Thank you SO MUCH to RachelBaker976 , ReneSolomon , Jessie160802 , @BaileySaville4 and @cherryshop for your comments on chapter twenty seven!
You guys are truly what keeps me motivated to keep the chapters coming because it means so much to know you're enjoying the story and I love hearing your thoughts 😍😊😃🤗😍
My head rested on my favourite pillow, Blayze's shoulder.
Warm skin against warm skin, we were laying the same way we had been at bed time for nearly an entire week, stark naked and our limbs tangled together, our heart rates gradually slowing down.
Blayze ran his fingers through the strands of hair that fell across my face and I found myself, as I often did, drawing patterns across his chest with the tips of my fingers.
"I don't have to go."
He suddenly stated, his voice breaking into the comfortable silence that surrounded us.
I frowned and propped myself up onto my elbow, so I could get a look at his face.
"You do have to."
Although it made my heart squeeze and my throat thick, I knew we had no choice.
Uncle Lukas, Alex, Jake and Heath would need Blayze's help on the Muster.
The Three Day Muster.
I remembered the same Muster from two years ago.
I'd been pregnant and not known it.
It was the first time I'd come off Phoenix.
Blayze and I had been fighting our feelings for each other.
Blayze shook his head.
"I won't leave you here three days and two nights, with three Babies."
His intentions were sweet.
But the Farm needed this Muster and the Sale that would come from it, otherwise we'd go under.
I smirked, toying with him, trying not to think about the bad stuff.
"Five Babies."
He looked at me in complete bewilderment.
"Well there's Knox of course, but Noah will be here."
I explained, placing my right hand onto his chest, then propping my chin on top of my hand, still managing to maintain eye contact with him.
"But I spoke with Peyton. Because Heath really needs to go too, She and Tatum will be all alone, so I suggested they come join us up here for a couple of nights."
The tenderness in his beautiful blue-green eyes was evidence that he was proud of me.
But suddenly his eyes had an amused sparkle to them and a smile twitched at his lips.
"So while we're off workin' our arse's off, you Girl's are gonna have a slumber party weekend are ya?"
He asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.
I couldn't help but laugh, rolling my eyes.
"Hardly! We're gonna have a Toddler and three Babies to watch remember?"
"Nah."
Blayze shook his head.
"I bet you're gonna get Kylie to Babysit and you Girl's are gonna have an epic weekend!"
"Yep."
I pretended to agree with him, nodding my head.
"You caught me."
His torso shook lightly as he laughed.
"I'm sure You'll have the more fun weekend."
I informed him.
"You'll be Riding, Mustering and Camping. I'll be watching Luka, Brodie and Dale, Azlan and Zuke twenty four seven!"
Yes.
Our beloved Fur Babies came home yesterday!
Blayze pursed his lips, a slight frown marring his brow.
"Yet another reason I shouldn't be leaving. Those Dog's aren't back to normal yet."
I gave his chest a gentle smack.
"They'll be fine to sleep on their bed and be doted on."
I promised.
His expression was now clearly one of deliberation.
"You need to do this Babe, and you know it."
I reasoned.
He grimaced, knowing I was telling the truth.
I stretched up to lightly kiss his lips and he wrapped his arms around me, hugging me tightly, yet gently.
Because Uncle Lukas, Blayze and Heath all had Kid's (or Babies) they'd be leaving behind for a few days, Grandpa had decided the Muster would move out at 9AM, giving the guys a chance to have breakfast with their Kid's.
Cattle number's were down across all properties, so leaving an hour later than usual wouldn't end up causing too much trouble.
Or at least, it shouldn't.
Looking at Luka, Brodie and Dale, it was pretty clear not a single one of them had any idea what was coming.
Then again, Brodie and Dale were two months old, so we weren't really expecting that much of an uproar from them.
Luka, at 16 months, would notice his Daddy's absence.
Especially because Blayze has been making an effort to be home of a night time, to help with getting the Boy's ready for bed and to bed.
Blayze and Luka sat on the couch, Brodie propped securely in one of Blayze's arms, while Luka had one of his rare 'holds' of Dale.
Dale lay sprawled across Luka's legs, some of his body supported by a pillow we'd strategically placed alongside Luka.
Our eldest son grinned wide, stoked he too was able to 'hold' one of his Brother's.
"Hungry yet?"
Blayze asked Luka, raising a questioning eyebrow.
Luka quickly shook his head.
It was like he knew that if he said 'yes' then his 'hold' of Dale would be over.
