Here's to Something New {Marr & Jack}

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Vy Pryce

"The baby come out soon?" Brooklyn questions for the millionth time that day alone, her large-curious eyes transferring from Kyanite and her round tummy to Vy searching through a dresser. Might of been a bad idea to inform the precious toddler that a new baby would be joining them soon, she's been as impatient as anyone else for this addition. Can only imagine the struggle in explaining to her that the little one won't be able to play for a bit. But for now, at least the adults are taking to this quiet time of only having one child around.

They're not going to have a babysitter for months, that was Jeran's excuse for asking Vy on a date again. It's been a desire of his since they made it secretly official, but she has yet to agree. Just feels too risky, and aside from that she's simply not that type of woman. But 'they're going to end up being the babysitters once Kyanite gives birth,' Jeran's now using as his card. Probably true since balancing a toddler and infant will be a struggling task, that's not why she finally caved though.

"I can't believe your brother actually got me to agree to this." Surprisingly sarcasm doesn't come from the Blonde, though her tone probably still contains it. She's just unsure herself of why she said yes. Take up the alone time they won't get for a while? Or accept the way he is, as he's done with her? Either way it'd feel wrong to back out now.

There's nothing but uniforms, jeans, and shirts within her drawers. Even when it comes to going out, it's usually in sweats for a good fight. She doesn't impress people with fashion, that's what her toned body's for. A heavy sigh comes forth from the Blonde, giving up on finding an outfit Jeran might find attractive.

"He's going to have to deal with what I usually wear." She laughs with a roll of her eyes. Focus turns over to the two in the room, a grin forming automatically. Can't wrap her head around this picture, getting ready for a date while Ky & Brooklyn keep her company. Is this really who she's become? Only odd that she's somehow okay with this. "Are you sure you and Matthew can handle this? 'Course I'll gladly make it up to you once Mira's around...I just don't want Brooklyn stressing you out so close to your due date." It's not an attempt to cancel this, just general concern.

[*]

Attempting to try to get Vy to go on a date with my brother wasn't too hard. What is hard is her lack of style and clothes and assortment of colors. For the time being, I'm completely content just watching as she goes through drawer and drawer of her own for something to wear. It brings a huge grin to my face and a heavy sigh to my depleting lung capacity. I can't breath anymore. If I move, it seems to take up a huge amount of energy, but I've promised, and offered, to watch Brooklyn for her while she finally gets this little 'date' with Jeran. What I"m going to have to deal with is the little tyke who keeps asking about when Mira is going to come out. I wish Vy hadn't have said something about the baby arriving soon, cause I get woke up in the middle of my naps to those huge eyes that I see. As well as those cold fingers touching my stomach randomly. She's found it quite amusing to feel the baby kicking and constantly wants to stay near me when her mother isn't around.

"YOu'll have fun, Vy. Promise! He's great.. you know that. Respectable. Sweet. Totally devoted to you. You may not see it but I do. He's changed since you and him... got together!" I tell her, and watch as Brooklyn once again scoots closer to me and her cold fingers reach for my stomach and with a quick lift of teh shirt, her tiny digits touch my stomach and I fake a shiver of coldness. "Burr, Brooklyn. You'll freeze little Mira with those cold hands."

Of course, she only giggles and brings her other hand to touch my stomach and then moves them in multiple places just to get my reaction each time.

"He's going to have to deal with what I usually wear. ARe you sure you and Matthew can handle this? Course I'l gladly make it up to you once Mira's around... I just don't want Brooklyn stressing you out so close to your due date."

"Vy, if I wanted this time to myself and with Matthew, then I wouldn't have offered and begged for Jeran to keep asking you." My eyes go big for a moment and I grin heavily. "Okay, Jeran kinda hinted toward me watching her for you since you keep denying him a date. What can I say? I'm a loving little sister whose best friend could possibly become my real sister. Well, sister-in-law." I motion to the finger that usually holds that special peice of metal.

"Let me help you, okay? I may have something that you can fit into. I know I can't, since I've gotten so huge... I'll be right back." I move gently off the bed, pushing myself to my feet and it takes me a few good deep breaths before I get to my feet and walk to her and take her hand. "Follow me."

