Chapter 117

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Hailey smiled, innocently licking the icing off her lips.

“I feel like eating you up, just like you’re doing to that cake.”

Hailey blushed, taking another bite of cake. She had woken up craving cake, and Cole had ordered one from the best bakery. “You sure you don’t want some?”

Cole closed the distance between them. “No.” He stole a kiss as she chewed.

“I feel like a baby.”

Cole chuckled. “Why?”

“Because of my sudden craving for sweet things.”

“Good to know our baby girl has a sweet tooth already.”

Hailey blushed, stuffing more cake in her mouth. “I hope it stays this way,” she said with a mouthful, continuing to chew.

“This way?” Cole glanced at her, pouring orange juice into a glass.

“Yes. I had weird cravings when I was pregnant with the boys. I craved things I don’t normally eat. Like pickles and peanut butter, and other weird combinations.” Cole smiled sadly, placing the juice beside her.

Hailey recognized that look and instantly dropped her fork. She turned to face him. “I know what you’re thinking.”

“What?” Cole feigned innocence.

“Because I’m talking about the past, you feel sad that you weren’t a part of it.”

Cole shook his head.

Hailey tiptoed and kissed his lips. “You don’t have to feel bad. I tell you these things not to upset you, but to make you aware of what happened.”

“I know. But I still can’t forgive myself for missing those times. I feel deep pain whenever I think of the wonderful times I missed with my family.”

“It’s not your fault.”

Cole didn’t look convinced.

“Okay, I won’t tell you about the past anymore.”

“No, that’s not it. I want to hear all about it. I don’t want to be kept in the dark, but on the other hand, I feel a bit sad. I know I sound crazy, but it’s mixed feelings. I’m glad to know about it, but sad I wasn’t there to experience it.”

“But you are here now.” She kissed his lips quickly. “And we’ll experience so much more together.” She kissed him again.

Cole smiled proudly. “I’m trying so hard not to get tempted to take you right here by the counter.”

Hailey blushed, returning to her cake. “You know I wouldn’t refuse your offer, but we’ll be late if I don’t hurry up.”

She ate the last piece of cake and took a few sips of her orange juice. When finished, she washed the dishes and wiped her hands.

“Ready?” Cole asked, placing his hand on her lower back.

“Yeah! I’m glad I had that. Otherwise, I’d be cranky.”

Cole chuckled. “Remind me that I have four babies to look after.”

Hailey giggled, giving Cole a side hug. “That’s what happens when you choose to be sexually active. I’m your big baby, though, so I should be pampered the most.”

Cole couldn’t stop smiling. He kissed Hailey’s forehead. “I love you.”

“I love you too, honey.”

The two went to the living room and found Enzo on the couch watching TV. The little boy was dressed up, just like his parents. “Where’s your brother, buddy?”

Enzo looked up from the TV. “He went to get the gift!”

“What gift?” Hailey asked.

“Ollie and I made a card for Grandpa.”

Cole and Hailey smiled, exchanging a glance. “You knew about it?” Hailey asked.

Cole shook his head. “I had no idea. But it warms my heart to know they have such beautiful thoughts.”

Hailey chuckled. “Same here. They probably want to win Grandpa’s heart right away.” Ollie soon appeared, holding a card.

“We were waiting for you, honey.” Hailey smiled at Ollie, who was also dressed up.

“I went to get Grandpa’s gift.” He gestured to the card.

He approached Cole, looking worried. “Is Grandpa going to like me?”

Cole smiled, crouching down. “What’s not to like about you?”

The little boy shrugged. “I hope he likes the card Enzo and I made for him.”

Cole caressed his son’s cheek. “Stop worrying. Your Grandpa is amazing and he can’t wait to see you and your brother. You’re going to have fun.” Ollie nodded slowly.

“Good!” Cole kissed his cheek.

“Mommy, what about you? Are you nervous?” Enzo ran to Hailey, taking her hand.

“No. Your Grandpa treats me like a queen. I’m excited to see him.”

“Cool. I’m going to tell him to come to our house someday so he can play with me.”

“Sure! We’d love to have him.”

They left the house and got in the car. The boys played on their tablets in the backseat while Cole and Hailey talked.

After what seemed like forever, Cole pulled up to his father’s mansion. Hailey got out, and Cole helped the children. They walked toward the door. Before Cole could ring the doorbell, it opened, revealing Jessica and a five-year-old girl, Ami, who was grinning widely.