"Well isn't that just the cutest thing ever!"
We all looked towards the stairs to find Noah coming down, holding Knox in her arms.
"Hai!"
Luka greeted her, lifting his right hand and waving.
"Hello handsome!"
Noah answered him, smiling widely, coming down the last few steps.
"I heard that!"
We heard Codie's slightly muffled voice come from somewhere upstairs.
"Damn!"
Noah said sarcastically.
Laughing, I turned on my heel to head to the kitchen, knowing Blayze could handle Luka and the twins.
And I had to get Blayze and Luka some breakfast and organise a few Baby bottles.
After he'd finished his Breakfast, Luka got busy playing with some toys once I managed to quickly get him changed out of his pyjamas.
Brodie and Dale laid alongside each other on a blue baby blanket, roughly where the coffee table usually sat, but we'd pushed it back to give the babies some room.
Knox laid on his own blanket, only a couple of feet away from the Twin's, all three of them having some 'floor time'.
Azlan, Zuke and Zera laid on the large Dog bed, their eyes focused on the four smallest people of the room, watching them carefully.
Bandit was curled up on the bed he and Zera usually shared, eyes closed, pretending to be asleep.
Zeus was curled up in his armchair, snoring softly.
Luka paused in pushing a toy Ute, decked out with a bull bar, sideskirts and spotlights, sending a frown towards Zeus.
"Ssssh Zoos!"
He scolded him.
The American Staffy peeled one eye open to look at the tiny person.
Blayze, Codie, Noah and I all doubled over, laughing.
Luka turned to look at us, bewildered, like he couldn't possibly understand what was funny.
Zeus released a huffing breath and closed his eyes again, aiming to go back to sleep.
Luka turned his attention back to his car's and began to crawl across the floor, pushing his favourite of late, the BnS style Ute.
"Careful of your Brother's and Knox!"
I warned the only one of the kid's that was on the move.
Luka looked up, from following the movement of his toy car and noticed his path was soon going to collide with the Babies.
He turned and directed the car away from the little ones and I couldn't help but smile.
Note to self... maybe I should see if Kristen is free over the weekend and might want to bring Logan out to play with Luka.
Codie and Noah drifted towards the kitchen (no doubt for a coffee refill) and I made my way to the back of the lounge, where Blayze was seated, elbows propped on his jeans clad thighs and watching the young Kid's.
He seemed... quiet.
"You okay?"
I asked, folding my arms on the top of the back of the lounge and leaning forward.
He pulled his gaze off the Kid's, to shoot me a quick glance, offering me a small smile.
"Yeah."
I didn't buy his answer.
But I also didn't want to push him on it and risk a ridiculous argument between us when he was about to be away for three day's.
Knowing we had to keep an eye on the time, I turned my head to check the lounge room clock.
Damn.
My heart squeezed.
"It's almost quarter to."
I whispered, turning back to Blayze.
I watched his shoulder's stiffen.
"You think I don't know that?"
He muttered, turning his gaze to follow the path Luka was taking, off towards the large front windows.
There's no need to be so rude...
I thought.
"I'll make you a coffee."
I told him, pushing back from the lounge.
He didn't reply, his gaze trained on Luka who pushed the small Ute, half drawling, half running across the floorboards.
Shaking my head, I turned on my heel to go to the kitchen and get us both a refill cuppa.
"Go say a proper bye."
Noah insisted, giving my side a gentle elbow.
I looked across the room, to the door that Blayze had just exited.
Noah was right about one thing.
Neither one of us said a decent goodbye.
Life's too short to leave even the little things unsaid.
I set my coffee down and hurried out of the kitchen, over to the front door.
"Mum!"
Luka exclaimed and I heard him scramble to his feet.
"I'll be back!"
I hastily promised him and quickly slipped out of the front door before my Baby could get anywhere near it.
My heart pounding, I tried not to think about the fact that at any moment Luka's little fists would be pounding on the door because in his mind it was what separated us.
I spotted Blayze among the stand of tree's that surrounded our home, making his way towards the stables and shed's.
"Blayze!"
I shouted, jogging down the half a dozen porch steps.
He stopped and turned around, his blue-green gaze immediately landing on me.
Thanks to two pregnancies within two years, I was nearly instantly out of breath as I attempted to run across the dry and cracked dirt ground and sparse dead grass that was desperate for rain.
"What's wrong?"
Blayze asked, immediately concerned, his strides long and quick as he approached me.
