Page 35 of Breath By Breath

“Babe, this table seats eight.”

“Yeah, but with five kids and five daughters-in-law, and then you and me, we need at least twelve, and three more if you add in our parents and guests.”

It takes me a minute to catch on to what she just said. “Five kids?”

She nods, tears swimming in her eyes as she takes my hand and places it over her belly. “Baby number five.”

“When did you find out?”

“This morning. I’ve been feeling tired, and I’m a few days late.”

“Another baby.” There is awe in my voice.

This is magic.

Our magic.

“I’ll buy you a bigger table.” I nod. “You tell me how big you want it, and it’s done.”

“At least enough for sixteen. My mom might one day find herself a companion.” Her eyes mist over. I know she misses her dad every single day.

“Done.” I scoop her up in my arms and start for the bedroom. We have a few more hours before we go to pick up the boys. We need a shower, and then, if I’m lucky, I’ll make love to her again before we have to clean up the kitchen and the table that’s about to be donated because my wife wants one that will seat sixteen.

“Okay, boys, remember we have to be easy with Mommy and your baby brother.” I have all four boys standing outside of Lena’s hospital room.

“What’s his name?” six-year-old Owen asks.

“I’m going to let Mommy tell you what we decided to name him.”

“I get to hold him first. I’m the oldest,” Royce says.

“I’m next!” Owen says, his six-year-old voice carrying down the hallway.

“Shh, remember inside voices.”

“I’m next,” he whispers, and I bite down on my cheek to hide my grin.

“Me too, Daddy,” Grant says. He’s four and mimics every move of his two older brothers.

“Baby,” Conrad says, resting his head on my shoulder. He’s two and, like Grant, tries his damndest to keep up with his older brothers.

“Everyone will get a chance to hold him.” I nod at Royce, and he pushes open the door. I watch as our three oldest boys walk slowly to one side of their mom's hospital bed. Their eyes are wide and full of wonder as they take in their new baby brother.

“He’s real little,” Royce says.

“You were all this little once,” Lena tells him.

“But not me. I’m the oldest.” Royce seems to stand a little taller.

Lena laughs softly. “You were still a tiny baby.”

“See.” Owen sticks his tongue out at Royce. “You were a baby too.”

“We’ve got the pictures to prove it,” I say, settling on the bed next to Lena, letting Conrad move to settle at her feet. He’s just staring at his momma and the new baby.

“Boys,” Lena says, gaining our attention. “Meet your baby brother. This is Marshall.”

“I’m glad he was a boy,” Owen says.