I lead the way to my room, and go in and open the closet and point to the clothes on the right of the closet. "Pick. I can't fit into them... Mira's made sure of that. I never realized how much that baby's can make you get so big." A swift kick from Mira has me gasping and leaning over. "Geeze, kid. You're running out of room in there. Stop doing that..."

[Jack Lexington]

"Jeran!" I holler through the house but can't find him anywhere.
"Jeran, where are you? I need you!" I holler again in mock dissapointment from the back porch through the slightly open door.
My boots are snow covered so i don't want to step inside and get everything wet and I don't want to take the time to take them off because I'm on a roll with my latest project: The crib. The one for my new house.

For days I've been hiding away outside in the shed where I could work on the piece of art in peace without interruptions from girls of all ages or the new couples obnoxious behavior.

We all know the big day is not faraway now. Judging by the size ofmy girls belly it's already past and I don't want the baby to arrive before her crib is ready. It's my wayof preparing and calming myself down because truth be told, I'm pretty freaking nervous.

"Where did you put the fucking drill?" I shout assuming that Kyanites brother is the one who took it.
"Come on- I got to show you something." Are my concluding words before I brielfy step inside leaving tracks all over the kitchen floor to pour me a hot cup of coffee to take to the shed.
On the stairs I can hear steps so I blow on the lukewarm brew that's been sitting in the pot for ages and then tip toe my way backto the door before the girls can chew my ear off. Seems like they're upstairs anyway.

[*]

With two eyes staring back at him, he studies himself in the mirror. A nice button up shirt, the color of a beige color and dark jeans replaces his usual laid back attire or the ones of his peacekeeping uniform. Pushing the tie into place and straightening it, he looks to the door as Dunham's voice protrudes through the house. With a shake of his head, he continues onto his business until Matthew keeps yelling for him and then something about a drill.

"Hold your horses, Dunham." He yells outward and then runs his fingers through his hair and finally takes his leave from the room, shutting the door and glances towards the door where Vy's room is before making his way down the stairs and into the kitchen. "What are you going on about?"

He questions him, but shrugs his shoulders when there was a mention of showing him something. "Listen, I'm fixing to head out. I can't fool around, Dunham. So don't you dare think about goofing off right now." He badgers him, and goes into the kitchen to see him standing at the door, letting in the cold.

"What do you want to show me?" He asks and follows him out the house and out toward the shed. His feet crunch against the snow and regretting that he didn't have another nice pair of shoes and instead having to mess up his uniformed ones. Thing about the corps is being neat and tidy and these were the only ones he had available. So, with the chances, he just goes with it.

"Have you seen Vy this morning?" He makes small talk with Dunham as they approach the shed.

[Jack Lexington]

My coffee damn near falls out of my hand when my gaze falls upon Jerna, who is nt only wearing a nice shirt and pants, shiny shoes and a tie but has slicked his hair back like a 1950ies gigolo.
"What the hell happened to you?" I blow on the half cold coffee out of habit but my eyes never leave his sight.

"Listen, I'm fixing to head out. I can't fool around, Dunham. So don't you dare think about goofing off right now."
"You are so screwed..." I shake my head with a smirk. Ever since we caught them in bed together the secrets's been out and they didn't hide anything any longer. Those two were falling in love.

Despite his nie attire I wave him outside and trudge through the foot of snow to the shed, where only a small work ofen heats the place.
"What do you want to show me?" He asks me with little to no patience so I point towards the crib that's almost finsihed except for the bottom, that will rock our baby.
The wood is a nice warm brown which has been sanded to perection to leave no splinters for the baby to hurt herself. Then a coat of beeswax was added.
"For your niece. Do you think she'll like it? Ky I mean."
I bite my lip with a smile and look over at him in antipation.
"It'll be a birth gift."
I'm not sure what other guys give their girl friends but reckon this is pretty fancy.
Quickly I

[*]

Jeran follows Matthew with little patience. All he knows is that his time is running out and the night with Vy will be over with. Though, something seems to be up with Matthew and he has no quell with him right now; just impatience. The moment he walks into the shed, the warmth is all but too inviting from the small walk he did without a coat on or proper footwear. Even now, the snow begins to melt onto the bottom of his slacks and seep into his socks. "This better be good."

