Chapter 8

I groaned as the alarm on my phone sounded around the quiet room. I fumbled to find my phone on the nightstand in the darkness.

"Hmmm, shut it off." Royce groaned.

I found my phone and shut the alarm off quickly. With my arms extended above my head, I stretched lazily.

"It's 6am babe, time to get up." I yawned.

Royce tossed his pillow across is face. "I don't want to." He mumbled.

"You don't have a choice. We have to start getting ready for work." I said.

Even I have to admit it's a struggle getting out of bed in the morning, especially when you have kids. Royce went silent and shortly after I heard his light snore. I smirked as I thought of the perfect way to wake him up. I scooted under the blanket and climbed between his thighs. I gently hooked my fingers into his boxers before tugging them down slowly.

"Hmm, ohh, yea, I can definitely get used to waking up like this." Royce purred softly. Just as my lips were about to find it's prize...

"Momma!" We both groaned.

"Next time, move faster." Royce whined.

I laughed and quickly moved from under the sheets and climbed out of the bed. I made my way to the girls room across the hall. They were standing in their cribs staring towards the door and their sleepy eyes lit up once they saw me.

"Morning babies, you guys are up early." I cooed.

I grabbed them both out of their cribs and quickly set them on the floor.

"Come on, let's go wake up Roy. Time to get up Roy!" I shouted and laughed.

"Roy! Roy!"

"Up Roy up!"

They ran out of the room in a fit of giggles into Royce and my bedroom. Royce and I decided it was best that they call him Roy. The word 'daddy' is a role to live up to and at first, things were so shaky between us. I can't force him to be okay with it and it wouldn't fair. For now, we agreed it was for the best. The girls jumped on our bed where Royce was still laying beneath his pillow.

"Oh God, noooo, you got me!" He screamed in faked horror.

The girls giggled as they continued to jump on top of Royce.

"Up Roy! Up!" They shouted.

He grabbed them to tickle their sides and I quickly joined them on the bed.

"Alright, alright, you have to get in the shower." I said.

"Yea, you're right. What are your plans today?"

"Well, today is bring your kids to work day." I smiled.

"They actually do that?" He asked.

Peppa moved from her spot on his stomach and moved into my lap. I rolled my eyes as she tugged my top down knowing what she wanted. Peppa is more attached to my breast than Lily is. While Lily loves my breast milk, she prefers it more at night or if she's being fussy. Peppa wants breast milk before her breakfast, before lunch, before bedtime and even if she's upset.

"I was surprised too, but Caleb feels that we must remember why working is so important and not lose sight of what we are there for. He thought it would be a cool way to show our kids what we do." I said.

"You do realize that your kids are like twenty months old right? The only thing they find cool is, cocomelon, peanut butter sandwiches and breast milk." I laughed.

"You're right, but I'm still excited to take them in and have people fond over how beautiful they are."

I ran my fingers through Peppa's curls while she nursed. Lily was busy pressing buttons on my phone.

"Yea, you did make beautiful kids." Royce said.

A saddened look came over his face before he shook it off and got up. That was a look I knew all too well, remorse and regret. Not a day goes by that I don't feel horrible for my mistake. The girls have my stranger's hair and eye color for God's sake and it's a constant reminder.

"I'm gonna jump in the shower and then I'll help you with the girls." He said.

"Okay, I'll get started on a quick breakfast." I mumbled with a sigh.

Peppa was done nursing so I pulled the girls downstairs. I placed them in their high chairs while I cooked french toast and eggs for breakfast. I split a banana between the girls while I cooked. Royce came downstairs shortly after.

"Do you want me to help you get the girls ready before I leave?" He asked.

"No, come sit and eat. I have plenty time before I have to be to work." I said.

I quickly served breakfast, making sure the girls food were minced.

"I have a few flights scheduled for today, so I'll be home late tonight. I'm done with my last flight around 8 tonight." He said.

"That's fine honey, mom is coming over later to take the girls. We could use a little break don't you think?"

"Defintely." He mumbled.

"Are you okay?" I can feel the energy just dripping off of him.

"Yea, just thinking."

"About?" I asked.

"Nothing important, don't worry about it."

