Song of the South

Untitled Part 24

“Mornin’ Kellie.” Kinsey smiled

Kellie smiled back as she greeted the kids. Her eyes landed on Eric who was talking to Lane as he gently rocked him while feeding the infant his bottle. The sight made her breath catch in her throat. It made her happy but a little sad too. This was what she had wanted with Eric. She was happy if he was happy. Barry and Brent entered the kitchen and greeted everyone cordially. Eric finally pulled himself away from the baby and looked up in surprise. He greeted everyone cordially.

Brent said that he and Barry were going to put together the crib if he could handle the high chair. Kellie was more than happy to take over baby duties and took the infant from her ex-husband’s arms. Kinsey had taken the big bowl that Bella was stirring and poured half of it into a skillet. Jesse slid the cookie sheet of home-made biscuits in the oven when his big sister went to get a spatula. While the men were busy, Jesse was insistent on helping with the boys’ work, all the ladies stayed in the kitchen.

Lori and Stella arrived and had greeted Kellie and Kinsey. Daisy and Bella wanted to play with Stella so they ran off. Kinsey poured both women a steaming cup of coffee before going back to the stove to tend to the eggs. The two older ladies chatted about fun activities to do with the kids while Kinsey cooked breakfast for everyone. Seeing Eric in just jeans, shirtless, and tending to the baby seemed to stir something in her. Perhaps it was just the emotions of him letting them stay in his house after he rescued her and her siblings? ’Yeah, that has to be it’ she thought to herself.

“Why did they bring a crib over?” Kinsey questioned

“Eric asked us to pick a crib and high chair up because you needed them. The poor little guy can’t sleep in his car seat forever!” Lori chuckled

“Awww, thank you guys.” Kinsey stated, accent heavy

“It was Eric’s idea. Thank him.” Lori replied with a warm smile

“Well, thank you for picking them up.” Kinsey retorted, returning Lori’s smile

Hayden ran in giggling like mad. Kinsey just shook her head at the small boy. Brent came in a few seconds later chasing him. Kinsey turned back to her skillet to make sure the eggs were cooking properly. Everything was coming along nicely, nothing was getting burnt, and the biscuits were nearly done. She started another pot of coffee before filling the children’s cups with milk.

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After breakfast, Bill asked Eric if he was ready to go. Kinsey was a bit confused but Barry was quick to grab her attention. Kellie asked the kids if they wanted to go see an Aquarium. Most were very excited which made Kinsey laugh. Lori got the kids talking about other things they could do while out and about. Kellie watched Kinsey watching Eric and Bill leave the house.

Bill was excited to see what his friend had come up with in regards to properties. He knew Eric would be very critical of each and every property which is why he was tagging along. Eric would be looking for something that Kinsey would like, that would be big enough for them all, and that would probably remind her in a good way of their family home. Something comforting to them. Bill knew practically what Eric would want in a house and since he wasn’t emotionally involved in this, he had a clear head to help Eric.

Lori had her family-friendly SUV so she drove most of the children. Stella, Lane, Bella, Jesse and Hayden rode with her and Barry. Kellie drove herself, Kinsey, Daisy, and Brent in her car. The ride didn’t take too long and before she knew it, Kinsey was getting Lane out of his car seat and into his stroller. Barry was watching her with her siblings and couldn’t help but smile. She was very much a mother even if she’d never given birth. It both made him sad and happy.