Of Mountains and Men: A Why Choose Romance

Chapter 35

To my surprise instead of relaxing with the guys, I end up passing out on the couch. Waking with a start when I hear the tea kettle going off. "Please tell me you're making tea." I say stretching.

Andrew is on his laptop, he looks up at me, "I didn't know how demanding you are after a nap."

I blush, "Why am I so tired, it's not like we've done much yet." I complain.

James sets a steaming cup of black tea on the coffee table in front of me, "Perhaps because you are growing our son?" He scoots me over, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. "Just take it easy, you don't need to be super busy."

"Weren't you all excited to go shopping?" I point out.

"Yes." Andrew says, closing his laptop and setting it aside. "It's only just now eleven, drink your tea, freshen up and we'll go for an hour or so then get back here."

I yawn before responding, I seriously am exhausted. "That sounds like a great plan. Where is Charley?"

"In Priscilla's room playing, Michael is watching him. We wanted to give you a break to sleep." James' hand slides down my shoulder to rub my arm soothingly.

"Thank you. I assume I'll be napping more and more until the baby gets here."

"Probably." James agrees.

I lean forward to grab my tea mug, I have a random mixture of clay mugs one of my family members made and random ones as souvenirs. This tea mug is black and gold all swirled together, I have a feeling this set cost more than all of mine put together.

"What kind of clothes do you want to wear while pregnant?" Andrew asks, hands folded in his lap watching me.

I wrinkle my nose, "Ones that are comfortable and don't restrict my movement. Probably comfy pants, and long tank tops, or dresses."

Andrew nods, "That's easy enough. There's also a kids clothing store in the closest mall, so we can pick up Charley and the baby some things as well."

"That sounds good, he hardly has any spring clothes. He's outgrowing everything from winter already, not that we have much of winter left."

"It's officially spring," James chuckles.

"We buy the girls new outfits in each season too. They just grow so much right now, I keep telling them I can't wait for them to stop so they don't need a new wardrobe four times a year." Andrew shakes his head.

I arch a brow, "I have a feeling out of all the kids Amelia won't want to break that habit."

"I know, she's already so high maintenance. I'm hoping being out in the country will do her personality good, and maybe make her a bit humble." He admits.

"I think she needs a pet, her own responsibility." I tell him.

"That might be a good idea after we get the house finished." James agrees. I finish my tea getting up to take it to the kitchen to wash. "I've got it. Go check on Charley then get ready."

"Thank you." I smile up at him as he takes the cup from me. I peek my head in Priscilla's room, a burst of laughter comes out as I see Charley playing barbies with Michael. "Hi guys."

Michael doesn't even seem phased he must play with Lexi often enough. "Good afternoon sleepyhead." He grins at me. "Charley, I think it's time to go to the mall."

"Yes!" He stands up with a cheer.

"I'm going to go wash my face then I'm ready." I tell him.

I hurry to pee, then wash my face. Not liking the bags under my eyes, two naps in one day. Didn't I get enough sleep? Goodness. I search the drawers on the vanity finding a brush, and quickly fix my long hair. At least the light brown strands are looking healthy, even though I feel like I should just go back to bed for the day. Sighing, I leave the bathroom. James is helping Charley into his jacket and Andrew hands me my sweater. I smile at his thoughtfulness.

"Thank you."

"Are you fine walking the few blocks to the mall?" James asks.

"That should be fine, I'm tired but not that tired." Michael holds my hand while James keeps ahold of Charley.

"Charley," James leans down a little so he's not talking too loud, "I think this will be your favorite place in the city."

Charley looks up at James, a crinkle forming between his eyes. "Why?" He asks, before trying to jump off the sidewalk. I want to leap for him, James is quick, swinging him in a circle before placing him safely closer to the building.

Michael leans over to whisper in my ear, "Don't forget he's been through this stage three times already. Have a little faith in us."

I blush, "I do, it's always going to make me nervous when he acts like a daredevil." I grump.

James continues to on to Charley, "Because there is a toy store in there. I bet your mom will let you get something to remember the trip by." James doesn't look back at me, and Charley increases his pace pulling James along now.

"Oh goodness." I say, "I suppose a souvenir would be fine."

Michael swings his hip into me making me giggle, "Let us spoil the two of you."

"Fine, fine." I shake my head, being on the busy street should be making feel anxious, but for some reason it doesn't feel so bad right now. There are plenty of people out, though none take any notice of us, to self-absorbed on their phones or talking to one another.

"Are you doing okay?" Andrew asks, he's on my other side just not as close as I'd prefer him to be.

"I'm fine, I'm glad the weather is fine too. I expected it to be raining constantly."

Michael chuckles, "It will probably be raining soon enough. Ah, there is it." He points to a big glass building ahead of us.

"It's huge, is it the whole block?" I gasp.

"Yes, it is." James laughs from ahead.