"That's easier said than done Royce. I feel like you're pulling away, are we okay?" I asked worried.

"Sweetie, I'm fine, we're fine." He said seriously.

I hate that I feel like I'm walking on eggshells around him lately.

"Momma, all done!" Peppa clapped suddenly.

I looked down and noticed her plate was clean. "Good girl Peppa! All done."

I clapped and I handed her some juice. Lily was still taking her time eating.

"They're getting big so fast." Royce said. I smiled.

"Yea, they are. I feel like just yesterday I brought them home." I sighed.

"Remember the time Lily got Spot covered in your hair gel?" He laughed.

"Ugh, don't even remind me. Spot was definitely traumatized." I said.

Spot was still tucked away in the corner of the kitchen sleeping. I'm pretty sure Royce and I were the only ones with jobs.

"All done!" Lilly exclaimed while clapping.

Royce and I laughed clapping our hands with her. After breakfast Royce decided to do the dishes, while I took the girls out of their high chairs and headed to their room. I needed to pick the perfect outfit for them today.

"Alright girls, what are you in the mood for today." I said.

I started pulling out dresses, but one look at Lily's face I decided against it. After a long consideration, I decided on overalls. They were cute and comfy with little sunflowers all over it. The next task, the most difficult one was to give them a bath. Peppa was simple, but lily was another thing altogether.

"Okay girls, bath time." I said.

Peppa instantly jumped and headed for the bathroom, while Lily ran the opposite way. Grabbing her before she could make it too far, I headed to the bathroom behind Peppa, who was already tugging at her pajamas. Lily began to fight and cry in my arms and I groaned.

"Lily baby, come on, please? Don't you want to be all clean and pretty?" I pleaded.

"No momma!" She cried.

"Come on Lily bug, you're gonna see where momma works today." I said.

She kicked relentlessly and I was growing more frustrated.

"Give her here." Royce appeared standing by the door.

"Oh, ok thanks." I said.

He took her from my arms and pepperd her face in kisses while rocking her. She was still crying, but not as loud. I turned my focus on Peppa and got the water started. Peppa laughed and played as I quickly gave her a bath. Once she was done and I took her out of the tub and wrapped her in her towel.

"Clean." She smiled.

"Yes, smart girl, all clean." I smiled kissing her nose.

Royce was outside the door pacing with a still fussy Lily.

"Okay, I'm ready for her. Can you take Peppa into the room?" I asked.

"No problem babe." He said.

We swapped kids quickly. Lily's crying increased once again and I stood up to try soothe her. I was running out of time and I decided to knock out two birds with one stone. Setting her on the toilet seat I quickly removed her clothes before removing mine.

"Momma! No!" She cried.

"Shush baby it's okay." I said, lifting her up.

I jumped in the tub and quickly turned on the shower. Lily's little face was turning red from all the crying and I kissed her cheeks lovingly. My poor girl, I'd never understand her hate for taking a bath. Washing her and myself, I sang to her and continued to try calm her down. By the time we got out the shower she was a lot more quiet. I wrapped us in a towel and headed to the girl's room where Royce was dressing Peppa.

"Thank you for sticking around a while longer." I said.

"No problem. I have to head out now, you good here?" He asked.

"Yea we're good." I said.

Royce put Peppa's shoes on and quickly let her go to wander around the room. Giving us all kisses, he was out the door. I moved to sit on the floor with Lily still secured in my arms. She was still whimpering so I did the next best thing and shoved a boob in her mouth. She settled down instantly and I quickly worked on drying her off and dressing her bottom half. Once she was completely settled I dressed her fully. Now that both of the girls were dressed I let out a breath. I pulled them into Royce and my room so I can get dressed. Putting cocomelon on my laptop, the girls sat quietly watching their show giving me time to focus on myself. I chose not to dress in my usual attire since I have my kids today and things tend to get messy fast with them. Dressing in a dark wash jeans and a dark blue blouse, I ran a brush through my blonde hair quickly. While the girls were still distracted, I went to their room making sure that their bags were packed and adding a extra shirt for myself. After I put food out for Spot, packed the girls lunches, and locked up the house, we were out of there. The ride to work was filled with claps, giggles and cocomelon songs. I was trying to mentally prepare myself for today. I knew for a fact that I wouldn't get much work done today with the girls there, but I was still happy to have them with me today. I'm glad that Caleb have a connection with all of his workers. Bringing kids to work was a good idea and it encourages us to work a lot better. I got to work twelve minutes late which is far from usual for me. I got everything I needed out the car and struggled with the girls as I headed inside.

