayze, all I'm asking is an hour or two! Then you can do whatever the hell you want!"
I pushed myself off the side of the bed, standing.
"Alright!"
He held his hands up, palms forward, as if holding off an attack.
"Do what ya gotta do. But can ya just be honest with Me on the time frame? If you're goin' to town or somethin', there's no way you'll be back within two hours."
He folded his arms across his toned chest.
I tried not to take too much notice of the sudden extra bulge to his arms.
I gestured pointedly to the leggings and t-shirt I was currently wearing.
Did I look like my plan was to go to town?
I hardly want the Riverston townsfolk to see Me dressed like this!
Blayze's gaze followed my gesture and his blue-green eyes widened.
"My plan is to go for a walk. Or maybe hit the treadmill. I need to get back into shape to get into the saddle too, let alone find a decent Wedding Dress."
I rolled my eyes.
Blayze nodded.
"You look beautiful regardless Babe, even in those stretchy pants. But if you want some time alone out the house, then go for it."
My heart melted just a little bit.
He can be sweet when he wants to be.
I stepped up to the edge of the bed and leaned down to kiss him, aiming for a brief kiss that said 'thank you' and 'see you soon' all at the same time.
He wrapped his arms around my hips and pulled Me across his legs and onto the mattress, somehow not even managing to break the kiss once as he laid Me out on my back.
My squeak of surprise was swallowed by his attentive mouth on mine.
I sighed into the kiss and lifted my arms to wind them around his wide shoulders, sliding my tongue into his mouth to caress his.
His hand slid over my hip and up to my waist, trailing under the loose fabric of my t-shirt.
Well, I'm pretty sure it was actually one of his t-shirts.
The emerald green sleeves reached my elbows and the hem nearly touched my knees!
I was flashed back to my dream.
The same dream I've been having lately.
I dragged my lips off Blayze's, my breathing heavier than usual.
Luka, Brodie and Dale.
Noah and Codie...
Blayze placed a soft, warm, toe curling kiss on the side of my neck.
I slid my hands around to push at his shoulders.
"We have to stop."
I protested, shuffling away from his tempting body.
He wrapped his right arm around my hips and drew Me back, his lips instantly finding my earlobe.
I bit my bottom lip in an effort to bite back a groan.
"Blayze stop!"
I hissed, trying to wriggle out of his embrace.
"Are Luka, Brodie or Dale awake?"
He asked, voice low.
"No."
He slowly closed in on Me, leaving my heart pounding and my fingertips and the tips of my toes tingling as my lips waited for his.
His lips brushed against mine.
I sighed into the kiss and gave in, linking my hands around the back of his neck.
He just barely broke the caress of our lips.
"Then we don't need to stop."
He whispered.
But we do!
I pressed my lips firmly against his, then wriggled away, shooting a glance towards our open bedroom door.
It's always open these days, so we can listen out for our Babies.
"Noah and Codie are up."
I told him, pushing myself into a sitting position.
And Noah's probably tapping her foot waiting for Me.
Blayze wrapped his arm around my waist.
"They don't have to know..."
He whispered, trailing kisses along my neck.
"The door is open!"
I hissed.
I felt him smile against my skin.
"We can easily close it."
And risk Noah and/or Codie hearing us?
Hell no!
I slid out of his embrace and hopped quickly off the bed.
"I need you to get up and be ready for if the Boy's wake up."
I reminded him.
He groaned, twisting around and flopping onto the mattress on his stomach.
"You're killin' Me!"
He complained.
"Killing myself, too."
I grumbled, turning on my heel to leave.
"Then come back here and I'll fix it!"
I paused, just half way between the bed and the doorway.
I'd almost forgotten how good his hearing can be.
Next time he tries to tell me he 'didn't hear Me' I'll remind him he's full of shit!
"One day, Blayze."
I sighed and continued to the door.
"One day."
I whispered to myself.
I was fairly certain I might self combust if I didn't get some relief soon.
Poor Blayze probably felt the same way.
We'd nearly reached the 6 month mark for how long it had been since we'd been together physically.
It was the longest I'd been without the intimacy since he'd taken my virginity!
Hell, it was probably the longest Blayze had gone without, too!