Though, it only takes him a moment after watching Matthew's hand gesture pointing to the fresh new crib that is partially done. With a raised eyebrow, a smile makes it to his face. "Wow. I'm impressed, Dunham. You did this for Ky?" He questions and walks over to the crib, gently touching the side of the crib and feeling the smooth surface.

"For your niece. Do you think she'll like it? Ky I mean?"

"For once, Dunham, you didn't screw up. Now if you can only finish it in two weeks, it'll be an even better gift. Not bad though. Not bad at all." He bends down and looks inside of the crib in several places and makes a whistling noise. "Nice job, Matthew. I think that Mira and Ky will love it.

"It'll be a birth gift."

He nods to Matthew and turns to face him. His facial features becoming stern once more. "I never expected this out of you, Dunham. What can I say? You've stepped up to the plate and are taking responsibility. I like that. At least I don't have to worry about hunting you down this time." He remarks as he grins heavily remember the one time he did hunt him down after Kyanite had gotten sick. "I was going to get one for her a while back, but she refused to let me. Said you had one in the works, but I had my doubts."

For once, Jeran steps over to Matthew and places a hand on his shoulder and pats it twice. "I think you're finally getting the hang of this. I'll make sure to keep Kya out of here for you, although, I don't think she can waddle her way in here. She's gotten too huge to move around." He teases.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Everything that Ky expresses about Jeran is probably true. If anyone should know, it'd be his little sister. But for her to be aware of more? Only recently has she discovered their relationship...guess Vy can only be happy that she's supporting it so much. "Glad you think so." The Blonde only grins at her enthusiasm. Has to be true if she's so convinced that he's changed for the better, no matter how low Vy might think of herself.

Hard to imagine what she'd do without the help of Kyanite. Throughout everything they've been there for one another, yet so distant at the same time. Some best friends. But here they are now, acting as if they were regular girls with normal lives...well for the exception of teenage pregnancy and what not. All in all it's sweet to see someone close interact so lovingly with her kid, so much to the point she's willing to babysit when she's extremely close to having one of her own. Perhaps being with her brother is as perfect as it already seems.

Another chuckle and shake of the head comes from Vy when Ky mentions pleading Jeran to continue asking her on a date. Not sure if she was that dedicating, but it's no doubt she was that generous and helpful. "Yeah okay." She sarcastically replies as her head keeps slowly shaking, and soft laughter seeps out. Still hard to believe she's even doing this. The real truth comes from the Brunette, and to no surprise it's just as sweet.

"It would be nice to have you as my sister. But lets not think that far ahead." Vy plays off, her eyes then following Ky maneuvering off the bed with certainty she has something for tonight's occasion.

Despite the circumstance and discomfort, Kyanite still jokes about the position she's in and the fact she can't fit into anything. "Oh shush, you'll get your figure back in no time." Vy reassures and listens to the orders that follow. Hard to believe they might be the same size, and that's not due to Ky's baby bump. But she's convinced and Vy has no room to oppose.

"You alright?" The Blonde asks out of concern when Ky bends over in slight pain. Maybe tonight is a bad idea. There's no harm in pretending to play girl for a minute though, and if anything they can always call it off. "I can't do this." She expresses once Ky appears better, distraction may help. "If this is happening, you have to pick something out." And like that it's put in the Brunette's hands, and Vy puts on whatever she decides.

((OOC: Dress result up above, Marr approved Ky's say-so haha))

[*]

A whole closet of clothes is what I'm offering her. Some of them old, some are somewhat still new looking, but I just want to be able to give her a really good outfit to wear for her first date with Jeran. Though, Mira seems to want to interrupt my girl's night with Vy and chosing a nice dress or something for her to wear is definately needed. Beside, I know what he's got planned, so I know what she needs to be seen in. After a moment, the pain subsides enough to give me a different task and Vy's given me full permission to go at it and find what I want her to wear.

"You need something elegant, but flexible. Maybe something to make you look.... perfect." I start to tell her and squeeze my way into my closet and start fanning through a few items. I take out a yellow dress, but as I try to turn and make it to where I put it on her with one eye closed, it seems to wash out her skin tone and I swiftly put the dress back and reach in for a new one. Two more times, I do that with a blue jean jacket and a white dress or an orange one with a cardigan, but they look horrible. Finally, I gasp out.