"Finally! I thought you weren't coming. You're late." Julia said.

"Excuse me? Have you tried getting ready with one year olds?" I asked.

Julia laughed before scooping Lily in her arms.

"Hi Lily." Lily giggled as Julia blew bubbles on her cheek.

"Hi Peppa." She ruffled Peppa's curls causing her to blush.

Julia placed Lily gently on her feet.

"Has Caleb started asking for me yet?" I asked.

"Oh you know how he gets. It's like he can't function without his favorite assistant." Julia rolled her eyes.

We moved towards the elevator and I greeted everyone as I walked by. Almost everyone had a child by their sides and it was a sight to see. It was great to see so many beautiful kids around the office. The girls eyes lit up with glee noticing a few kids close to their age.

"Seeing everyone with their kids is giving me baby fever." Julia said when we entered the elevator.

"Well, why don't you have any?" I asked.

"Hmmm, well I never found the right person." She shrugged.

"What about Steven?" I smirked.

"Ugh, don't insult me."

"I can see that you guys have some kind of spark between you two." I said.

"That spark is called annoyance. Steven is too immature."

"Well I like him for you."

"Pass." She gagged.

I laughed. She maybe putting up a good front but I'm no fool, I know she likes him. The elevator dinged at the top floor and we exited.

"I got a few things to handle. I'll check on you guys in a few hours." Julia said.

"Alright." I sighed.

Julia blew kisses at the girls and went back in the elevator just as Caleb came out of his office.

"I knew I heard voices, well hello." He smiled looking at the girls.

"Morning Caleb, I'm sorry I'm late, but you see my dilemma." I said.

Caleb waved his hand dismissively. "It's fine I understand how different today was for you." He said.

He kneeled in front of the girls with a polite smile. Peppa moved behind my leg, but Lily stood at my side examining Caleb. Always so curious.

"Hi lovelies." He grinned.

"Hi!" Lily grinned.

"Peppa say hi to Caleb." I said.

I kneeled bringing her close to me. "Can you girls say Caleb?" I asked.

"Cabub." Lily said. Caleb laughed lightly.

"Hi Cabub." Peppa whispered.

"Hi, you girls are so beautiful, I have a piece of candy if that's okay?" He asked.

I smiled and nodded gently. He pulled a piece of chocolate out of his pocket and of course the girls gravitated towards him with ease.

"Here you go." He handed them both a small piece.

"Thank oou." They said.

"Good girls." I grinned.

Manners is something I've started teaching them and I'm so glad that they are getting a hang of it at such a young age. Caleb was watching them curiously as they munched on their chocolate and moved slowly around the lobby area. Peppa sat on the floor with ease, but of course Lily have to be Ms. Adventurer.

"Are you okay?" I asked Caleb.

He was still staring at them. "Huh? Yea, sorry they just look familiar to me. Your kids are beautiful." He said.

"Thank you." I smiled.

"They're so sweet."

"Pshh, only when they want to be. You have no idea what morning's at my house is like." I laughed.

"I can only imagine. I have a nephew who's a bit older than they are and he's a handful." He laughed.

"And I have two." I rolled my eyes.

His eyes gravitated back towards them again and I wondered what about them was so familiar to him.

"What's on our agenda today?" I asked.

"Oh well, I don't expect nothing much. You can head downstairs so the girls can play with the other kids if you'd like. It's pretty much a free day." He said.

"Yea I guess you're right. I wanted to organize a few things today though, shouldn't take me longer than an hour or so." I said.

"Whatever you'd like. I think everyone could use a little break." He said.

"Oh, no Lily get away from there." I said.

I quickly moved to her side and lifted her away from the statue in the corner of the room. I placed their bag on the floor and grabbed some wipes to clean up their hands and faces. I pulled out a few toys that I brought and placed them on the floor. The toys along with some cocomelon on the tablet is enough to occupy them for a bit.