The poor guy probably felt like he'd been dumped into a Sex Drought as well as a Rain one.
I shook my head and slipped out of our bedroom.
"That was not a good idea!"
I groaned, slumping down onto one of the worn leather armchairs we had sitting in the tack shed.
"Tell me about it!"
Noah mimicked my groan of discomfort.
"Every one of my muscles feels like a rubber band that's been stretched to its limits!"
She complained.
I wish that was my problem.
I'd probably feel good if that was my problem.
The 'exercise burn' was a welcome feeling when you've been working out.
My problem was that every muscle throughout my torso felt as though it was burning.
I ached.
My stomach was tender to the touch.
Maybe I'd jumped the gun on the exercise idea...
"I think I might vomit."
I whispered, closing my eyes.
I heard Noah shift on the opposite chair.
"You okay?"
She questioned.
I really didn't want to admit that 'no', I didn't think I was.
Slowly I peeled my eyes open.
"I never felt like this after having Luka..."
I whispered, my throat going tight.
Noah pushed herself up into a sitting position, a frown on her brow.
"Felt like what?"
Fat?
Not good enough?
An emotional wreck?
The Doctor's and my family believed my depression to be over the accident.
But I wasn't so sure.
Doctor's had cut Brodie and Dale out of Me.
I'd never wanted to be the Woman who had a cesarean.
I had Luka at home, even though he was a larger Baby and the Doctor's had been worried about Me having a natural birth.
I'd had every intention of doing the same with Brodie and Dale.
Well, 'The Twins' as I'd known them back then.
I propped my left elbow on the worn armrest of the chair and rested the side of my head into my hand.
"Having a cesarean is hell."
I muttered, dropping my gaze to the nearly threadbare rug on the floor.
Already I could feel the prickling of tears building behind my eyes.
I shook my head.
Now is not the time to voice such a thing.
Look at what Noah is going through.
She and Codie lost their home only a few days ago!
I cleared my throat and straightened, lifting my hands to wipe at my eyes.
"It takes a while to recover."
I explained.
"Yeah my arm and leg muscles are burning, but it feels like my core muscles are on fire and want to drop straight out of my body!"
I pasted a smile into place, attempting to make light of what I was saying and pushed myself grudgingly onto my feet.
I was a bit concerned though.
Had I pushed my body too far too soon?
I hope I haven't done any damage...
My Son's depend on Me!
"We'd better go rescue Blayze and Codie from the Babies..."
I muttered and turned on my heel to head out of the shed.
Each step hurt.
Every few steps there was a tight cramp in my stomach.
What the hell have I done...?
Luka was playing on the floor with some of his toys.
Codie's biggest Dog, Bandit, laying barely a foot away from him, attentive eyes on him and a huge Doggy grin in place, his tail wagging when Luka would look at him.
Knox, Brodie and Dale were laid out on a blue blanket together, stretching their arms and legs, Codie sitting on the edge of the nearest armchair, coffee mug in hand, watching the infants intently.
The fridge door closed with a gentle thunk.
I dragged my gaze over that way to find Blayze was in the kitchen.
"Everything okay?"
Noah asked the group at large.
Luka's head popped up from his toys and a grin formed on his adorable little face when his blue eyes landed on Me.
Zeus, Bandit and Zera wagged their tails on the floorboards to acknowledge Noah and I's arrival.
He scrambled to his feet and ran towards Me, making my heart damn near melt on the spot.
"Mamma!"
He exclaimed, throwing his arms into the air.
"Hey Baby..."
My heart squeezed as I eased myself down onto my knees, to get more to Luka's level.
I didn't think I quite had the strength in Me at the moment, to lift him off the ground.
Luka threw his arms around my neck and crashed into my body.
I tried hard not to show my grimace of pain as his knees collided with my stomach.
Releasing a hissing breath through my clenched teeth, I carefully wound my arms around my Toddler's slender body.
"Good workout?"
Codie asked, turning his head from the Babies.
"It was mind cleansing."
Noah allowed, making her way towards the armchair her Fiancé was sitting in.
"He was lookin' for ya."
Blinking hard, I turned my head to look over to the kitchen to find Blayze standing at the bench.