Too out of shape for this running business, I stopped half way across our 'yard' which actually didn't even have a fence yet, basically just had tree's as our fence line and bent over, placing my hands on my knee's, attempting to catch my breath seeing as Blayze was helping to close the distance between us.
"You ya big doofus!"
I explained.
Wait.
That wasn't right...
I waved a dismissive hand.
"No Me..."
Hold on.
That wasn't right either.
"Us!"
I exclaimed, forcing myself to stand straight.
Blayze, now standing less than half a dozen feet in front of me, eyed me with complete bewilderment, his blue-green eyes slightly wide.
I wasn't making any sense, even I could work that out.
I shook my head and quickly closed the space between us, jumping up in an effort to land a decent hug on him, wrapping my arms around his broad shoulders.
He wound his arms firmly around my back and my heart squeezed.
I turned my face into the side of his neck and deeply breathed in his familiarity.
"Please be careful..."
I tried hard to keep my voice strong, but no doubt failed.
"And I fucking love you."
I croaked, fighting back a torrent of tear's.
"Of course I will be."
He promised, placing a kiss on my head.
"You and our Boy's are the exact reason I need to be."
He explained.
"And I fucking love you too."
I squeezed him tighter, hating that I had to soon let go and watch him walk away.
"We're takin' phones."
He explained.
"I'll still be able to talk to you. And Luka."
Oh yeah.
They'd have the SAT phone's with them, making sure to have better phone coverage.
Blinking against my stupid tear's, I forced myself to unlock my arms.
Blayze helped me back to the ground, his arms supporting me.
Looking up at his face, there was a lineup of questions I wanted to ask.
But I didn't want to send him off for a Three Day Muster in a bad mood.
"What?"
He asked, also watching me.
He always reads me so easily...
"Why did you leave like that?"
I frowned, placing my hands on my leggings encased hips.
He averted his gaze, looking uncomfortable.
"I just..."
Releasing a breath, he too placed his hands on his hips, although his were jeans clad unlike mine.
"What?"
I prompted.
Since when does he not know how to talk to me?
"I just hate trynna say goodbye!"
He finally admitted, turning his gaze back to meet mine.
I blinked.
It was as simple as that?
I wanted to laugh.
Big ole tough Blayze Riley couldn't work out how to say bye to his Fiancé and Babies?
I placed three fingers over my lips, trying hard to hold back my grin.
He narrowed his eyes at me, clearly unimpressed with my amusement.
"Blayze!"
He twisted around to look for the approaching person and I shifted to see Uncle Lukas approaching.
"Yeah, I know, I'm cutting it fine."
Blayze agreed.
"What's the hold up?"
Uncle Lukas asked, his green gaze shifting between Blayze and I.
Maybe now was one of the times that I needed to come to Blayze's rescue.
Technically it was my fault anyway, because he'd been on his way to meet everybody else before I'd chased after him and stopped him.
"I'm sorry."
I held up my hands, as if to hold off an attack.
"Sue me."
I smiled sheepishly.
"I'm finding it a little difficult to say goodbye for three days."
Blayze shot me a subtle suspicious, but slightly amused glance.
Uncle Lukas shook his Brown Akubra covered head.
"Well I'm sorry that I'm not God and I can't promise ya he'll be home in one piece, but I can promise that as always we'll all do our best to look out for each other."
It was as good assurance as I was ever going to get.
"Can we go now?"
Uncle Lukas asked me, raising his eyebrows in question.
I was tempted to say 'no', just to stir him up a bit, but instead I smiled sweetly and linked my hands together behind my back.
"Get going my favourite Cowboys!"
I chirped, taking a step backwards.
"But make sure ya don't have too much fun!"
Smiling, Blayze shook his head.
Uncle Lukas laughed!
"Kidding!"
I rolled my eyes.
"Have fun and be safe!"
I ordered them both and turned on my heel to head back to the house.
I didn't want to watch Blayze walk out of sight, because my stupidly softhearted self would no doubt start crying, even though it was idiotic.
"Bye Princess!"
Uncle Lukas called from behind me.
Smiling, I shook my head.
"Bye Bails!"
Blayze called.
I waved behind me.
"Bye Babe!"
I replied.
A few feet away from the porch steps I couldn't hear anything more from Blayze or Uncle Lukas, But I could hear Luka banging on the house's front door.
Standing just in front of my home's front door, I took a moment to collect myself.
Blayze has been on many muster's.
