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Chapter 45

*C H A R L O T T E*

We take our time for breakfast. Everything is so delicious and we all seem to enjoy the moment. We haven't had a moment like this in such a long time! By the time we walk to the shop we have a list of supplies we need to prepare and paint the babyroom. Jack has called Killian to meet us there. We need some help carrying everything home and we can definitely use the help to get the room ready.

"Okay so, maybe we can split up to get the supplies as quickly as possible?" Hero suggests.

Jack nods and appoints me in charge of finding the sandpaper

"I'll help!" Hero volunteers.

Jack, Lizzie and Killian pull up their eyebrows and exchange a look. I decide to ignore this and accept Hero's offer.

"Okay, let's go find the sandpaper," he says with enthusiasm. "The most important task of all!"

Affected by his happy mood I hook my arm in his and we walk away. It's surprisingly easy to talk to Hero today. He doesn't try to flirt. In return I try to be an enthusiastic friend.

After about half an hour we've found everything and we're on our way home.

"Why do we need to carry the heavy stuff?" Killian complains.

I look at Hero, Jack and Killian who are all carrying the supplies. I'm in charge of pushing Lizzie around.

"Because you're both strong, independent men," I reply with a straight face.

Lizzie looks at me and starts laughing. At this point she's very happy to be pregnant because the paint does look heavy.

Lizzie gives me some clothes of hers because I didn't bring any 'old' ones. We all change and we're ready to start. We put on some music to make the work more fun. Lizzie can't help of course but as long as we're not actually painting she stays in the room with us.

"How is uni, Kil?" I ask while ripping off some of the old wallpaper.

"I miss you guys! It's not the same without you," he groans.

"I bet, we're totally irreplaceable," I tease.

"You are! I miss the little family we had, I mean, my friends are great but it's not the same."

We talk a bit about Killian's education while we rip off the final wallpaper. After this the boys will prep the wall with sandpaper and I will help Lizzie in the kitchen to prepare some lunch. Secretly I'm happy about this because preparing walls is hard work. The boys need to make sure that the walls are smooth so we can paint easily and everything will look nice.

"Okay boys, have fun!" I say and I quickly leave the room. Hero throws some sandpaper at me and I stick out my tongue.

"Hopefully they'll be okay," Lizzie says and bites her lip. She worries too much!

"The boys will be fine, Liz!"

"It's a lot of work though."

"We'll prepare a nice lunch!"

Lizzie and I start chopping vegetables.

"You seem more relaxed and happier today," she observes.

"I feel more relaxed now. I think moments like this morning have reminded me of how nice it is to be around friends and to have Hero in my life."

"I'm really happy for you," Lizzie says.

"Me too! It's good to know we'll be friends when the twins arrive. Knowing Hero was out there, hating me, was one of the worst things ever."

"He never hated you," Lizzie softly says. "He was just a little lost."

"I know."

I don't want to keep talking about this because the memory still hurts so I change the subject.

"Soooo, do I get to know the baby names before they arrive?"

"No!" Lizzie laughs. "Jack and I are still talking about names but Jack made a website so people can follow our journey and you can place a bet there. Like name, date of birth. The winner will get a price."

"Oh my god, that's such a nice idea!"

"Yeah, I thought so too. It keeps people very involved! Even people who have moved away can follow the pregnancy now."

"Okay, after lunch, you have to send me the link!"

By the time lunch is ready, the boys have nearly finished preparing the room. There is one wall to go which they can do while I do the dishes. Lizzie is instructed to take a nap after lunch. She hates the idea that we're doing all the work but we all insist we totally don't mind. It'll be our first present for the twins. It's a nice idea that my godchildren will sleep in a room I helped decorate. It's also a sign of commitment from both Hero and me.