I could see his head, shoulders and chest over the raised back of the bench, but I was pretty confident he'd have his hands braced on the lower surface due to the slight hunch of his broad shoulders.
I slipped a small, weak smile into place and turned my attention to Luka, giving his head a kiss.
He babbled something I couldn't really understand, leaving Me only catching a few words like 'Mamma', 'Daddy' and 'Doggy'.
"That's good Baby."
I whispered, hugging him tight.
Blayze set a gently steaming mug onto the coffee table, near to where I was seated on the lounge, Brodie and Dale resting in their bassinets not too far away.
Luka was sitting on the lounge too, flicking through a solid kid's book of 'Are You My Mum?'
He didn't seem to care too much about the 'story', was just happy to imitate how I turn through the pages as I read to him.
Blayze turned to face Me.
"So I should probably get out and get some work done."
I nodded.
He'd said hours ago that he needed to work today.
"Did you wanna come to check on the Dog's later?"
He asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.
Azlan and Zuke.
My heart clenched.
"I'll see if Mum will Babysit at least the Twin's."
I told him, shooting a glance towards Luka who was now flicking through the book backwards.
I wasn't here when Luka woke up this morning.
He'd have a meltdown if I tried to leave him while he was awake.
"Are you alright?"
Biting into my lower lip, I risked a glance up at Blayze's slightly frowning face.
"Yeah."
I nodded quickly.
No need to go stressing him out.
There's enough going on at the moment.
"Are you... sure...?"
He looked weary.
"Yes."
I insisted and dragged myself to the edge of the cushion so I could reach my coffee.
"Okay!"
Blayze held his hands up, as if to hold off an attack.
"I've got my phone on Me."
He promised.
I nodded.
It was standard protocol that he made sure to have his phone on him when he was working these days.
I've only had to call him home once when all three kid's had a bowel explosion within literally five minutes of the first one starting.
Luka was first and I was nearly sick on the spot, the stench and the sight stomach churning.
Two minutes later it was Brodie's turn, just as I was trying to rid Luka of his soiled clothes and happy and get him towards the bath that was running.
I called Blayze.
Just as I hung up the phone, Dale had his turn.
"Take it easy."
Blayze requested and leaned down to place a kiss on my forehead.
Oh I plan to.
I bit my tongue in an effort to keep my words to myself.
My body needs some rest.
"You be careful."
I cautioned, tipping my head back to look at Blayze's face.
He was planning to go out and work with the up and coming Rodeo Stock, as far as I was aware.
That meant he had to have his wits about him.
He offered Me a small smile.
"Course."
I nodded.
He turned towards our eldest Son, his virtual 'Mini Me', aside from the bright blue eyes Luka sported, which were a mirror image of my own.
"Luka?"
He requested his attention.
The Toddler popped his head up, pulling his attention from his book.
"See ya Mate."
Blayze bade, giving Luka a wave.
I almost smiled.
Almost.
Luka's blue eyes widened slightly.
He swung his gaze from his Dad, to Me.
"Daddy's going to work."
I told him.
"Give Daddy a kiss."
I urged.
Most days Blayze is out of the house before Luka's awake.
Blayze shot Me a confused glance.
Luka scrambled to his feet and fairly easily got his balance on the couch cushion, reaching out for Blayze.
A smile graced Blayze's lips and danced in his eyes as he scooped the little boy off the couch.
"Daddy."
Luna said, then babbled something I couldn't understand and was pretty sure Blayze couldn't either.
Luka placed his hands either side of Blayze's face and leaned in to kiss his lips.
My heart just about legitimately melted into a gooey puddle.
"You look after your Mum for Me?"
Blayze asked Luka, holding him gently against his chest.
Luka twisted around in his Dad's arms to find Me.
Immediately He squirmed, trying to get back down.
Blayze set him back onto the couch cushions and Luka launched himself at Me.
I tried really hard to catch him with my non coffee holding arm, before he collided with my stomach.
I didn't want to look at Blayze, because I knew he'd be watching.
Luka babbled something I couldn't really understand and he dropped a kiss on my cheek.
My darling Little Man...
So sweet, loving and innocent.
"Alright what's goin' on?"
Biting into my lower lip, I slowly dragged my gaze up to look at Blayze's scrutinising expression.