I coached myself.
I'll have plenty to keep me busy, with Luka, Brodie, Dale, Azlan, Zuke and housework.
The next couple of nights weren't likely to be fun, but missing Blayze would make his return on Sunday afternoon all the more enjoyable.
Nodding to myself, I squared my shoulders, lifted my chin and twisted the door handle, carefully pushing the door open in case Luka was-
Just as I'd though, my eldest Son sidestepped our of the way of the opening door, his blue eyes sparkling with a few tear's.
"Hi Baby!"
I greeted him, making sure my smile and my voice were upbeat.
A grin took over my Little Boy's adorable face as he stared up at me.
I bent forward and slipped my hands around his middle, hoisting him up into my arms.
"Want some fruit?"
I asked, knowing he was more than likely hungry again by now.
"Fooht!"
Luka exclaimed.
Laughing, I used one hand to push the front door shut behind me and I carried Luka to the kitchen to get him his snack.
"You eat like your Daddy."
I informed him, propping him on my hip as I walked.
"Daddy?"
He twisted around to look towards the front door.
Damn it.
I didn't want to tell him we wouldn't be seeing his Daddy until Sunday afternoon.
"Blueberries?"
I asked Luka, hoping to distract him.
"Berries!"
He exclaimed, his perfect little face lighting up in excitement.
"Apple?"
I asked, raising a questioning eyebrow while approaching the fridge.
"Apple!"
Luka chirped.
"Banana?"
I asked, grinning.
"Nana!"
He crowed, throwing his fists into the air.
He still absolutely loved Banana's, even though he tried his first one at just five months old.
"Time to get down so Mamma can get this fruit for you."
I explained and squatted to set him onto the floorboards.
Luka jogged on the spot, a toothy grin spreading across his tanned face.
I turned to the fridge and pulled the door open.
I opened the front door to find Peyton bent over a pink and purple Nappy Bag, like she was checking she hadn't left anything behind.
Eyeing the pile she'd managed to cram onto my porch, I was fairly positive there was no way she could've left anything behind!
It looked like she and Tatum Rose were set to move in!
"Hello there!"
I greeted, stepping outside to help her bring everything in.
Tatum laid peacefully in the pram we'd had for Luka when he was a baby, but donated to Heath and Peyton considering a single pram wouldn't fit Brodie and Dale!
We'd had to upgrade and Jax brought us the double.
Peyton shot me an almost sheepish smile.
"Hey."
She greeted, zipping the Nappy Bag closed and straightening her posture.
"Need a hand?"
I asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.
She glanced around at the bags that surrounded the pram and a blush was visible on her cheeks when she turned back to me.
"Thanks."
She smiled weakly.
"I had no idea how much stuff she'd need!"
As a Mother too, I hated other people trying to tell me what to do with my Kid's, so I bit my tongue in an effort to refrain from informing Peyton that for a two day sleepover, Tatum probably wasn't going to need anywhere near as much as she'd packed.
"Well lets get inside and let the fun begin!"
I suggested, leaning down to grab a couple of bags.
"Do it."
Noah agreed, nodding her head.
"It's been too long since we all caught up!"
It certainly had.
"Alright."
I nodded and scooted forward on the lounge to set my coffee down in exchange for grabbing my phone.
First I sent Hayley a text, inviting her and Summer over to join us, then I found Kristen's number in my contacts and tapped on it, lifting my phone to my ear as the call connected.
"Hi Bailey."
Kristen greeted after maybe half a dozen rings.
"Hey!"
I replied, winding my non phone holding hand around Luka's waist as he threw himself at me.
"How are you?"
I asked.
"Yeah, not too bad thanks. How's life with a Toddler and Twin Babies?"
The amusement was audible in her voice.
"Hardly ever a dull moment!"
I assured her, using my free hand to run my fingers through Luka's raven hair.
Kristen's laughter reached my ear!
"Which brings me to the reason behind my call..."
I explained, turning my gaze down to my eldest Son, who had his head tipped back to look at me, grinning a cheeky grin that was spookily like his Father's.
"Oh yeah?"
Kristen asked, sounding curious.
"Noah and I were wondering if you and Logan might want to come out for a visit?"
I explained.
"Hopefully Peyton and Hayley will be around too, with Tatum and Summer."
"Are the guys not invited?"
Kristen asked, sounding mildly amused.
I couldn't help but laugh!
"Blayze and Heath are out on a Three Day Muster."
I told her.
