Page 68 of His Treasured Mate

“I think you and Maddie just need to talk things through,” Peyton said.

“Oh no. She made it very clear that Thomas and I need to butt out of their family life.”

“She said that?” Ruby asked.

“Yes.”

“Okay, that was a bitch move. We all love Oscar and only want what's best for him. I have no doubt you were just trying to help.”

“Well, I didn't help. I felt more helpless than anything.”

“I still think you should talk it out with her. She's your best friend in the entire world, Lil,” Peyton reminded me.

“And I love her, but I do not like her right now.”

“Well, let's get started on your list of non-nesting stuff,” Ruby teased.

“I'm not nesting,” I insisted, but even I had to admit that the list looked pretty much the same as if I were.

We cranked up some music and got to work.

They helped me clean out the fridge and freezer, pull the appliances out and clean behind and under them, Every inch of the kitchen was scrubbed clean before we moved on to the bathrooms, and then the girls' rooms, and finally the laundry room. Really the only room I didn't have them working in was the bedroom I shared with Thomas.

“Now that the cleaning is done, who's up to helping me put together this crib? I swear they get harder every single time.”

“Is this another new one, Lil?”

I cringed knowing I'd spent more than I should on it.

“It's not my fault, Clara. I tell him this is it. I'm not getting pregnant anymore, so we donate the baby furniture and pack up all the stuff, and then this happens. So then I have to go and buy all new stuff.”

“I'm fairly certain you know how this keeps happening,” Ruby teased.

“Yeah, your baby brother is a horndog.”

“And let me guess, you had absolutely nothing to do with it?” Lizzy asked.

“Well, don't take it that far. I was a more than willing partner. I mean when he does that thing with. . . “

“Ew! Stop!” Peyton cried, covering her ears.

I just shrugged. “I'm just saying, he knows how to get his way. I should probably just blame all of you for spoiling him. Therefore, it's your fault I'm knocked up again.”

Clara laughed. “That definitely sounds like Lily logic.”

“Thanks for helping me out today, you guys.”

“Anytime. That's what sisters are for,” Peyton said.

The girls had been over at the Alpha House along with Ruby and Peyton's kids, but they all returned with Cammie just as we were finishing up.

“Perfect timing.”

“Wow. It looks great in here,” Audrey praised.

“Us Collier girls are unstoppable when we all pitch in,” Lizzy told her.

“Want to see the new nursery?” I asked.