Luka twisted around, trying to get a look at his Daddy but still cuddle Me, his arms still wrapped around my neck.
"Nothing."
I whispered.
"And what happened to not lying?"
Blayze asked, frowning and folding his arms across his dark blue Bullzye t-shirt covered chest.
Well shit...
"I'm a bit sore... after exercising..."
I waited, almost cringing, for him to yell at Me.
He nodded.
"That happens. When ya haven't used those muscles for a while."
It would be really easy to just roll with that and pretend that's all it was, muscles out of practice.
But we'd promised to stop with the lies.
"It's not really my muscles... but more my internal's."
I admitted, trying to carefully urge Luka down into a sitting position beside Me.
Forgetting about his boring Parent's, Luka crawled over to grab his book again.
"What do you mean?"
I turned my gaze from Luka to Blayze, to find him now squatting in front of Me, his elbows braced on his thighs.
"It's okay."
I tried hard to offer him a smile.
"It's just a bit tender if Luka jumps on Me or something..."
We'd leave out the part where it was hurting when I was walking back from the shed's.
I could walk without it hurting now.
That had been my main concern, that most of my steps were causing Me pain.
Blayze pushed to his feet, a frown on his brow.
"I'm takin' you to see a Doctor."
I held up a hand to stop him.
"I don't think I need a Doctor."
I denied.
"Bailey-"
"I'm serious."
I insisted.
"I've been to the bathroom, there's no bleeding. I just think... I wasn't ready..."
Blayze ran his hands over his face, letting out a frustrated groan.
"Blayze, I'm okay."
I insisted, squirming in my seat.
Slowly he let his hands down from his face to hang limp at his sides.
"Are you just trying to placate Me?"
Maybe.
"No."
I whispered, wrapping both hands around my warm coffee mug.
"Go to work."
I nodded towards the front door that led to the outside world.
"You do realise that you had a serious operation in more ways than one?"
Blayze asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.
I clenched my jaw, something bitter swirling in my gut.
"I'm well aware."
I gritted.
"Doctor Legend did give Me the all clear."
I muttered, averting my gaze.
"Yeah! To ease back in slowly."
Blayze all but growled.
"Okay!"
I tried extremely hard to not snap.
Just because I'd pushed myself, didn't mean Blayze deserved my attitude.
But he also doesn't have to yell at Me.
I'm only trying to get back in shape!
"Leave the exercising alone for a while, yeah?"
Blayze asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.
Okay.
I answered silently.
How the hell else am I going to shed this damn weight Brodie and Dale helped Me to gain if I can't exercise?!
"I'll be back in a couple hours."
Blayze declared.
I rolled my eyes.
So now he doesn't trust me to do the right thing.
Maybe I should've just kept my mouth shut after all.
"Go to work Blayze."
I wriggled forward to set my coffee back onto the low table.
"I'm not gonna be exercising again today other than looking after the Kid's."
He clenched his jaw, worked it like he was battling retorting and turned on his heel, heading for the door.
Luka, Brodie and Dale had all had lunch and were now down for their naps.
It was time I dragged my butt off the couch and got to work.
"Chick flick time?"
Noah asked, making her way down the last of the stairs.
I rolled my eyes and scooted myself to the edge of the couch cushions.
"Not likely. You can, but I've got housework to get done."
I explained.
"Well set Me to work."
With a smile, Noah set the baby monitor receiver onto the coffee table.
Clearly Knox was asleep too.
I shook my head.
"You don't have to do anything."
She, Codie and Knox have only been staying here a few days.
They've got enough on their plate, without worrying about housework.
Noah set her hands onto her hips, frowning.
"You're letting us stay here. The least I can do is help with housework."
"I don't expect you to do that."
I shook my head.
"You've got stuff you have to sort out."
Noah came around the coffee table and joined Me on the lounge.
"Then how about you talk to Me about what you avoided saying a few hours ago? Back in the shed?"
She frowned.
"You've never let on about any ill feelings towards having a cesarean..."
"There's nothing to talk about."
I slipped my best effort of a smile into place.
"I've got work to get done around here."
I pushed myself off the couch.
"You can talk to Me you know."
Noah insisted.
Now on my feet, I twisted around to face her.