"As you know, Codie, Noah and Knox are staying with us for a while, but Peyton and Tatum are also staying the weekend. Hopefully Hayley will come over and hang too."
I was pretty sure my phone hadn't vibrated yet with Hayley's reply...
"Well Joel's not working."
Kristen explained.
"Will Codie be around, or are we kicking them out?"
"Ummm... give me a sec."
I didn't know the answer to Codie's plans, so had to ask Noah.
I pulled my phone from my ear and turned towards Noah, who was scrolling through channels on the TV, looking for something to watch.
"No?"
I questioned.
She pulled her gaze off the screen to look at me, raising a questioning eyebrow.
"Kristen wants to know if Codie will be around tomorrow, so she know's if it's worth Joel coming out?"
I explained.
"Ummm..."
Noah tapped a green painted nail against her chin, looking thoughtful.
"I'm pretty sure he has to do something with Benjie in the morning, but He should be around in the arvo."
I nodded and paced my phone back against my ear.
"Ya there, Kristen?"
I questioned.
"Yeah."
She agreed.
"Noah said Codie's helping Benjie in the morning, but should be here in the afternoon."
"Alright cool!"
Kristen chirped.
"Well is it alright if Joel comes too?"
I couldn't help but laugh!
"Of course he is, silly lady!"
Kristen too laughed!
A cry sounded from the Kid's on the floor and I snapped my gaze over to see Brodie with a red, scrunched up face, while Luka wriggled out of my embrace, trying to make his way to his Brother.
"Well I'll let you get back to Motherhood!"
Kristen declared.
"And we shall see you guys tomorrow."
"Yes I think Brodie wants a bottle, or a butt change."
I told her.
"We'll see ya tomorrow! Feel free to come any time from like, eleven."
I explained, scooting myself to the edge of the couch cushions.
"Alright, awesome!"
Kristen chirped.
"See ya tomorrow!"
"Bye!"
I told her.
"Bye!"
She replied.
I pulled the phone from my ear and ended the call.
Now to find out what had Brodie irritated.
Of course Brodie started a chain reaction.
Dale, Knox and Tatum followed him in wailing the house down.
It took nearly half an hour before peace was restored in my house, with all four Babies receiving a nappy change and bottles, or in Tatum's case, Her Mum's breast.
Knox had chosen now as one of his times to crave Noah's breast, so Noah was able to juggle Dale too, feeding him a bottle.
Knox spent his day's having a mixture of breast milk and formula, because the Doctor's had many weeks ago informed Noah and Codie that the reason Noah was struggling in feeding Knox off the breast was because his metabolism was a super fast one (much like his Father's it turned out) so Margaret had recommended to Noah that she introduce formula as well and that seemed to fill Knox up for a bit longer.
I shot Noah a grimace.
"Thank you."
"No worries."
She promised, turning her gaze back down to assess both the Babies she was trying to feed, one from her breast and the other from a bottle.
Zuke suddenly scrambled slowly off the Dog bed, his attention focused on the front of the house.
"What's up Zukey?"
I asked my half healed Dog.
He wagged his tail to show he'd heard me, but made his way towards the door, his nails clicking on the floorboards once he cleared the rug in the lounge room.
Luka, bored of the Babies having their meals, climbed down from the lounge, following Zuke.
I scooted myself to the edge of the lounge and managed to push to my feet without disturbing Brodie's drinking too much.
Eyeing my Dog and eldest Son in curiosity, I followed them towards the door.
A gentle thud sounded and Peyton twisted around in the armchair, her gaze going to the front window.
"Keegan's car's out the front."
She informed me, pulling her gaze off the window to look at me.
Keegan's car?
But he's currently-
I mentally facepalmed.
Hayley would have the key's to Keegan's car while he's away.
I felt relieved to know Hayley had clearly decided to join us.
A new spring in my step, I moved to the door to open it for her.
"Back Zuke."
I urged him.
He looked at me, wagged his tail and whined.
"Back."
I commanded him, irritated he was questioning my request.
He backed up three steps.
I rolled my eyes.
That would have to do for now.
But now Luka was in the way of me opening the door!
He was staring at the wood, standing less than six inches in front of it, waiting for it to open.
Unfortunately his sixteen month old brain didn't seem to understand the fact that he was standing on the side of the door where if it swung open he would be knocked the hell on his arse.
"Luka?"
I requested his attention.
He turned to face me, tipping his head Back to look up at me, his expression questioning.
"Move back here a bit."