"Vy! Perfect. I know it! You have to try this one on." I hand it over to her and then replace my hand onto my stomach and take a deep breath. "I need to sit this one out. Go try it on and then come back and let me see what it looks like, okay? Or stay in here and I'll turn my head or something."

I flash a huge grin, and give myself this moment to sit on the edge of the bed and then allow myself to lay down if only for a minute. "Since I'm babysitting, I'll get what rest I can before the big event. Worst come to worst, I'll just have Matthew be the running one. I can't run. I can't even squat and get back up." I motion for her to come closer and take her hand.

I grimace and curl my head down to my chest to ward off another sound kick to the ribs before "Do you want to feel her kick, Vy? Tell me this, do you remember feeling Brooklyn be this active when you were pregnant with her?"

[Jack Lexington]

I know Jeran and I didn't see eye to eye right from the start and being Kyanites brother he has to be protective. Nobody can blame him for that, not even me. He surely gave me a run for my money and things between us have been rockiy ever since he had to come and chase me down when she was sick.
To this day I think that rubber bullett didn't miss its target but hit it. He wanted me to suffer for what I did to his sister. I'm still trying to make up for that but I'm not one to tip toe around him and try to please him every way I can. I'd still like for him to see that I love his sister. And today he does exactly that:

"For once, Dunham, you didn't screw up. Now if you can only finish it in two weeks, it'll be an even better gift. Not bad though. Not bad at all."
He even makes whistling noises which puts a smile on my face. "Nice job, Matthew. I think that Mira and Ky will love it."
"You think?" This is actually the nicest thing he has said to me- in his own way.
"I was going to get one for her a while back, but she refused to let me. Said you had one in the works, but I had my doubts."
"She knows me quite wellby now." This is actually she might have felt about methat I didn't even expect myself- to actually put thismuch work in something for TWO GIRLS.
"Those girls are worth every drop of sweat." Wow, another first.
"I think you're finally getting the hang of this. I'll make sure to keep Kya out of here for you, although, I don't think she can waddle her way in here. She's gotten too huge to move around."
I laugh at that- bewildered by his attitude and touch.
"I think so, too. Thank you, Jeran."

maybe we finally do see eye to eye.

Together we make it back to the house but I mention.
"I still need that drill to finish it. But I guess you have better things to do...whoa."
Just when I step inside and kick the snow of my boots my gaze falls upon somebody I have never seen before: Blonde chick in a pretty turquois dress.
I turn to Jeran.
"I thought you're going out with Vy tonight."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

It's sort of humorous to witness Ky sucking in the pregnancy pain like a badass, then cutting straight to the search for an outfit like it's a deadly mission. Chuckles continue to seep from the Blonde; though that's probably a given no matter what's said, judging by the situation and all. Her hand retrieves from soothing the Pregger's swollen back, not wanting to risk holding her back in anyway. Now she can only hope this decision won't backfire...last she can remember, Ky has a bit more of a girly wardrobe.

The laughter only prolongs as Kyanite goes through a couple of options that may work, just to discover that they truly don't. Guess it's not the easiest to pick something out when it comes to a complete opposite character. But the Brunette's determined, and to somehow make Vy look perfect nonetheless. "Good luck." She replies with a snicker. Moments later Ky's retrieving from the closest with supposed success.

"A dress? Really?" Vy questions as her eyebrows arch inward with confusion. She can't be serious. A heavy sigh comes forth before the dress is finally taken. "I'll change in your closet." She muffles out and drags her feet like child throwing a tantrum.

The outfit is put on while she listens to Ky complain about the disadvantages of being this far along. She can remember those last few days, the inability to move as she always can. Guilt plays in slightly, till she's reassured that Matthew will be getting the load of the work. "Then you better make him do most of it. That's what men are good for, right?" She laughs and shakes her head. Can't believe she actually just said that, that she's actually going out on a date with a man of her own. What has this world become?

