It’s exhausting, it’s painful, it’s emotionally damaging.
But it’s also the best journey I’ve ever experienced.
That’s the only explanation I have for why in the world I’m laying on the floor of my mudroom, covered in dirt, while my sons no doubt scour for more, all the while hoping that right this moment, there’s another Huxley baby growing inside me.
The door bangs open and I jump, bumping my elbow on a cabinet.
“Baby doll,” Logan calls as he lumbers in, a toddler in each arm. “Are you missing anyone? I found—”
He comes to an abrupt halt right in front of me and cocks a brow. Whatever he sees on my face has his eyes narrowing as he looks from Archer to Asher, pausing on our trouble maker.
“Why is your mama on the floor covered in dirt?” he barks, though he and I both know he’d never actually raise his voice at our boys. They have him wrapped around their little fingers. “Judging by the way you both look and the dirt piles I found you in, I assume you had something to do with it?”
When neither of them responds, he sighs, murmuring a string of censored curse words under his breath. Bending his massive frame, he sets them down, giving each a stern look.
“I want you to apologize to your mama, boys,” he demands, meeting their matching blue eyes. “And then, I want you to help her up like the gentlemen we’re raising you to be. You got me?”
Archer scuffs his one bare foot on the ground and nods solemnly. “Got you, Daddy.”
Logan rubs his back and turns to Ash. “And you, buddy? What do you have to say for yourself?”
Asher makes a toddler equivalent of a scoff. “I told Mama before dat it wasn’t my fault—”
Logan clicks his tongue and palms the back of our son's head, drawing his attention. “Are you lying, Asher Huxely? Because you know how we feel about being dishonest in this house. It’s no way for a man to behave and I’m raising good, respectful men, right?”
His shoulders slump, and he bobs his head, shooting me a sweet look. “Sowwy, Mama.”
I smile, brushing his red hair back. “I know, baby. Thank you for apologizing.”
“I’m so sowwy, too!” Archer throws himself into my lap and I catch him with a groan. Logan chuckles, tugging him back after a quick hug.
“Alright, boys. A new lesson today. First off, you never leave a woman on the floor, you hear me? You make them fall, you pick them back up and apologize your butts off.” They nod, listening dutifully. Total Daddy’s boys. “If they fall and it’s not your fault, but you’re there, you help them up and make sure they’re okay.”
He grips my hands, instructing the boys in an over the top but adorable lesson on how to help a woman to her feet. When neither boy can successfully pick my much heavier weight up, Logan chuckles, shooting them a wink.
“If that doesn't work, you go with my favorite damsel rescue move.”
Before I can blink, I’m scooped up in his arms, bridal style. I wrap my hands around his neck and fall into a fit of much needed laughter.
Logan grins down at me and presses kisses all over my face.
“How’s my girl?” he murmurs, brushing his beard across my jaw. “Are you okay? Did you get hurt?”
I sigh, happily resting in his arms. “I’m good, Daddy,” I whisper. “Better now.”
He gives me a look, but I shake my head, ignoring his responding frown. Now isn’t the time for the whirlwind of chaotic emotions I’m struggling with today.
“Alright, boys. Second part of the lesson. Follow me.” He kicks off his work boots and moves into the kitchen before depositing me on the island.
“Logan!” I protest, attempting to climb off. I glare up at him when he pins me. “I’m dirty!”
His eyes rake over me in a way that has my entire body lighting up. “Oh, you sure are, Mrs. Huxley.”
“Be serious,” I snap half-heartedly. “I’m covered in dirt. Dirt that’s also covering the playroom. I need to clean it up.”
Shaking his head, he boops my nose before leaning in to kiss it. “Nope.” Spinning around, he widens his stance and crosses his arms, glaring down at the boys. “Second lesson. You never bring dirt into the house, which is a rule you already know, so why on earth did you do it?”
Archer shrugs. “Wanted to be like you, Daddy.”