"What is up with cocomelon?" Caleb said shaking his head.

"I have no idea, but they seem to be learning faster from it." I laughed.

I hadn't realize he was still in the room. "I have a few things to get done, call me if you need anything." Caleb said.

"No problem." I placed their bags near my desk and sat behind my computer.

Keeping my eyes on the girls I started to do my work quickly. The first hour was easy, but after a while Lily was getting restless. Peppa can sit still for hours, but Lily will always seek out another source of entertainment.

"Momma" She mumbled.

"What's wrong Lily bug? Do you want your ball?" I pulled out her ball from her bag and her little eyes lit up.

She kicked her little ball around the office with glee. Good, I have a few more moments to myself. I was done organizing Caleb's schedule for next week, but now I was suppose to be reading up on a few chapters that he wanted me to give a review for. I love the plot, but the book still needs plenty of work. I was so lost in reading that hadn't realize that Peppa was at my side. She whined quietly tugging at my thigh.

"Alright baby. You have been doing so good." I kissed her cheek gently and pulled up my shirt.

Lily was still distracted with her ball and I went back to the chapters while Peppa nursed.

"Ava can you set up a meeting with...oh I'm sorry." Caleb said.

I blushed embarrassed. Although I wasn't really exposed it was still embarrassing to be caught.

"Sorry Caleb, she was getting fussy." I said.

"That's no problem." I pulled Peppa away and quickly adjusted my shirt.

"God, I'm so sorry Caleb." I said glancing around the lobby.

The girls toys was scattered and Lily was kicking her ball around Caleb with no care in the world.

"It's fine Ava. I was prepared for all of this when I asked for a bring your kids to work day." He laughed.

I placed Peppa on the floor and moved to pick up their toys and Caleb helped me.

"Come on girls, time for a snack." I said.

I spread out their eating mats and pulled out their snacks. A cheese sandwich with some apple slices. I sat on the floor and Peppa came to me quickly and sat in front of me.

"Lily, come on now. Put the ball down, it's time to eat."

"No, mine." She said holding her ball tight.

I raised my eyebrow silently staring. I was not in the mood today and she probably sensed it. Lily dropped the ball quickly, moved to sit next to Peppa and I handed them their snacks.

"You pretty much have them disciplined." Caleb said impressed.

It's so easy to get wrapped up in the girls I hadn't realize he was still watching us. He was sitting in one of the chairs.

"It's far from easy. Peppa is more calm and easygoing, but Lily constantly want to test my gangster." I rolled my eyes.

Caleb threw his head back and laughed.

"How can you even tell them a part?"

"Well besides the drastic difference in personality, Peppa's face is more rounder than Lily's, Lily is a bit taller, Peppa hair has more tighter curls." I explained.

Caleb nodded looking between the two. "That's fascinating."

"Yea well it was a lot harder when they were younger. I had to create bracelets and clothing with their names on it." I admitted.

Caleb chuckled lightly. "I got around to reading those chapters you wanted me to." I said.

"Oh really, what do you think?" He asked.

"Well, the plot is really good, but they need a lot of work."

The next half an hour was spent talking about the book and what would be the next move if we wanted to work with this writer. I was so busy talking that I didn't notice that the girls were getting tired.

"It's time for their nap." I said.

I was about to spread their blanket on the floor when Caleb stopped me.

"You know you can just lay them on the couch in my office, it's big enough for both of them." He suggested.

"Oh really? I don't want them to impose." I said hesitantly.

"No, be my guests. It's more comfortable than the floor." I picked up the girls off the floor and they tucked their heads in the crook of my shoulders.

"Can you grab their blankets please?" I asked.

We moved into Caleb's office and he spread their blankets on his couch for me. I laid the girls down on opposite ends of the couch and spread a sheet over them. They were already fast asleep.

"Thanks so much." I said to Caleb.

"You say that a lot." He laughed. I shrugged.

"What's it like, being a mother?" He asked suddenly.

The question was unexpected but I was prepared to answer anyway. I looked at my girls fast asleep.

"It's the most rewarding and exhausting job I've ever had. All of a sudden I'm responsible for these little people and it's a big thing and they're my whole world." I said.

