Blackmail

Worries

The cute little 'guess these things about the baby' chart is loaded with pen and marker.

Hair color. Eye color. Weight. Length. Name.

Everything I'm curious about myself. My eyes scan down the column for names. The whole chart was filled out after the gender reveal, so it's all girl names.

'Althea'.

'Rachel'.

'Ophelia'.

'Jasmine'.

'Eleanora'.

Except for one. I let the name roll of my tongue a few times. It's a pretty name to use for a girl. Who says I can't use a boy name?

Maybe a different spelling, but it'll be pretty.

I continue to scan the list. So many options.

'Penelope'.

'Felicity'.

'Lilac'.

'Marie'.

'Valerie'.

"What are you doing, babe?"

"Looking at the list of names."

"Still haven't picked any out?"

"I found one that I like. I just need to change the spelling."

"Can I hear what it is?"

"No."

"How are we going to put the names above the cribs?"

"We don't even have any cribs, Nate."

"Did you even look through your pile of gifts yet?"

"No. I didn't even know there was a pile."

He laughs and the twins respond with little kicks. I put my hands over the spots and smile.

"What's happening?"

"They like your laugh."

Nate takes a step forward, his hands covering mine.

"I think their mother does too."

"Yes she does."

Why am I referring to myself in the third person? He's really messing with my brain.

"Can I kiss you?"

"You don't have to ask for kisses."

His lips brush against mine and I receive a single kick. I don't try to stop the giggle that escapes my lips.

"I don't think the girls like you kissing me."

"That giggle made me want to kiss you even more."

"Who cares what the girls think? They'll be preventing way too many kisses in the future."

Wonder fills his eyes. Did I jump to conclusion? Is this just a fling until the twins are born?

Does he want to leave me now? Am I holding him back?

All my questions are answered when he kisses my forehead.

"We'll get some alone time. Don't worry."

With those seven words, my worries disappear.