"I appreciate that."
I nodded.
"But I'm alright."
I wouldn't say I was fine.
That was a lie.
But I could get my butt out of bed these days.
I could smile.
I could hold a conversation with those around Me.
So, I was okay.
Hopefully one day soon I would be able to smile and say I was fine.
I turned on my heel to head for the hallway and the laundry and therefore the cleaning supplies, but stopped at the sound of a four beat rapping knock on the front door.
Noah shot a curious glance towards the door.
Frowning, I turned on my heel and changed my course to the front door.
It couldn't be my Family, because they'd have knocked then walked in, or just walked in without the knock.
I pulled the door open to find a familiar, almost completely grey headed figure with a pot belly and smile lines around his eyes standing on my doorstep.
"D-Doctor G-Glenn!"
I stammered, my eyes widening.
A grin lit up the Riverston District Doctor's tanned, weathered face.
"Hello Darlin'!"
"What...?"
I frowned.
"I don't have an appointment, do I?"
Surely I haven't forgotten about an appointment!
Oh no!
What if it was an appointment for Brodie and Dale?
"You do as of about an hour and a half ago."
Doctor Glenn explained, shifting his weight and setting his hands onto his hips.
An hour and-?
I sighed.
Bloody Blayze.
I braced my hands on the door frame.
"Blayze called you, didn't he."
It wasn't a question.
"A man of my age only has to take one look at that young lad's face to know He's terrified of loosing you, Bailey Grace."
It seemed like the whole District knew my middle name.
I shot a glance out in the direction of the sheds and the arena I knew Blayze was probably using by now, even though all I could see from here was the glint of the sun bouncing off some tin.
I wanted to be mad at Blayze, for calling the Doctor out without running it by Me.
But Doctor Glenn's words buttered Me up a bit.
I sighed and stepped back to give the Doctor room to enter the house.
"C'mon in."
I invited.
"But you'll have to excuse the mess."
I winced.
Doctor Glenn laughed!
"You have a one year old and a pair of infants."
He shook his head.
"And a few boarders!"
Noah called from where she was still sitting on the lounge.
"Hello Noah."
Doctor Glenn greeted her, his eyes sparkling.
"Hey Doc!"
Noah replied, offering him a smile and a wave.
"So I'm okay?"
I asked my childhood Doctor.
"You're not dizzy?"
Doctor Glenn asked, tipping his head to the side.
I shook my head.
"Tired?"
He questioned; raising a greyed eyebrow.
'Tired' was a loaded term.
I could be tired because I haven't been sleeping properly.
I could be tired for being low in minerals.
I could be tired because I have a fifteen month old Son and twin nearly eight week old Son's.
So I knew the Doctor meant it in a stronger form.
"No."
I shook my head once again.
"Well you don't appear to have any abnormal colouring on your stomach, sides or back..."
Doctor Glenn noted, shifting in his seat.
"Your heart rate and blood pressure are in the perfectly acceptable range and your pupils look fine."
Speak English?
I mentally prompted.
"Sorry to interrupt..."
Noah murmured, slipping into my peripheral vision as she approached, a gently steaming mug held tentatively between her hands.
"Thank you Sweetheart!"
Doctor Glenn grinned, reaching to take the mug from her.
Noah smiled and nodded.
"Doctor Glenn?"
I prompted.
He turned back to Me, holding his Tea carefully.
"I'd be inclined to declare you pushed yourself a bit too hard too soon."
Phew.
I felt my shoulders sag in relief.
"But don't take it too lightly."
Doctor Glenn frowned at Me.
Uh oh...
I eyed him wearily.
"Listen to your body."
The Doctor stressed.
"A cesarean is a major operation."
He explained.
I clenched my jaw.
Tell me something I haven't already had five Doctor's explain.
"And you had an internal bleed sewn up."
Doctor Glenn continued.
I bit into my lower lip.
"It takes time to recover."
Glenn insisted, his voice and his eyes softening.
My heart squeezed almost painfully.
Doctor Glenn removed one hand from his mug and reached forward to gently touch my knee.
"Take care of yourself love."
He urged.
"You're no good to Blayze or your Son's if you land yourself in Hospital again or on bed rest."
