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.

dismissive hand at Sinclair while Roger likewise kisses me

there breakfast?” Roger

“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

Sinclair says, laughing and nodding towards

“Come on in.

to see what you think.” “Really?” Roger asks as the three of us troupe in together, Cora

he looks around the living room at the entrance of our house, which has been

says, his

changes,” “Do you like them?” I ask eagerly, winding my

says, looking around at the antique Audubon bird prints that we’ve used to

“It’s so…simple, and chic.

also warm.” She looks at me with both love

good at this stuff, Ella,” she

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

look upstairs!” And then I grab her hand and pull her

and Sinclair following behind

kept the stair lift,” Cora murmurs, laughing

reach the top of the steps,

bedroom, which has likewise been totally redone in

the gigantic bed with its too-plush comforter, the cozy white fur rug, even the electric fireplace that we’ve had installed

she sighs, stepping into the room and turning

sees the

refitted to better accommodate

stepping into the room and looking around with

clap a little, jumping up at down as I see them

have to admit,” he says, turning back

doesn’t feel asyouas the last room did.” Sinclair just shrugs, a

was time for a change.” “Ella,” Cora says, frowning as she 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

why is this empty?” She turns back to the room

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

it was time for a

putting it all together faster than his

moans, stumbling back a step and looking around at the

on the painting that we placed above the

the room – but clearly portrays a summer storm above a

asks again, coming to

the palace, Cora,” I say softly, beaming

to think of any other words as she raises a