Accidental Surrogate

A New Home Ella A few days later, after Sinclair and I have had some time to dwell and consult and decide, we invite Roger and Cora over to our little house early one morning.

We’re both standing out front waiting for them, Rafe all dressed up in blue and white in my arms.

I grin down at my baby, so pleased to finally be back home, to be able todresshim in all of the clothes I ordered for him during my long weeks of bedrest.

This kid has an amazing wardrobe already, but of course he wasn’t able to wear it – and heartbreakingly grew out of some of it during our time away in the bunker.

“He’s getting really big,” I murmur to Sinclair, shifting my baby higher in my arm.

“Theyouin him is starting to come out.” Sinclair grins and looks down at the baby.

“He’ll be six feet in no time.

My little linebacker.” “Better not be,” I grumble, but I’m unable to help from smiling down at my little cutie.

“He needs to stay my little beachball baby for awhile yet.

At least another sixteen years.

” “Don’t count on it,” Sinclair sighs.

“I got my growth spurt early.

He’ll be taller than you by fourth grade.” “No,” I gasp, spinning to look up at him in horror.

My mate just shrugs, laughing at me and implying that it’s inevitable, but then he lifts his chin towards the driveway where Roger’s car is pulling in.

I take a deep breath as I turn to watch them, and then I consider something out loud.

” Do you know,” I say, “I’ve never actually seen Roger’s apartment.” They’ve been staying there for the past few days, Cora happy to abandon her own rather bland apartment.

“You’re better off,” Sinclair replies, raising his eyebrows.

“Bachelor city.” “Neon signs?” I ask, wrinkling my nose.

( Collection of commemorative beer glasses?” “Everything you’re imagining,” Sinclair sighs, sinking his hands into his pockets as Cora and Roger park and climb out of their car, and worse.” “Barf,” I murmur, and then I look back down at my baby again.

“Don’t worry, Rafey.

We’ll never let you live like that.” “Hi!” Cora says cheerfully, coming over to us and kissing me on the cheek before snatching Rafe out of my arms, cooing to her godson and saying hello.

“What, nothing for me?” Sinclair says, grinning – while he’s clearly pleased that she, like us, loves the baby so much, he’s not turning away the opportunity to tease her.

Roger likewise kisses me on the cheek and gives his brother

breakfast?”

“Cora can’t cook.

haven’t eaten for days.” “My skills lay elsewhere!” Cora calls over her shoulder, dancing away a little to show Rafe some of the little

Sure,” Sinclair says, laughing and nodding towards the open door

“Come on in.

curious to see what you think.” “Really?” Roger asks as the three

saucy attitude leaving him as he looks around the living room at the entrance of our house, which has been completely redecorated in shades of blue and grey with luxurious brown leather

he says, his

fast with some changes,” “Do you like them?” I ask eagerly, winding my arm tightly around

antique Audubon bird prints that we’ve used to

“It’s so…simple, and chic.

also warm.” She looks at me with both love and

at this

a gift,” I say, laughing as I throw my hair over

her hand and pull her

hear Roger and Sinclair

kept the stair

as we reach the top of

fun.” Then I pull her into the bedroom, which has likewise

she sees the gigantic bed with its too-plush comforter, the cozy white fur rug, even the electric

stepping into the room and

sees the

refitted to better accommodate two

stepping into the room and looking around with what I can only think of as jealousy in his own

up at down as

to admit,” he says, turning back

feel asyouas the last room did.” Sinclair just shrugs, a

peeks into the closet – which now has a chandelier, a station for jewelry, and a full-length mirror…but no clothing in it, not a single

empty?” She turns back to

is all of Rafe’s stuff? His changing table – his bassinet -” And I squeal a

it was time for a ratherbigchange.” Cora stares at

Roger gasps, putting it all together faster

stumbling back a step

particular, on the painting that

to match the rest of the room – but clearly portrays a summer storm

you didn’t -” ” What?” Cora asks again, coming to my side, and I take her

moving into the palace, Cora,” I say softly, beaming

for you.” “What!?” she gasps, apparently unable to think of any other words as she raises a shaky hand to