She returns from the closet and doesn't even bother looking in the mirror. It feels odd to have her legs brushing up against each other, being able to see her knees and that horrible scar Jins left. Is she really going to go through with this? Instead of protesting, she only allows Ky to take her hand and listens to how the little one's moving like crazy. There's even a request to feel, and wonder if Brooklyn wiggled as much. With the position Vy's in, she can't really oppose.

"Yeah, felt like she never slept." She comments as a grin instinctively forms across her cheeks. There's no doubt Mira's running out of room in there and begging to get out. Seems like Ky's stomach refuses to stop moving under Vy's fingertips. "Enjoy her while she's in there. They become a whole lot more work once they come out." She jokes with a wink and unbudged smirk.

Speaking of Rugrats, Brooklyn barges in without a knock. Not hard to guess she became impatient with playing by herself. "Mommy look pretty!" She squeals automatically and rushes up to them. "Mommy dress like Brookie." Is assumed from the toddler, never seeing her mom is such attire.

"Thank you baby girl." Vy has to reply with, though those words wouldn't arrive for anyone else. Like always the little one's scooped up and balanced on her hip.

"You sure this is okay?" The older Blonde questions, turning her focus back over to Kyanite. As said before, she probably knows best, but it still feels awkward. She nudges her head towards the door once the approval is given. "Lets go find Jeran. I'd love to get out of here before Matthew shows up with his snarky comments." And without wasting another second they trek downstairs.

Too late... The backdoor opens just as they reach the kitchen, and Jeran's not the only one to enter. "I thought you're going out with Vy tonight." Typical Matthew, though he could of conquered up something ruder. Can give him that at least.

"Shut up, Dunham." Every time she dislikes one of his remarks, she always finds herself using his last name. Just instilled in there after all those weeks at the academy. "I knew this was too much." She mutters while burying her face in her free hand for a moment, Brooklyn still occupying her other arm. Her eyes then travel over to one she got dressed up for, and he's looking as stunning as ever. It's almost hard to even look at him, as it's his breathtaking appearance that has redness sprinkling on to her cheeks. How does this all feel so right yet uncomfortable at the same time?

[*]

"Yes, a dress... I will hear nothing more out of you, so get in there and get changed." I tell her when she claims she'll change in the closet. For what time it takes her to change, I can't do nothing but keep my hand on my stomach, feeling the little one inside move about with a dislike for the tight space that she's not used to. Since, she's been growing, she's not got that much space to stretch out anymore and to be comfortable. It's almost as if her own uncomfortable place is enough reason to make me feel the same way. So, we're both suffering, but she don't have to carry this extra weight and all the symptoms that go along with it.

"Beautiful!' She mentions the moment she walks out of the closet with the flowing blue dress on. A happy grin appears on her face so much that her cheeks are stretched to the max and a hand goes to conceal the smile right before the young one concealed in her stomach begins to give her some trouble and she's reaching for Vy's hand to feel the kicks that Mira's such a pro at doing. Vy's hand gently lays across her stomach and Ky keeps her hand on top of Vy's to point her in the direction of where the most activity is felt.

"I hope she sleeps when she's born. I'm so tired anymore, but I gotta keep trying to help Matthew get the house finished before she's born" She tells her and they stay silent for a moment before the door barges open, making me jump just a little. I can't say why, but I've become very jumpy the past few weeks. I'm not even sure why?

"Hi, Brookie! YOu excited for Kyky time tonight? Matthew time?" I ask her after she claims her mother is pretty and the dress is just like hers.

"You sure this is okay?"

With a sarcastic head tilt and a raised eyebrow, I give her that look as if to ask her, 'Really'?

"Come on Vy. You look stunning. Jeran is going to love it. I know it and you bet my last two weeks if he don't think so, then I'm calling this baby Moe." I push the compliment a little too far just to offset any bad thoughts she may be having about wearing the dress. It looks good on her. It really does!

"Lets go find Jeran. I'd love to get out of here before Matthew shows up with his snarky comments."

"Oh, come on. Matthew wouldn't do that to you. If he does, I'll give him a good smack. No one dares to make fun of my friend like that and can get away with it. Besides, with this belly, I control him right now - just don't say anything to him, alright? Our secret." I giggle. Descending the stairs takes a little more effort then ever since I can't see the stairs below me. I have to go on gut instinct rather then sight, counting each step as I go down. I can only pray that once Mira is born, I can see my feet again. Just two steps from the bottom, I sit down for a moment and try to catch my breath and see Vy disappear through the threshold of the kitchen. That's when I hear two voices and immediately I recognize Matthew's first.