Blinking back an onslaught of hot tears, I nodded.
Doctor Glenn smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling.
We all looked towards the sound of the front door opening and the click of Dog's paws on the floorboards.
I blinked against a few tears.
Blayze and Zeus we're back.
Zeus looked so dejected not having Azlan and Zuke with him, his head hanging low and his eyes droopy and sad looking.
"I might just... go check on Knox."
Noah murmured, heading for the stairs.
She half jogged up the stairs, clearly trying to give us privacy as quickly as she could.
"Hello Blayze..."
Doctor Glenn greeted, his eyes sparkling.
"Glenn."
Blayze acknowledged, closing the door behind his back.
"So is she okay?"
He asked, making his way towards the lounge.
"Of course."
Doctor Glenn nodded.
Of course?
That wasn't exactly what he said before...
"Thanks for coming out."
Blayze told the Doctor, stopping at the arm of the lounge.
Zeus took himself over to the large Dog bed Azlan and Zuke normally shared and settled himself down with a huff.
"Of course."
The Doctor agreed, his smile lingering.
I tipped my head back to look up at Blayze's face.
"Told you I was fine."
Doctor Glenn shook his head.
"He was right to call. But you are and will be fine. Just take it a little more easy."
He cautioned.
Blayze's glance down at Me plain and simply said 'told ya'.
I sighed.
At this rate they'd wrap Me up in bubble wrap.
"Well I'd better make tracks."
Doctor Glenn announced, pushing himself to his feet.
"Got a few more consults before its time to sit down and share tales of the day with my Darling Wife."
His fond smile at the mention of Margaret had my heart melting.
Glenn snd Margaret and their pure, undying love for each other reminded Me of my own Grandparents.
They were the types of couples who gave the rest of us hope for the Happily Ever After that our childhood fairytales told us about.
"Thanks Doc."
Blayze stepped forward and extended his right hand to the Doctor.
Doctor Glenn grinned and gripped Blayze's hand, giving it a pump.
"No worries!"
"Thanks, Glenn."
I echoed.
Doctor Glenn smiled down at Me.
"Not a problem. Rest up and quit being so hard on yourself."
He chastised.
Blayze raised a questioning eyebrow at Me.
I nodded meekly.
I sat perched on the edge of the lounge when Blayze stepped back into the house from helping Doctor Glenn take his bags back out to his car.
"Believe Me now?"
I asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.
"He still told ya what I've been saying for ages. To rest."
Blayze insisted, closing the front door behind himself.
I rolled my eyes.
"Every parent, especially the Mother of an infant is told to rest! And we have Twins!"
"Why are you obsessed with trying to 'work out' anyway?"
Blayze queried, moving around the end of the lounge to join Me.
Obsessed with working out?
I'd hardly say I'm obsessed.
I frowned.
"I only gave it a go today..."
"But why?"
Blayze asked, reaching a hand over to take hold of one of mine.
I averted my gaze.
I don't really want to have this discussion with Blayze.
He'll just tell Me it's all in my head.
And it probably is, but I can't exactly turn my thoughts off.
"I need to call Mum to see if she'll Babysit, so we can go check on Azlan and Zuke."
I told him, scooting to the edge of the cushions to reach for my phone on the coffee table, slipping my hand out of Blayze's.
"Okay..."
Mum was of course more than happy to watch the Kid's.
This year Izac, Jace, Hazel and Lily had began catching the school bus to school and home, which free'd up a lot more of Mum's day.
I checked the clock up on the wall.
1:50PM.
Shit!
Mum should be here by two.
I scurried down the hallway to our bedroom to finish getting ready.
I had no intentions of 'dressing up' per say, but I also didn't want to go to town in my leggings and one of Blayze's t-shirts.
"Bails? You ready?"
I grabbed my hairbrush of the dressing table and pulled my hair tie out of my messy blonde hair.
"Mummy?"
Shit!
I heard footsteps in the hallway, which I was pretty confident were Blayze's, considering he'd just called out to Me.
"Babe can you get Luka? He's awake!"
I called, dragging my brush through my tangled hair.
I've really got to stop procrastinating on getting rid of the knots!
I don't have time to brush them out right now.
"Hey mate."
I heard Blayze greet Luka.