I urged him, taking a step backwards.
A grin lit up His face and he ran towards me to join me.
Phew.
With the Kid and the Dog now out of the way, I walked to the door to open it for Hayley.
My left hand was holding Brodie's bottle for him, so I had to carefully reach my right hand out, keeping my arm under Brodie at the same time, to twist the door handle.
Finally I got it to open enough for me to slip a foot between the crack and urge it open further with my leg.
Go me!
And I was just in time for Hayley climbing the decking steps, an adorable bundle wearing purple and white cradled in her arms.
"Hello!"
I greeted, unable to hold back my grin.
"Hey."
Hayley replied, smiling slightly.
"SumSum!"
I looked down as Luka brushed past my legs, rushing out onto the decking.
"I don't even get a look in!"
Hayley exclaimed, her grey eyes widening.
"Yeah well He didn't say hello to Peyton either."
I assured her, rolling my eyes.
"He just wanted to see 'cousin'."
I'd have done my usual air quotations if I'd had a spare hand.
Hayley shook her head, laughter shaking her shoulders.
She turned her attention down to Luka and knelt down to let the Toddler who was straining on his tippy toes, craning his neck, get a better look at her Baby.
A grin lit up Luka's face when Summer was finally down to his level and he leaned in to plant a kiss on her adorable little face before I could warn him to leave the Baby alone.
Part of me was apprehensive Hayley would freak out, but instead She looked up at me with a huge grin on her face.
"That is so freakin' adorable!"
She yelped, her voice nothing more than a squeak.
"Luka, lets let Hayley and Summer come inside."
I suggested.
Luka spun on his heel to face me.
"Mon!"
He urged Hayley and Summer, gesturing with his hand for them to follow him and he sprinted towards Me, as fast as his one year old legs would let him go.
Shaking lightly with laughter, Hayley climbed back to her feet, trying not to jostle Summer too much.
I stepped back, making room for them to get into the house.
We laid the Babies out on a green blanket after moving the coffee table out of the way, lining them up from eldest to youngest, with Knox first, Brodie and Dale next, Summer beside the Twin's and Peyton beside Summer.
Luka was happy to sit behind the Babies, where I featured him to sit behind Dale, so he was in the middle and he grinned widely when Noah squatted down to snap a few photos.
It was my idea, that we needed an updated photo of the Kid's who would hopefully be friends for life.
Luka was unfortunately the odd one out, being a year older than all the Babies in front of us, but I was already fairly certain that in most cases that wouldn't matter.
He would probably be the ringleader in any mischief any or all of the younger one's got up to!
"Well isn't that the most precious thing in the world!"
I spun around, as did the other girls, to find that Mum had somehow managed to sneak in without any of us noticing.
"Gramma!"
Luka apparels no longer cared about posing for photos, scrambling to his feet and running around the Babies while Peyton and Hayley winced in worry.
"Hi my Darling!"
Mum greeted my eldest Son brightly, grinning down at him.
It was unusual she didn't-
I finally realised Mum had her arms full.
"What ya got there?"
I asked, walking towards her.
"The Wedding album's finally arrived!"
Mum declared, her face and most importantly her green eyes bright.
Wedding...?
"Dress ideas, cake ideas..."
Mum prompted.
Oh.
"Cool!"
I tried to offer her a chirpy smile.
In all honesty, I currently wasn't even thinking at all about the upcoming wedding!
At the moment I was trying to think about getting through the next few days, wrangling all the Kid's and the household stuff without Blayze.
At least Noah and Peyton were here too.
But they have their own Babies...
"Shall I put the kettle on?"
Mum suggested, raising a questioning eyebrow.
Luka hurried towards the kitchen, as if he might do the job for her.
"Sure."
I nodded, extending my arms towards Mum.
"How about you pass me those folders?"
"Deal!"
Grinning, she transferred the stack into my arms.
I grimaced slightly under the misleading weigh.
Surely she didn't walk these over from the main house!
"You gonna help me Luka?"
Mum asked, turning to follow my Son into the kitchen.
He babbled something none of us had any hopes of understanding.
I turned on my heel and headed to the lounge room to put the folders onto the coffee table.
Luka took the longest to go down for the afternoon nap, but that was because he was too busy showing off for his Grandma and Hayley and Peyton.
Because Noah's been around so much lately, he didn't try and use her as a means to get out of his nap, knowing she was on my side and would reinforce the nap idea.
"Peace at last!"
I declared, throwing myself down on the comfortable couch cushions.