"Shit..." I pull up on the railings and get to my feet again and trudge into the kitchen to get a glimpse of Jeran's face and I immediately bust out laughing. "If you dont' close that mouth, you'll be catching flies, Jeran."

"Wow..." I watch as he puts a hand up to his mouth and clears his throat before looking over at Matthew and his hand suddenly makes a beeline for his head, swiping at him. "You dolt, that is Vy or are you blind? Here I thought we were getting along..."

Wait? What did he say... they were getting along?

"What do you me..."

I look to Matthew and shake my head to see if I can get him to answer me in a mouth-ing way. Though he don't. I do turn my attention back over to my decently dressed big brother. "Like what you see, bro?"

"You bet." He suddenly pales and clears his throat, putting his hand up to his mouth and placing a hand gently on Vy's arm. "It's not too much... I mean, you look beautiful. I'm ready when you are?"

"Mommy going bye-bye? Luvvvv you!" Brooklyn says without a hitch and wraps her tiny arms around Vy's neck.

"Hey Matthew, will you go ahead and take Brooklyn so I can start some food?" I question him and move slowly over to the counter as I eye them gently, watching my brother's goofy face as he keeps staring into Vy's eyes. With a shake of my head, I finally voice it out. "Get out of here you two love birds. I'm getting cavities over here. We'll be fine. Go enjoy your date..."

Without another moment to spare I start singing something under my breath, but loud enough for the tune to be catchy. "K-I-S-S-I-N-G.... "

[Jack Lexington]

My remark is only a joke. I know Vy cantake much more than a bit of banter- she does look very different like this.
"It's very different from the uniform- pretty nice." I confirm when suddenly Jeran's hand smacks me over the head.
"You dolt, that is Vy or are you blind? Here I thought we were getting along..."
Quickly I duck underneath and grin at him.
"Look at you...all puppy eyed."

With that I follow Kyanites orders and take the little girl from her after she kissed her mom goodbye. If our kid turns out like this I'll be pretty happy. Brooklyn is an easy going child.
Even I can handle her.
"Come here, curls."
Strong arms hold her so Ky can move to the stove and prepare dinner.
"Great idea, I'm starving." I tell her and with a hip check. "Bet you two are as well."

Once Jeran and Vy are out the door I lean a little closer and ask.
"Are you going to dressup like that for me someday as well?"
the only time I remember seeing her in a dress was at that birthday party, that almost ended in a riot over a year ago.

With that I take Brooklyn over to the table and go to grab a box of building blocks.
"I'm going to build a castle, do you want to help me?"
Of course she nods her head. I can always bait her like that and then she'll usually do all the work while I lean back.

Sure enough with a little help from me, she busies herself putting red block onto blue block,then a green one and some orange ones until we have what could be defined as a square.
"Don't go out into the shed, okay? That'll be a surprise...and you so you know- your brother even approved of it. Maybe one day he'll actually give me some credit for doing something right."

[*]

With Vy and Jeran walking out the door, Matthew is taking on his role as babysitter pretty serious already. He's gotten her on his hip, fixing to play with her until he walks near to me and whispers into my ear. I give him a nod.

"Just as soon as I lose the weigh that I've taken on board with this little thing. But, I dressed up for you before. I dont' think you noticed me back then." I taunt and give him a good smile. Just like that he's taking Brooklyn into the living room and asking her to build some blocks with him to keep her busy. A smile creeps upon my face as I try to listen to them in the living room and still get the food prepared.

"What are you hungry for, Matthew? Brooklyn?" I ask even though I have an idea of what I want to fix. Brooklyn on the other hand only eats certain things so I'm already trying to prepare something for her. Matthew is easy to satisfy when it comes to food. He'll eat anything.

"Don't go out into the shed, okay? That'll be a surprise... and just so you know - your brother even approved of it. Maybe one day he'll actually give me some credit for doing something right."

