Chapter Twenty-Four

Eleanor's POV 

"Good morning."

I blinked my eyes open after hearing the rumbling of Parker's chest as he spoke. I had my head laid comfortably against his bare chest and tilted my head up to find him looking down at me with a smile. I smiled sleepily back at him, kissing a spot in the middle. "Morning." I mumbled. 

He chuckled and pulled me up on the bed where he was situated against the headboard. I was now propped up fully against him with my head resting on his shoulder. "How was your sleep?"

"I can't really answer that when I was barely asleep," I teased running my fingers up his defined stomach. All night, I had been wondering how Parker managed to get a very nice bod. I barely see him going to the gym to work out. "But my night? Oh, it's been the best."

"I could say the same," he kissed the top of my head. He took my left hand in his, and the sun reflected off of something. It was his wedding ring. 

I stared curiously at it, examining it. Not once during our marriage had I seen Parker wearing it. Well... Not that I noticed. I always thought he put it away or something. I always had mine on whether Parker knew or not. It just felt wrong not wearing it even if I was actually married. 

Seeing my expression Parker cleared his throat. "I've always had it if you were wondering."

I shook my head and said softly, "I just never noticed." I put my hand over his with my own wedding ring. Then I started laughing. My husband looked at me with a curious look. "I'm just remembering the day where you proposed at Starbucks and we got married soon after... Now that I think about it. It's kind of sweet. Something special between us two. What type of people do that?"

He smiled with remembrance in his eyes. "I was an ass back then, hmm."

"You still are," I joked and kissed his cheek. "I love you." I couldn't get enough of saying it. 

"And you know I love you."

"Last night was everything I expected it to be," I admitted with a confident look at him. "You know I was scared at first... I mean. I don't have the best body like Mauve or her model friends with my scars from pregnancy. I thought that maybe once you saw them, you'd be turned off or... or close your eyes while we're at it they way Riley did when I had Luke."

"But I didn't," he interrupted laying me down so I could be under him and all his glory. "I'm not Riley. Please, Eleanor, don't let me hear you compare me to him ever again." I nodded ashamed. "Your birth marks?" He ran a hand down to my bare tummy and caressed them as he said the words. "They define Luke and Peyton. They're a part of you. Honestly? I think they make my wife sexy as hell."

I blushed as he said that turning my face to the side. 

"You, Eleanor, are the only woman who's capable of taking my breath away as we made love. No other woman before me has ever had the same affect on me as you did. Yesterday was our first time with each other, and it was extraordinary. Imagine the years to come as we make little brothers or sisters for our sons to play with. It'll always be better than the previous, and I can't wait to have them."

"I can't wait either," I said imagining what our life would be like five, ten years from now. "I want to say I love you, but I've already said that too many times."

"I can't get enough of hearing you say those words," he countered with a long, deep kiss.

Let's just say we didn't check out of the hotel room until late in the afternoon... 

"Why is my baby boy crying?" I cooed picking up a wailing Peyton from Agatha's arms and into mine. I tucked his head between my shoulder blades and chin. 

We just got back to pick up my sons from staying overnight with their grandparents. Agatha gave us a knowing look, crossing her arms across her chest.

"You guys are back so early," she noted. "I hope my third grandchild is already on its way."

I blushed deeply, and Parker smiled. "Hopefully." I looked at him surprised. I didn't realize he already wanted a kid that fast.

"Momma! Daddy! You're back!" 

I looked behind me to see Luke holding Thomas' hand. It looked like they went fishing. I smiled warmly at the sight. I bent down to his level, and he came barreling towards me being careful of the still whimpering Peyton. "I missed you my angel."

"Really Momma? It was only one night."

"One night too many," I remarked kissing the tip of his nose and standing back up. "Thomas, thank you so much for looking over my kids."

Parker's father smiled at me. "You should take Luke fishing more often. He's a natural, aren't you boy?"

My son nodded proudly and walked over to his father. "Yes Daddy. Can I stay here again? Grandpa is going to teach me how to row a boat."

"After the winter," Thomas corrected.

"Yes. He says it's still too cold, but I can handle it." 

Parker laughed and picked him up. "Next time buddy."

The sounds of Peyton's sobs signalled our departure. We said a hasty farewell and jumped into the vehicle we came in. Parker looked longingly at his new sports car that he had to leave behind for now. I smacked him playfully and got him to focus on driving us home.

Peyton was still fussy when we reached the house. I was getting frustrated not knowing what was wrong with him. I had him in my arms that evening trying to get him to sleep early. 

"Peyton, sweetheart," I said into his hair. "What's wrong?"

I was only met with more cries. I juggled him up and down in my arms walking around his room. 