"Now we can get Wedding planning!"
Mum announced.
I popped my eyes open to find my Mother springing out of her seat with an energy I'd have never dreamed she possessed.
Wedding-?
I felt my eyes widen as Mum hauled the stack of folder's off the coffee table.
She wants to go through those now?!
"Yes, yes, yes!"
Noah agreed, clapping her hands eagerly and scooting herself to the edge of the couch.
Mum pierced me with an almost glare.
"You need to get a wriggle on with making decisions honey."
"But this is supposed to be 'girls weekend'."
I protested.
"Which makes it the perfect time for this!"
Mum insisted, making her way around the lounge room to hand out the folder's.
"Wedding Cake's..."
Peyton read as she accepted the first folder from Mum.
"This could be interesting!"
She noted, her eyes developing an amused sparkle.
Mum grinned and turned to the lounge which had Hayley, myself and Noah sitting on it.
"Bridesmaids..."
Hayley announced, accepting the folder Mum handed her.
I bit into my lower lip when Mum offered me a white folder.
In cursive writing on the front it read Bride's Dresses.
Shit.
She was really going to make me properly start looking!
Releasing a breath, I set the folder onto my thighs and watched Mum hand Noah a folder.
"Suits for the Groom and Groomsmen!"
Noah declared, a wicked grin forming on her face.
"I think I can deal!"
She chirped, hugging the folder to her chest.
The rest of us laughed!
Laughing and shaking her head, Mum turned on her heel and headed back to her armchair.
"What's your folder?"
I asked my Mother as she retook her seat.
"Never you mind."
She denied, shooting me a wink.
I frowned.
Why wouldn't she tell me?
"You get to looking through that folder missy!"
Mum ordered, pointing a manicured finger at me.
With a sigh, I settled back in the lounge cushions and flipped open the start of the folder.
Short skirt, long skirt, super long skirt, strapless, thin straps, thick straps, halter neck, cap sleeve, short sleeve, half sleeve, long sleeve, lace...
There were just way too many options and I wasn't even half way through the damn folder!
The saddest part was, there were too many to count, that I actually did a double or even triple take on.
Then again, just because a dress looked gorgeous in a photo didn't mean it would suit just any woman.
These types of folders were just a bloody tease!
A familiar cry reached my ear's and I jumped at the chance to close the folder, set it aside and hurry down the hall to see the Twin's.
One of them was awake, but it was a given that the other would wake up too.
"Oh Bails! You have to check out this one!"
Noah called after me, just as I was about to reach the hallway.
"Later!"
I called back to her.
My duties as 'Mum' had started again.
Wedding planning would have to once again be put on the back burner.
I heard other cries start around the house and laughed quietly to myself as I pushed the Twins' bedroom door open.
Yep.
Wedding planning was definitely on hold now!
The thing about having five helpless Babies in the house at once?
We pretty much played 'pass the baby', with each woman barely getting to hold her own Baby throughout the afternoon.
And Luka made us all watch Finding Nemo.
Again.
"Pizza's?"
I asked the Girl's, looking around my lounger room.
Except by now 'the Girls' also included Mum, Grandma, Aunty Bridey, Talon, Taj, Amara and Bindi.
Luka was loving having Talon, Taj, Amara and Bindi to play with.
Amara and Bindi were torn between Luka and the Babies, But Talon and Taj were awesome at keeping Luka occupied and tiring him out for bed time.
"Sounds good!"
Noah, Hayley and Peyton agreed.
Well that was easy!
But now we (or probably I) had to make them.
Aunty Bridey shook her head.
"The Kid's and I won't stay."
She denied.
I frowned.
"Why not?"
"Because we make five extra people!"
Aunty Bridey exclaimed.
I waved a dismissive hand.
"Don't worry about that."
I rolled my eyes.
Sure, it would mean I had extra Pizza's to make, but family time was important.
It seem's like way too long since I've spent any time with my Aunt or my Cousin's.
"I'll give you a hand honey."
Grandma offered, easing herself off her chair.
I tried hard to hide my relief.
Grandma is still the number one cook on this farm, so I'd certainly been hoping she would volunteer to help!
"I will too!"
Mum offered, raising a hand like a school girl who wanted to answer her Teacher's question.
"Sweet!"
I clapped my hands and pushed myself off the couch.
"You're staying!"
I warned Aunty Bridey, pointing a finger at her as I headed around the couch, towards the kitchen.
"Righto!"