"Is that so? He approved of it? Of something you did? I'm impressed. It must be pretty special. And whose to say I can go out and look? Huh? Part of my house..." I taunt him heavily and turn the stove down just a little so the noodles on the stove won't burn. "I guess if you are staying in here playing castle blocks, I'll just discretely go out and build a snowman... get close to the shed... I'm not going in the shed....promise." I head toward the door, purposely taking my time so Matthew can react to me. I love getting him riled up.

"What's out there, anyways?" I ask as I look otu the window to try to take a peek without having to go outside.

[Jack Lexington]

Brooklyns clumsy hands knock the building blocks over a few times but each time I help her ste them up again.

Ky wants to know what kind of food I want but then proceeds what she wants to make anyway.
"I'll take a steak." I joke knowing full well that we don't have such luxuries in the house.

Again the blocks fall. "Brooklyn, watch what your other hand is doing when you set them up. Go a little slower." The toddler doesn't care what I say and starts going even faster knocking over most of the blocks and laughing like a maniac in the process. She's having a blast disobeying my orders, which I find a little annoying.

"Is that so? He approved of it? Of something you did? I'm impressed. It must be pretty special. And whose to say I can go out and look? Huh? Part of my house..." I hear from the kitchen.

"Wait here." I motion for Brooklyn to stay in the living room and jog towards the kitchen.

"I guess if you are staying in here playing castle blocks, I'll just discretely go out and build a snowman... get close to the shed... I'm not going in the shed....promise."

I catch her before she reaches the back door clearly playing with me. So I tackle her and hold her.
"Ah, ah...nope, mam."
I pull her back and block the door before she can reach for the handle.
"That'll be a surprise. It's a gift and you can't see it before I give it to you, comprende muchaha?"

I teasingly hover close to her lips but don't kiss her. "No more kisses for you until you start behaving!"

A small voice innocently asks from the doorway. "No kisses for me?"
I just raise my brows at her. Nope....not from me anyway.

[*]

Teasing and tauntingly, I play with Matthew. I want to know what's in the shed and a part of me don't. I don't want to spoil it, but if it really is something special, he will deny me any chance to look even if he's just playing along. I'm glad he does, because he leaves the company of the little one and comes in here, proving to me that it's something he really wants to try to hide. Who am I to spoil something he deems so priceless? Whatever is out there in the shed needs to remain a secret until he's ready to give it to me. Fact of the matter is...

I'm dying to see it!

He blocks my view of the shed and my wandering eyesjust like that. He gets in between me and the door and won't even allow my hand to touch the handle at all. "But Matthew..." I whine, smiling hard as he keeps me in his arms, trying to keep me from exposing his secret.

"What are you so afraid of? What you hiding from me?" I keep teasing and even though his lips are inches away from me, I don't indulge in the kisses cause he's doing one of two things. Teasing me back and not giving them to me.

"Are you going to hold back the kisses forever?" I wonder before an innocent voice seems to interrupt us and I see little Brooklyn looking at us which makes me actually move away from him and look to the little girl who seems to not understand our teasing ways.

"Aww, Brookie! I'll give you kisses. Come'ere!" I bend down slightly, grimacing as the pressure pushes on my stomach, but the little one hurries into my arms and I give her a good long smooch on the her cheek followed by tiny ones all over her face in order to extract those giggles and the bouncy curls to tickle my face. "More kisses Brookie? Or have you had enough kisses?"

"I done, Kyky! No more! Kisses done!" She backs away from me, pushing against my shoulders to show that she is done with her curious ways. "I go play. Maffhew! Blocks! Now!" She demands and goes to get his hand again.

"Matthew.. before you go.. help me up." I plead, and reach in his direction cause I can't seem to get back up with the weight wanting to pull me forward. "Mira's going to weigh a ton when she's born... a rip old watermelon." I complain and when I get to a standing position, I feel a sharp pain hitting me and I hold onto Matthew a little tighter until the pain seems to disappate.

"I'll be glad when she starts kicking you in the ribs instead of me." Rubbing easily to the side of my stomach, I try to massage away the pain that Mira's causing. Though it doesn't seem to help much but I put on a pleasant smile and push him in the direction of Brooklyn. "Go play. I'll have dinner done soon."