"Having trouble?" I turned around to see Parker leaning against the doorway with a sympathetic look. 

"A little. Did Luke eat already?" 

He nodded motioning for me to give him Peyton. "He's upstairs watching TV." To the youngest of the two, he started to softly coo to him. "Hey bud. Shh. Daddy's here. Is anything hurting?"

I bit my lower lip, my motherly instincts urging to take Peyton back and comfort him on my own. I withheld wanting Parker to experience it.

"Maybe we should take him to the doctor."

I adamantly shook my head. "No, no. That won't be necessary. Peyton's just having a rough day." I sat down on his bed taking a deep sigh. "He hasn't been this cranky in forever. It was bound to happen sooner or later." 

Parker took a seat beside me kissing my temple. "He's quieted down a bit." 

I listened, and it was true! Peyton's full-blown hysterics died down to a few sniffles here and there. I watched him close his eyes lightly. Parker and I stayed still not daring to move just in case he woke up. Once we were sure that he was asleep for good, Parker laid him down in the crib he still uses on the other side of the room. While doing so, I turned the baby monitor on and took the other device with me. I usually never use it, but I could never be more sure nowadays.

Parker took my hand and led me out of the bedroom. I let out an audible breath walking away from the door. "I thought Peyton would never stop crying."

"He just needed someone like me to hold him," Parker half joked. 

I smiled and yawned. "Yeah..."

"Is my wife finally tired?" I caught the double meaning in his sentence and blushed deeply to which Parker laughed. "Let's get to bed then?"

"To sleep," I clarified.

"Of course. What else could we do?"

Finally reaching the double french doors, I pulled it open to see the inviting warm bed. I fast walked to the bed and plopped down on it as I had been wanting to do while trying to get Peyton to sleep. I set the baby monitor on my bedside table and got comfortable under the covers. 

As I was trying to find a good spot to lay my head on the pillow, I saw Parker's amused glance. "What? I'm exhausted."

"I know."

"Can you put Luke to bed for me?" I requested. He nodded. "Give him a big kiss from Momma."

He walked over with a sly expression. "Would you like to pass on that kiss to me first?"

I motioned for him to come closer and bend his head down with my pointer finger. I set a long kiss on his lips before pulling away. "There. I love you."

The next day Peyton was a lot better than yesterday. He was up and running, playing alongside Luke once again. I guess he just had one bad day. Since he was okay, I decided to invite Summer over for a visit. I still had lots of questions for her on her upcoming child. Augusto cooked us some fine snacks experimenting, once again, on new recipes. They never failed to satisfy my stomach though!

It was in the middle of the afternoon when Summer rang the doorbell and was let in my James since I was in the bathroom. I found her seated on the sofa surrounded by Luke and Peyton showing her their new toys.

"Boys, give your aunt some space please."

I smiled at Summer who waved it away with a smile. "Oh shoo. I need to get used to this when I have this bundle of mine." She rubbed her tummy as she said it. "Hello, Elle. How is my dear friend?"

"Wonderful," I said my face aglow sitting on the opposite end of the couch, so I could look at her. "Did you tell my sons about their future friend?"

"Tell us what, Momma?" Luke asked climbing into my lap. 

I ran a hand over his matted hair. "Why don't you ask your Aunt Summer?"

My best friend looked at me with a mock glare. "Way to put me on the spot, Elle." Then looking at Luke and Peyton, she said. "Do you guys know what happens when a man sticks his-"

"Summer!" I glared at her trying to keep my laughter in. "Keep it G rated please."

She grinned mischievously. 

"Stick what?" Luke asked innocently from my lap. 

"Nothing," I raised an eyebrow at Summer in warning. "Let Summer continue."

"Well, my dear Luke and Peyton. I'm having a baby girl!" She exclaimed. 

"What?" I asked astonished by this news as well. I knew she was having a baby but not a girl one! "A girl? You forgot to tell me this piece of news at the gallery!"

"Well..." Summer started looking away. "Finn and I aren't really sure of the gender yet. We want it to be a surprise. Although I hope it's a girl and he a boy. So by me acting like it is, in fact, a girl, it will raise my chances of it being a girl."

I stared at her seriously. My best friend, ladies and gentlemen. 

"There's a baby in her tummy, Momma?" Luke asked me breaking my stare. 

I nodded. "Yes, angel. Remember when I had Peyton? Her stomach is going to get big." I made the last line sound like a joke insult towards Summer.

"Can I touch it, Aunt Summer?" My eldest son asked. 

"Sure, honey," Summer said scooting over wrapping her shirt around it tighter. The bump was visible that way. "Touch it softly."

I watched as Luke's hand was placed on my friend's stomach.

