Chapter 95
“When did he start this?” Paul asked, watching Michael crawl around the room.
“A few hours ago while you were over at Brian’s,” Montana replied.
“Papi, I showed him!” Kira said excitedly.
“Oh boy. I guess next you’re going to show him how to walk, huh?” Paul winked at his younger daughter.
Kira nodded. “When he’s big enough. But he’s still a baby right now.” She then went off to play with the baby.
“Unless we put Michael in the playpen, we really have to watch him now,” Montana explained, “not to mention you guys are going to have to make sure the sliding door is closed.”
“Oh God,” Paul groaned. “He hates that damn playpen.”
“I know, but it’s either that or risk Michael getting in Lord knows what or being hurt. You know, putting up those outlet covers and having the house ‘baby proofed’ were very good ideas. I‘m glad you thought of that so far ahead of time.”
“I’ve had those outlet covers since Mac started crawling,” Paul grinned. “And I figured with Mikey getting bigger, it was time to have a few safety checks to keep my little Londonator here from as much danger as possible. I can’t have anything happen to my heir, can I?”
“Oh heaven forbid,” Montana chuckled. “So how is the big nursery project?”
“I think poor Spanky is lost.”
“I’m sure you were too before Mac came along.”
“Yeah, compared to where Spank is right now, you aren’t kidding. I was a freaking mess. But I guess I learned as I went along. I guess by the time Mikey got here, I pretty much had it down.”
“I certainly hope so. You raised the girls practically yourself the last few years before we started dating and got married.”
“And girls are a challenge, let me tell you,” Paul said.
“Wait until they’re teenagers,” Montana smiled. “We’ll have challenges for sure. But can you keep a secret?”
“I guess so.”
“Not a word to Brian. Promise? It’s up to Mariah to tell him.”
“What? There’s nothing wrong with the baby, is there?”
“No, all went very well. But she’s having a boy.”
“Oh God, Abraham, and Moses,” Paul covered his face. “Not a mini Brian.”
Montana couldn’t help but laugh. “You say that like it’s a bad thing when I know damn well you’re going to spoil that baby as much as you have your own son.”
Paul looked up and gave a goofy smile. “Who, me?”
“Yes, you. And remember, not a word to him. I don’t know for sure if Mariah wants him to know yet for sure, and if that is the case, she should be the one to tell him.”
“My lips are sealed,” he promised. “So everything really did go all right at the doctor for Mimi?”
“She says everything is progressing as it should,” Montana nodded.
He then sniffed. “Is that your soup?”
“Yes,” she replied, “but don’t make a pig of yourself. Save some for everyone else. The other happy couple will be back shortly; they went to get crackers and dessert.”
“Provided Mimi doesn’t eat the dessert herself before they come back.”
“Paul! Really.”
“I was kidding. Hey, she’s got to keep the little guy fed too.”
“The way you’ve been fussing around, one would think we were having the baby instead of those two.”
“Speaking of babies….Kira, where’s Mikey?” Paul asked her.
“I’m looking for him!” she called back. “Oh no! The sliding door wasn’t closed all the way, Mami!”
“Dear God,” Montana gasped. “I knew something like this would happen. Let me go find him.”
Just then, Brian and Mariah had returned with their bounty and Brian carrying a laughing Michael.
“Someone lose a cute little creepy crawler?” he asked, putting the baby down. Michael crawled away toward a grateful and relieved Kira.
“Where was he?” Montana asked. “I was about to go out to look for him.”
“Just out on the porch. I figured maybe either PL or one of the girls must not have closed the sliding door all the way and Mikey there managed to get out.”
She sighed with relief. “Thank goodness he didn’t get far before you two showed up. Seriously, though, you and the girls need to make sure that door is closed. We may not be so lucky next time.”
“You’re right,” Paul agreed. “Better yet, I may just keep it locked when we aren’t using it.” He then peered in a bag. “Hey, pecan pie! And it’s intact! Mimi didn’t destroy this after all.”
“You are just a walking bag of hilarity, aren’t you, Paul?” Mariah shook her head.
“He’s just teasing,” Montana reassured her. “To be honest, I think he’d really be concerned if you weren’t eating.”
“You got it,” Paul grinned. “No way in hell will I sit by and see any godchild of mine starve without me saying something about it! Now, let’s go dig into some fine soup and kill this pie.”
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