Caleb nodded smiling. "I knew things would work out." He winked.

"Yea, you were right about that." "I should've made a bet, I'd still be getting free breakfast." He said.

"Trust me, you don't need to win a bet to get breakfast from me." Caleb laughed.

"I'm gonna finish up my work." I said.

"Alright, you can leave the door open so you can keep an eye on them." Caleb said.

I nodded and left. After my work was done the rest of the day was a breeze. When the girls woke up from their nap, I took them downstairs to play with some of the kids downstairs. The kids played with ease while I chatted with my coworkers. Caleb came down every now and then to meet everyone's kids and socialize. I noticed that his eyes kept gravitating towards Lily and Peppa and I was beginning to wonder why. This wasn't the first time he saw the girls, but it was the first time he was met them in person. By the end of the day I was completely exhausted. I love my kids, but spending a day with them at work was more than eventful. Julia helped me packed up their things and take them to the car.

"Caleb must do this more often, today was great."Julia said.

"Yea, when the girls are a bit older. It was a crazy day."

We said our goodbyes and made our way home. "Girls you're gonna be with Nana tonight." I said.

"Nana!" They yelled.

I couldn't be more happy that mom was taking the girls over night, oh boy do they love their Nana. When she's around they're practically inseparable. Once we got home, I quickly took the girls inside along with their stuff. I went to their room and repacked their bags with fresh clothes for their overnight stay. Lily was playing with her ball and Peppa dragged her stuffed bear around as she followed her sister. Now that there bags were packed I can get started on dinner.

"No, mine" "Nooo, mineee" "Girls! Please stop it." I said.

I took the remote out of their hands and turned on cocomelon again. I went back to the kitchen with Lily close to my side. She watched me quietly as I cut through my herbs quickly.

"Here you go." I said handing her a carrot.

With one lick she scrunched her little nose and handed it back. I laughed. I heard mom's car pulling up and moved to the living room.

"Come on guys, Nana is here." I said.

Peppa jumped up, tv forgotten and moved to my side along with Lily. "My girls! Look at my girls!" Mom yelled when I opened the door.

"Nana!" They yelled excitedly.

She picked them up and showered them with kisses. "Hi mom." I said.

"Hi beautiful." I kissed her cheek.

"How are you?"I asked as I went to the kitchen.

"Oh you know same old, same old. Oh in here smells delightful. What's on the menu?"

"Chicken parmesan." I smiled.

Mom placed the girls down and moved to look into my pot. "It looks lovely." She said.

I always felt proud when she compliments what I cook. Sometimes it can be hard to cook up to her standards. "Have a nice evening planned for you and Royce I see."

"Well yes. It's kind of hard to plan a romantic night with messy one year olds." I said.

"Well, I'm glad I can help. The girls and I will have so much fun." She said.

The girls went back into the living room. "Well, they ate some soup for lunch, they have to eat dinner, good luck bathing them for bedtime and if you need me just give me a call." I said.

"What happens if they start fussing for some titty milk." She said. I rolled my eyes.

"They can go one night without breastfeeding ma." I said.

"Alright, come on girls!" She said. The girls jumped up and followed her out the door. I helped placed their car seats in her car and put their bags inside also. I buckled them in and kissed them gently.

"See you later babies. Be good girls for Nana." I said.

"Bye Momma"

"Bye bye."

"I love you so much." I said kissing them again.

It's always a bitter sweet moment when they are with my mom. I don't mind having a break, but having them leave my side for longer than an hour is never easy for me. After I was done with dinner, I quickly jumped in the shower to wash the day the away. I decided to put on one of my sexier nightwear to welcome Royce home. The table was already set by the time I heard his keys in the door.

"Welcome home honey." I whispered.

Royce's eyes lit up taking in my appearance.

"What's this?" He asked.

"A night to relax." I said.

He quickly stripped off his jacket and shoes and approached me. "Hmm, you look lovely." He said wrapping his arms around me. I sighed gently.

"The girls are with your mom?"

"You bet." I smiled.

"Excellent." He said.

I gasped in shock as Royce picked me up off the floor. "Oh! Royce you animal, don't you want to eat first?" I giggled.

"Oh trust me, I will." He winked.