"Daddy! Mummy?"
I heard Luka reply.
"Yep. C'mon."
Blayze answered.
I couldn't help but smile at the mirror.
Our eldest Son is just adorable.
Then I found a stubborn knot and the brush got stuck, pain striking my scalp.
I grimaced.
Damn hair...
Maybe I should just get Aunty Bridey to chop it all off...
I shook my head at that idea.
We have a Wedding in May.
I don't need an angry hair style.
Movement in my peripheral vision caught my attention.
I twisted around, finally managing to drag my brush through the worst of the knot in my hair.
Blayze had arrived, with Luka propped against his chest.
"Mummy!"
Luka crowed, a grin lighting his face.
"Hey Baby."
I greeted him, a smile gracing my own lips.
"Hi."
Blayze chimed in, his blue-green eyes dancing.
Smiling, I shook my head.
"You nearly ready?"
Blayze asked.
"Ready?"
Luka echoed, his adorable little face still split into a grin.
"Nearly."
I turned back to face the mirror, dragging the brush through my hair again.
Finally no knots!
Feeling triumphant, I set the brush down and used my hands to pull my hair up to tie it into a pony tail again.
A now knot free pony tail...
"Can you change Luka's nappy and get him a bottle?"
I asked Blayze, reaching for my tube of mascara.
"Okay."
He agreed.
Out the corner of my eye I saw Blayze turn around and take Luka out of the room.
I swiped some mascara onto my lashes, then twisted the lid back on the tube and tossed the tube back onto the dressing table.
Clothes.
I need clothes to wear.
I spun on my heel and moved over to the wardrobe.
Three pairs of jeans and four tops later, I was repulsed.
Nothing fit my stupid body nicely anymore!
I glared at the mirror image of myself, clenching my fists at my sides.
My butt was too big now.
My thighs too.
A knock carried down the hallway.
I frowned towards the front end of the house.
Why would Mum be knocking?
She knows we're expecting her.
Zeus' nails clicked on the floorboards as he approached the door.
"Bails can you get that?"
I heard the slightly muffled version of Blayze's voice ask.
Great.
Zeus gave a loud sniff at the door and a low woof.
Shit.
It's not Mum.
I scrambled to find a pair of boots and speed walked down the hallway, holding the boots and a pair of my socks in my hands.
I looked to the clock in the lounge room on my way through.
2:00.
Where was Mum?
Zeus looked over his shoulder at Me and wagged his tail.
"Get back Zeus."
I told him, bending down to set my boots onto the floor.
I dropped the rolled up pair of socks into one of the shoes.
Rapid knocking sounded on the door once again.
Crap!
Whoever it is, is going to wake up Brodie, Dale and Knox!
Zeus jogged forward a step and barked his deep baritone.
"I'm coming!"
I snapped, moving quickly to the door.
"Who is it?"
As I grabbed the door handle, I looked over my shoulder to see Blayze and Luka coming out of the hallway.
"I don't know."
I told him and turned my attention back to the door.
I used my legs to push Zeus out of the way and pulled the front door open.
Three people were standing on our decking.
But even more than that, I noticed the blue and white police car parked not too far from the house.
I snapped my gaze back to the people on my deck.
Uncle Lukas was stood there, arms folded across his chest and his expression carefully blank.
Senior Constable Troy Davis stood there too, hands perched on his hips.
The third person had my eyes glued on him.
He had to be around six feet tall.
His hair was jet black and looked disheveled in a familiar way, like he'd been running his hands through it.
He lifted his gaze from staring down at the wooden porch to look at Me and my breath caught in my throat.
His blue-green eyes and the sharp edge to his teenaged jaw were much too familiar to those I'd met on somebody nearly twelve years ago.
"Is Blayze Riley here?"
Mini Blayze questioned, his voice and his expression vulnerable with either fear or anxiety, I wasn't quite sure.
Hello beautiful people! I hope you're still enjoying the journey! I know the updates have been infrequent lately and I'm sorry for that! I'm quite disappointed it seems like views and voting and comments have dropped 😔 nevertheless, I'll still be writing the journey, because I love it and the tale even fills my dreams at night time 😀 if you're still hooked, then please let Me hear from you 🤗