Haunted

"So still no sex yet?" - UNEDITED

Disclaimer: This chapter has not been edited from the original as posted on JBFF. There will be mistakes, typos, continuity problems and other issues.

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"Can you get him, please?" Brent mumbled.

Maddox groaned and pulled his head off the pillow. The tiny cries coming from the baby's room weren't even enough to completely wake him. He didn't bother looking at the clock, just stumbled into the room to pick up the little baby.

"Go back to sleep, Em," Maddox said, patting her back. She lay down but her eyes stayed open as Maddox carried their newest baby, a little boy they'd named Avery, out of the room.

With a warm bottle plugged into Avery's mouth, Maddox settled in on the couch. He watched Avery drain his bottle and pass out again. Maddox put the bottle aside and lay there holding his son, too tired to do anything else but watch him sleep.

Maddox woke up again, Avery still asleep on his chest, to Chloe poking him with a curling iron. He frowned and looked for Brent. Breakfast was happening and somehow everyone was already dressed.

"Daddy, will you please do my hair?" Chloe asked, emphasizing the word please.

"Yeah, okay," Maddox yawned. He got up slowly to take Avery back to his bed.

"Wait, can I hold him?" Aimee asked.

"Aimee, we're having breakfast now," Brent said before Maddox could answer.

"I want to hold him too," Colin protested.

"After school," Brent said. "Chloe, please come sit down and eat."

"Daddy's going to do my hair," Chloe said.

"He can do your hair while you eat," Brent said, looking at Maddox. Maddox nodded at him and took Avery to his crib.

Ever since Maddox got home from his tour he felt like he was mostly in the way around the house. Brent was in charge of the daily routine and Maddox tried his best to follow along. He helped do the girls' hair while they ate and cleaned up behind Brent as he made lunches.

"We're here!" Clay shouted as the front door opened. He and Bryce were at the table a second later. Maddox watched as Chloe handed him half of her waffle without either of them saying a word.

"They're all ready," Brent said when Eli and Adam walked in. "Hannah, remember your science project."

"I have it," Hannah said, carrying plates to Maddox. "Thanks, Daddy."

"Thank you, Hannah," Maddox smiled at her.

The kids gave them all hugs and followed Adam to the car so he could take them to summer camp for the day. Maddox looked around, trying to make sure they had everything.

"Is this Colin's?" he asked, holding up a water bottle.

"That's the dirty one," Brent shook his head. "You just sit there and look cute, okay? I've got this."

"Oh," Maddox grinned. He sat down with Emma. "I guess I'm out of line," he told her.

"Dada says," Emma nodded. "Eat now."

"What are you eating?" Maddox asked and she told him all about her breakfast.

"We'll be back, you good?" Brent asked, kissing Maddox's cheek.

"Yes, am I allowed to clean up or will that ruin your flow?" Maddox teased.

"Shush," Brent rolled his eyes. "Love you."