Love Me Anyway

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Maya
One week later

"Yes sir. Thank you sir. Yes sir. Have a great day sir." I hung up the phone and groaned.
"Maya? What did he say?"
"I've been demoted to fucking Lieutenant." I grumbled.
"What? All because you saved your friends life?"
"Because I didn't follow protocol. Because of the sexism in SFD. Because of the fucking homophobia in SFD." I threw my phone on the bed and it bounced and hit the wall.
"Bella, it'll be okay. I promise."
"I just got demoted, Carina! Andy is fighting for her life and-" I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. "I'm sorry for yelling at you. I'm sorry."

"It's okay bambina. Come here." She reached out and took my hand in her's.
"Look," She pressed my hand against her belly. "Here's three of your babies. Of our babies. All four of our babies are so proud of you, regardless if you're Captain or not. You'll always be our Captain."
"I love you." I leaned my forehead against her's, taking in everything.
"Vieni qui." Carina whispered. I felt her lips brush against mine.
I let Carina take control, giving me gentle kisses, her hands trailing to my waist and holding me close.
"Carina, Cat-"
"Is with Andrea. He offered to give us some time alone. He and Ziva might even keep her over night." Carina whispered in my ear before she gently nibbled on it.
"Babe I... I can't." I sighed. I was getting frustrated. I was so pissed off and anxious that I couldn't even get turned on by my sexy Italian goddess wife.
"Okay. That's okay Maya. Do you want to see if Victoria wants to watch a movie with us?"
"She needs to eat. She hasn't eaten since breakfast. The baby needs food." I nodded.
"You go get her, and I'll order some takeout, okay?"
"Carina?" I pulled her back as she tried to walk away.
"Yes bambina?"
"Thank you. For understanding."
"Always, bambina." She leaned forward and kissed the top of my head.
"I love you." I tapped her side gently.
"And I love you. Now, go get Victoria."

I walked down to the basement, where Vic was sleeping in the spare bedroom.
"Vic? You up?"
"Yeah." I heard her muffled response.
I walked through her bedroom door and laid down next to her on the bed.
"Come and eat."
"I'm not hungry."
"The baby needs food, Vic. You need to get out of this bed."
"I'm tired, Maya." Vic looked up at me with tears in her eyes.
"I know honey. I know." I brushed her knotted hair out of her face.
"I can't sleep good. I can't sleep alone."
"Vic, why didn't you say something? You know you can come sleep with us. Our bed is big enough."
"I didn't wanna bother you guys any more than I already am."
"Hush your mouth. You're not a bother. You're my best friend. You can sleep with us as long as you want. C'mon, let's get some food in you and I'll brush your hair, okay?"
"Okay." Vic sniffled and sat up. She was now twenty-one weeks pregnant, five weeks ahead of Carina.
"What brush do you want me to use?" I looked at her various brushes and combs.
"Use the wet brush please. I'm gonna try to take a shower later anyway."

"Come on." I took her hand and led her upstairs.
"Food will be here in thirty minuets." Carina called from the kitchen.
"Thanks baby. Will you bring us a drink when you come in?" I sat down on the couch and Vic sat in front of me.
"Let me know if it hurts okay?" I said as I gently brushed through her hair.
"I'm not tender headed."

"Water for you bambina, and protein shake for you bella." Carina handed Vic her shake and set my water on the table.
"You're the best babe. I told Vic she could sleep in bed with us as long as she needs."
"I don't have to-"
"Nonsense. You're more than welcome to cuddle up with us. I know when Maya works over night I have a hard time sleeping. Maya, move over and let me do her hair. You're going to slow." Carina nudged me and I handed her the brush.
"I don't wanna pull her hair." I pouted.
"Are you going to wash it later or do you want me to braid it back?"
"I'm gonna try to take a shower later."

"Bambina you can't be afraid to be a little tough with brushing hair. I'm gonna need your help with the bambini when they get here. Caterina is already hard to let me do her hair."
"Okay, okay. I will. I promise."