"You want to touch it too, Peyton?" She asked bringing his hand beside his brother's.

"Baby," Peyton said very softly. "Baby." He repeated again.

I watched the precious scene unfolding before my eyes. Oh, I couldn't wait to be pregnant with Parker's child! It was going to be wonderful. Being pregnant was a bittersweet thing, with the pain and joy. I thought Peyton was going to be my last child, but I was wrong. Parker made it clear he planned on having kids with me in the future. He's managed to make me think in a different way.

"Earth to Elle!" I turned my attention towards Summer. Luke and Peyton were now on the floor playing with their toys. 

"Sorry, Summer," I apologized. "What is that you asked?"

"I asked when you were going to have my third niece or nephew," she rolled her eyes playfully. "Parker been keeping you up lately?"

I blushed. "I'm not ready for a third child." I lied. I was very ready. "Once we have one kid at school, then just maybe."

"Oh come on! I know men like Parker. He's probably begging you for a baby right now. Just give it to him will you and let him stick-" She shut up with another of my scowls. "What I'm trying to say is... you're not scared of being with him, are you?" Wow, in just a second, Summer could become serious. 

"No!" I shouted. "No, of course not. I love him." 

Summer's left eyebrow rose high. "Love, huh?"

I nodded with a glowing smile on my face. "Yes. Parker and I love each other." 

With Summer being the only person beside Parker and I to know our reason for the marriage, she was surprised. She knew we didn't marry for love and our sticky situations. "Oh Elle!" Next thing I knew, I was being hugged. "I knew it would work out. Parker wouldn't be able to resist a woman like you."

"And vice versa," I told her letting go. "But no, I'm not scared. I love him and not the way it was with Riley." I shivered at the wasted years of my life being with him. Although it wasn't all a complete waste. I had two of the most precious sons in the world during that time period.

Summer and I spent the entire afternoon catching up with each other and helping her with some wedding plans. Her wedding with Finn was moved up to five months early in January. Her reason was that she didn't want a huge stomach on the day of her wedding. Just like any other typical bride.

She informed me of the wedding rehearsals, and as her maid of honor, was demanded to be present all the time. I agreed, getting excited. It was my first true wedding experience from what I can remember. As a child, I had been a flower girl at one or two weddings but didn't really remember. Since I never had a proper wedding, seeing and getting to get ready for Summer's was going to be an amazing experience.

By the time we finished talking and approached a silence, the sun was already down.

"Oh shoot. I never realized it was this late already," Summer proclaimed standing up. "I have to get going before it gets any darker."

I stood up with her. "Why don't you join us for dinner? Parker would love to see you again."

She shook her head. "Not that I'm trying to avoid him or anything, but I have to go to a dinner with Finn and his family. I'll see you soon, all right?"

I nodded and hugged my friend goodbye. "Goodbye! Be safe."

"I will," she called over her shoulder running to her car.

Just right behind her, Parker was pulling up in his new beloved car adding to his collection of three. I heard his car honk scaring Summer. I laughed at her bewildered expression. Then she waved to Parker once she recognized him. I waved at her one more time before she drove away out of sight.

I closed the door to let the cold air out and walked over to the garage door where Parker usually enters.  I walked there just in time to see him walk in shrugging off his hair from snow. "Was that Summer I saw?"

I nodded and smiled. "She came over this afternoon." I walked closer to him pulling him in for a hug. I smelt his cologne that he always wear. He placed both of his hands on my back pulling me closer. "I missed you. As always."

He chuckled and kissed my cheek. "You know I miss you all the time." 

"And love too right?" I teased with a hint of curiousity. 

"Of course," he kissed me on the lips before walking us into the kitchen. "That smells amazing, Augusto!" He complimented our personal cook by the stove.

"Thank you, thank you Sir Jenkins!" Augusto said in his thick Italian accent. "It taste just amazing, ehhh."

"I bet," my husband replied as we walked out and into the living room. 

"Daddy!" Both of our sons yelled standing up on their feet and running to us.

Peyton got to him first and was picked up much to Luke's disappointment. He was such a daddy's boy!

"Did you know Summer has a baby in her tummy?" He asked holding his arm instead. 

Parker looked at me for confirmation, and I nodded leading them to the couches. "I found out the night of my gallery opening."

"Will Momma have a baby soon, Daddy?" Luke asked looking at the both of us.

I looked away not meeting Parker's gaze. "You want a new brother or sister, buddy?"

He nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I want a sister to play the girls. Peyton only likes the action figures."

"We'll see," Parker intertwined our hands. "Won't we, ma cheríe?"

I looked at him willing my face to cool down. "Maybe."