It didn’t take us long to get in a routine that worked for Adeline and Bridger.Keaton and I do everything together when it comes to our children.We also have a lot of help from our family.Especially Lock.I was right when I said he’d be here more than before once he learned Keaton was pregnant.My best friend has practically moved in with us at this point and neither one of us cares.He helps us with the kids and was the third person in town to learn of Keaton’s secret.Everyone knows now, but it took my wife a while before she was willing to share the news with everyone.Once we told them, they were understanding about why she chose to keep her Ruby identity hidden from everyone.Now, they’re very protective of her and don’t allow anyone too close if we’re all out in public.No one here knows she’s Ruby, but they aren’t willing to risk it for any reason.
“Mommy is workin’ hard today.She’s been in the recordin’ studio since Miss Adeline got up at five,” I say to the kids as I look down at my precious daughter sleeping against my chest.She’s such an angel and I love holding her when I get the chance to.“I’ve never met a more hardworkin’ woman in my life.Keaton is up really early to take care of the two of you before she cleans the house and then starts recordin’ or writin’ new songs.I hope you both take after her when it comes to work ethic because she’ll definitely show you how it’s done.
“I knew the second I saw your mama she was the one for me.Not just as Keaton but when she was dressed up as Ruby.You won’t understand just how amazin’ your mom is anytime soon, but when you realize all of the sacrifices she’s made over the years, I hope you’re just as proud of her as I am.Your mom is sweet, strong, independent, and knows exactly what she wants in her life.Over the last year, she’s healed and now become a stronger version of herself.She still misses Nora every single day, but she’s learned to live her life as her best friend would want her to—free and living in every single moment like it’s her last one.I love watchin’ her sit down with both of you and be in the moment instead of worryin’ about her next song, album, or tour.Your mom and I will always put the two of you first and there’s no doubt in my mind your mom will make sure you both have everythin’ you need and want without spoilin’ you.
“The one thing we agree on is that you’ll both be taught to earn everythin’ you get and that hard work really does pay off.We’ll always provide you with the necessities and some of your wants.However, we won’t hand you everythin’ on a silver platter.It’s how your grandparents raised your mama and we’ll be the same way with you.I think this weekend we’ll actually be goin’ to the farm for some time away from the world around us.Bridger, you’re old enough to go for your first horse ride if I can get your mom to agree to it.If not, we’ll keep tryin’.I was about your age when I got on a horse with my grandpa for the first time,” I say as I look out at the compound surrounding us and see Agony sitting at a picnic table at the back of the clubhouse.
He’s not alone as I squint and try to see who’s with him.From what I can see, it’s someone I’ve never seen at the clubhouse before.I believe it’s the same girl I saw with Agony once before.She’s too young to be someone he’s fucking, but I’m not sure what their connection is.Part of me wants to go over there and find out who the girl is, but I remain sitting on the porch with my kids.Agony and the girl sit at the table for about another forty-five minutes before they disappear around the side of the clubhouse.Again, that’s strange because they can walk in the back door if they really wanted to.Unless Agony is hiding this woman for some reason.
Turning my attention back to my kids, Adeline starts to stir in my arms and I wait to see if she’ll actually wake up this time.She’s been asleep for a while and I’m sure she’ll be up to eat soon.Keaton will leave the recording studio in the basement before that happens.She always manages to find us about five minutes before our daughter wakes up.She’ll change her diaper and get comfortable in the nursery if we have someone over to nurse Adeline.If we’re home alone, she’ll sit on the couch with me.I love being a part of feeding time because it allows me to take care of my wife while she nurses our daughter.
Keaton always gets so hungry and thirsty when she nurses so I make sure she has a few snacks and a large tumbler of ice water to drink.We learned early on she can’t have anything too heavy to eat so she always makes sure there’s a few of her favorite snacks on hand that don’t bother Adeline.Once she’s done nursing, I always get her a bowl of ice cream or make her one of those peanut butter sundaes.I swear my wife has more cravings now than she did during her entire pregnancy.Lock agrees with me because he went out as much as I did for late night cravings.Another perk of him spending so much time with us during Keaton’s pregnancy.
“Hey, Babe,” Keaton says as she steps out on the porch with us and Bridger jumps up to greet his mom.She leans down and lifts him in her arms as he hugs her with his little arms.“How’s my favorite Little Man?”
