Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 88220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
As I went to the foyer, I heard Beau say, “Best behavior. Everyone helps Fisher be good without fightin’ him.”
“Why does Abuela not have to participate?” Ava murmured. “She handles Fisher the best.”
“Because she’s the matriarch of our family which means she does what she wants. She’s the boss,” Beau answered. I couldn’t argue with the logic.
I opened the door and swung my hand out in invitation for our guests to enter. The subsequent greetings were efficient, if not louder than necessary on my end. My crew needed to be aware of the reporter was in the house. Her camera guy flanked nearby. Best behaviors began now.
“Come meet my family.” As I rounded into the open-floor concept of the downstairs, pride swelled in my chest.
All the children circled Beau with Fisher on the outer edge, snapping his fingers together. His entire body wiggled while he mimicked me speaking. Our little guy was the fun cherry on top that made the scene perfect.
“Girls and boys, this is Ms. Pebbly, she’s the reporter with Huffington Post, and this is Mr. Smith, the cameraman. They’re here to talk to us about our lives for a segment for Pride month.”
“Pride month’s a time to celebrate our fathers’ accomplishments, and the family they created,” Livie explained to her brothers and sisters, giving a nod after her explanation.
“That’s correct,” Ms. Pebbly said. Livie beamed.
I began introductions from the top down and put on my best Vanna White display. “Let’s start with Beau, my husband.”
Ms. Pebbly shook Beau’s hand, grasping him so tightly I wasn’t sure she planned to let go.
“I’m Zoe. Thank you for allowing us inside your home.”
“This is West,” Beau continued for me. “Our triplets Liv, Mia, and Ava. Hunter’s our youngest. Then Fisher, our middle son. He enjoys movement.”
“Pleasure to meet you all.”
“Nice to meet you too.” They all chirped in unison. A practiced response we worked on over the years.
“Six children in seven years. That’s ambitious,” she said, pulling a portfolio from the bag hanging on her shoulder. People made those kinds of remarks as if we’d planned it that way, and I guess we had, but I never considered it a challenge to have back-to-back kids. Not that we’d had to carry them ourselves, but we’d been involved every step of the way. I’d have many more if I could get Beau to agree.
“Here’s the itinerary for our afternoon together,” she said, passing Beau, then me, a sheet of paper. Here was where problems originated. Exact schedules were hard to follow with six precocious children. Beau’s pointed glare locked on mine. They also wanted a tour of downtown Sea Springs where my office was located. They also wanted pictures of the family, but scheduled those at the end of the interview.
“We’ve set up a playdate with the kids to keep the chaos at bay. Can I tweak the schedule? We planned to take pictures on the patio. It’s comfortable out there. You can chat with the girls while the boys play. We also have two German shepherds who are members of the family. Then Beau and I can sit with you as long as you’d like.”
Again, I felt the intensity of Beau’s laser-like glare boring into me. This time I chose to ignore it. Yes, I understood he and Scott had a full day of back-to-back charters. Beau had transitioned with UPS to a part-time position and had gone full-time with the charter company. Today, Scott and his father handled the load solo. Beau definitely held the weight of their burden.
“Let’s check the lighting outside,” the reporter chimed in, seemingly unfazed by my shift in scheduling.
Beau hurriedly stepped past Zoe to get to the door first, needing to give his command to keep the dogs from going nuts over new visitors. Duke and Dixie were waiting by the back door, already eager to participate. Beau stepped out, with instant control of the dogs. I wanted them in the family photo too.
“I know it’s June, but we have a system that keeps the porch under climate control,” I explained, encouraging the reporter outside ahead of me.
As I reached the back door, I heard Mia ask, “Do we come too, or do we stay here?”
Every one of the kids was standing where we’d left them, including Fisher who bounced like a jackhammer in place.
“Come, please.” I waved them over to me.
“Fisher.” The code word grabbed his attention. He instantly stopped moving and realized everyone but him was at the door. The little guy took off running toward us. I stopped him before he made it outside and bent close to his ear. “Remember to continue to be on your best behavior. We’re snapping some family pictures first. Give me your picture smile.” And he did, a brilliant grin he easily wore all of the time.