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.

waves a dismissive hand at Sinclair while Roger likewise kisses me on the

there breakfast?”

“Cora can’t cook.

shoulder, dancing away a little to show Rafe some of

nodding towards the

“Come on in.

made some changes we’re curious to see what you think.” “Really?” Roger asks as the three of us

satisfied with the blood-and- horror theme that you’d gone with in your bedroom?” But his mouth falls open, his saucy attitude leaving him as he looks around the living

his eyes

them?” I ask eagerly, winding my arm tightly around Sinclair’s as Cora comes

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

“It’s so…simple, and chic.

at me with both

so good at this stuff,

I say, laughing

I grab her hand and pull

hear Roger and Sinclair following behind

you’ve kept the stair lift,” Cora murmurs,

we reach the top of the

I pull her into the bedroom, which has likewise been totally

cozy

she sighs, stepping into the

the closet, which we’ve

refitted to better

stepping into the room and looking around with what I can only think of

at down

to admit,” he

feel asyouas the last room did.” Sinclair

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,

She turns back to

where is all of Rafe’s stuff? His changing table – his bassinet -” And I squeal a little bit as I see her figuring

decided,” Sinclair repeats, “that it was time for

all together faster than

moans, stumbling back a step and looking around at the room

in particular, on the painting that we placed above

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

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

moving into the palace, Cora,” I

this for you.” “What!?” she gasps, apparently unable to think of