“Mama,” he whispers, burying his face in Keaton’s neck as she sits down next to me and I lean over to press a soft kiss against her lips.We don’t hide kissing, hugging, and hand holding from our kids.They need to see us being affectionate so they realize it’s okay as they get older.It’s one thing Keaton is determined to make happen because it’s how she was raised.I was too and completely agree with her.There really isn’t anything we disagree on when it comes to the kids.If we do, we’ve learned to talk things out so we understand where the other person is coming from.It doesn’t happen often, but we’ve come to really good compromises in a few situations we were both happy with.
“How’s recordin’ goin’?”I ask her as Adeline starts to stir in my arms and I know she’s ready to eat.
“It’s going okay.I’m working on that new song and it just doesn’t feel right.I have a feelin’ Memphis will be makin’ an appearance soon.They’re almost done with the tour and he’ll want some downtime.I’ve tried reworking some of the lyrics and the melody but nothing seems to work.I don’t know what to do,” she answers me and I can see the frustration in her body as she sets Bridger back down on the porch while I hand our daughter over to her.
“Memphis will always help you when you can’t figure part of a song out.All he has to do is hear it one time and he memorizes the entire thing.I’ve never seen anythin’ like it before,” I say as I grab the blanket off my shoulder and move to stand in front of Keaton as she exposes her chest so Adeline can latch on.Once our daughter is happily nursing, I cover her with the light blanket in case anyone walks by.It’s happened before so we don’t take any chances.
“He’s very talented.It’s one of the many reasons I love working with him.When I have writer’s block or get stuck like this, Memphis can always figure it out.It’s usually something stupid I overlook or overthink,” Keaton tells me as I remember the times I’ve been there when they work.Memphis always makes me laugh when he starts to pick on Keaton after fixing whatever the problem was.
“I’m sure he’ll be here in the next few days if the tour is comin’ to an end.He’s been waitin’ to meet Adeline in person since he’s only seen pictures of her and when we FaceTime him.He’s ready to fight Lock about who’s gonna be her Godfather.I’m not sure we should pick either one of them at this point,” I say as Keaton lifts Adeline in her arms to burp her before moving her to the other side so she can finish nursing.
“I might agree with you.The last time we were on the phone with Memphis, I actually heard them arguing about who would make the better option for Adeline.Then they started talking about when she was going to be allowed to date.That’s when I took the phone and grounded them from speaking for the next six months.Lock didn’t tell you?”she asks me as I start laughing my ass off while Bridger climbs up in my lap and leans back against my chest.He’s getting ready for his late morning nap and will want a snack before he lays down.
“Lock didn’t mention it.I’ll have to ask him when he shows up after work today.I think he’ll stay here with you while I go to the strip club.Cupid has to work at the garage today and I’m not about to have him work all night long, too.He never complains, but I know it’s a lot for him,” I remind my wife as she looks over at me.
“Is that dancer still trying to fuck you?”she questions me with a smirk on her face.
I made the mistake of telling Keaton about Temptation trying to fuck me more than once.The very next night, Wren and her showed up and made sure Temptation knows I’m a taken man.Let’s just say I’ve been down a dancer for the last three weeks now because of my wife.And no, none of us were about to yell at Keaton or Wren for beating the hell out of Temptation.She crossed a line with every single one of us and Keaton was simply making sure she knew I was taken and wouldn’t touch her with a ten-foot pole and someone else’s cock.I might have gone about the situation differently, but my wife is passionate about the people she loves and none of the dancers come anywhere near me now.It’s actually peaceful when I walk through the doors if I’m being honest.
“No, she’s not.She still can’t work.I think she’s got about two more weeks before she goes back to the doctor,” I answer her with a smile on my face.
“What a shame,” she mutters, removing our daughter from her chest and covering herself up before burping Adeline.
When she’s done, we make our way inside.I grab Keaton’s snacks and water while she changes the baby’s diaper and checks Bridger right after.Adeline goes right to sleep.She’s really easy in that aspect and doesn’t fuss as long as she has a clean diaper and full belly.Once Bridger is taken care of, he walks over to sit in his high chair for his snack while Keaton drinks and eats.I join them with a light meal as we talk about nothing in particular.This is my favorite part of the day because it’s just our family with no one else here.As much as I love Lock and everyone else, sometimes, I just want to be alone with my wife and kids.But, I’ll take what I can get and be happy we have such a large family.There isn’t a single thing I’d change about my life except for meeting Keaton earlier than I did.