I looked over my shoulder to see my Aunt holding her hands up, as if to hold off an attack.
"So are we going to make lots of individual ones, or large ones to cut up and share?"
Grandma questioned, joining me in the kitchen.
"Is it cheating to make maybe half a dozen larger ones?"
I asked, a little sheepish.
"Not at all."
Grandma shook her head.
"Sounds like a fine idea to me!"
Phew.
We'd be stuck in the kitchen all night if we made...
I turned around to face the lounge room area and count everybody who was present.
Mum, Aunty Bridey, Noah, Hayley, Peyton, Talon, Taj, Amara, Bindi, Luka, Grandma and myself.
Twelve.
Twelve freakin Pizza's!
It was lucky the Babies were too small to eat real food.
And that the Boy's aren't-
The front door opened, Bandit and Zera spilling into the house, their tails wagging madly when they noticed the full house.
Codie followed the Dog's in and eased the door shut behind his back.
"Hey Babe!"
Noah greeted him, leaning back in the far corner of the lounge, Baby Tatum cradled in her arms.
Codie's cautious gaze travelled around the full lounge room and he slowly made his way towards the back of the lounge, at the end where Noah was seated.
"Hey."
He greeted her, leaning down to give her a kiss.
Codie's return was a blunt reminder that I wouldn't be welcoming Blayze home tonight.
I bit into my bottom lip and turned to the fridge, telling myself to focus on Dinner.
Codie had taken Talon and Taj under his wing, taking them upstairs to play on the X-box he'd borrowed off his little Brother, Tyson.
I was beginning to hate that machine, until tonight when it stopped Talon and Taj from being bored.
The day after Codie brought the dumb time waster home, he and Blayze religiously played it night after night after the Kid's were asleep.
I'd never known Blayze to be the game console kind of guy, but he'd proven me wrong during the last week!
Hopefully spending two nights away might break his addiction to the stupid thing!
The oven's tuner chimed, letting Grandma and I know the last of the Pizza's were ready.
Phew!
I grabbed the oven mitts and pulled them onto my hands before opening the oven door.
"Grub's up!"
Grandma called towards the lounge room, gaining everybody's attention.
It sounded like a small herd of Cattle had moved into my house, when everybody got to their feet and crowded towards the kitchen.
"I'll let Codie and the Boy's know!"
Noah declared, making her way towards the stairs.
Knowing Codie would most likely eat one Pizza all to himself, I'd intentionally made one with more meat, cheese and tomato on it.
The 'girlie' Pizza's had more vegetables on them.
"Grab a plate."
I urged the ladies, while Grandma used the cutter to make slices in the last Pizza.
"Then make your way over to the table."
I pointed over the bench, towards the dining room table where the other Pizza's were waiting, already sliced up and ready to eat.
All the Babies were asleep, as was Luka.
Bindi was fighting sleep, curled up on her Mummy's lap.
Amara sat on Mum's lap, a wide grin on her delicate little face, over the moon to be included in 'Girl Time'.
"Choose!"
Noah hissed, all but thrusting the heavy, open folder in my face.
I'd narrowed down the ones I liked, but that apparently wasn't enough for Miss. Noah Mary Zannox.
No matter what I did, there was one which my eyes kept being drawn back to.
"I'll have to of course see what Blayze thinks..."
I warned all the women who were watching me expectantly.
Grinning, Mum shook her head.
She knew damn well that this was something Blayze wasn't going to care about.
Biting into my lower lip, I looked between the two most interesting options.
"But I'm inclined to choose that one."
I declared, pointing to one that I was fairly certain both Blayze and I could appreciate.
"Hallelujah!"
Noah exclaimed, throwing up her hands in a victorious gesture.
"She made a decision!"
The women around me erupted into warm, amused laughter.
"Which one?"
Mum asked eagerly.
"Yeah, Which?"
Aunty Bridey seconded, rubbing a hand through Bindi's loose hair like she didn't even realise she was doing it.
Bindi's eyes were now finally fully closed.
The poor Girl was well and truly knackered.
Grinning from ear to ear, Noah grabbed the folder titled 'Cakes' of my lap and turned the open page around to show the other ladies what my choice was.
If Blayze was opposed to it, I'd of course have to make another choice, but I was fairly sure He wouldn't complain.
I'm so very sorry for the long wait lovely people!
I hope you enjoy and please, PLEASE vote and comment because I love to know you're actually enjoying the story! 😍🤗💚💙💜