Page 92 of Trusting the Fall

“Congrats, you guys.” She makes her way over to Claire before coming to hug me.

“You make em’ real pretty, you two,” Tristan says as he leans over Mum’s shoulder, rubbing a tentative hand over Alexis’s soft hair.

“I’m sure yours will be beautiful, too,” says Mum with a smirk.

I catch Tristan looking up at his wife with a knowing smile.

They’ve been married for a year now. Tristan’s wife is very career-driven. It’s how they met, where their chemistry exploded. But I have noticed whenever the family gathers, she loves to surround herself with all the nieces and nephews.

It could just be because she’s still a kid at heart. I think that’s why they got along so well.

After Aunt Georgia’s accident, Tristan had to grow up quickly, taking on a level of responsibility that he insisted he should shoulder. His wife gives him every opportunity to have fun and let go.

“Yes, let someone else make some pretty babies,” Claire says through a bite of her croissant. “I’m done.”

I walk over to her, perching myself on the edge of her bed.

“Are you sure, Bombshell?” I lean in close, that plum and vanilla scent still dizzying my senses.

“Three babies have destroyed my vagina, Leif. That shit doesn’t go back,” she whispers.

“One more,” I say, grazing my nose up along her jaw, leaving a kiss behind her ear. “Come on. Give me one more, baby. You can do it. Trust me.”