"And then she had the nerve to bluff! Like she was actually going to disobey me!" The baby sitting on my lap giggles and reaches out to me. "I know right, hilarious. But do you think I was too harsh on her?"
"Hermosa, I hate to be the one to tell you but it'll be a few more months before Anthony can form actual words."
I watch from my seat at the counter as Ricky makes breakfast. Recently he's been really good about waking up before me and getting the boys ready and today he surprised me by showing up early and coming to Carlos' house.
"Yeah yeah, he's a good listener so I don't mind if he can't respond, smart-ass."
"You shower me with compliments, wife. My ass is indeed smart."
I giggle and bounce Anthony on my knee. "Your papa is a dummy. But something tells me that you were already aware."
Though his back was turned towards me I knew he was smiling. I take a moment and admire how far he's come. Of course we still had our issues but it was nothing that couldn't be resolved. I was so proud of him, I love him.
"Well if it isn't my favorite two pests and their offspring!"
"Good morning Carlos."
"Buenos días, hermana. Did you sleep okay?"
"Yeah, after a shower I was out cold."
"I'm glad to hear it." He picks up Josiah from his car seat and holds him on his hip. The two walk over and join me at the bar top and he glances at Ricky. "And what about you? I mean you must have slept like a baby to be able to break in and cook breakfast."
"Tch, sé feliz, no estoy envenenando tu comida."
(Tch, be happy I'm not poisoning your food.)
"It would probably make your cooking taste better anyway."
"Okay you two, it's too early to go back and forth. Have some decency and wait until I leave the room."
"Ah you know we kid hermana! Nothing but brotherly love!" He chimes loudly and Ricky lets out an annoyed grunt. "This brings back memories..." He speaks again after a few moments but instead of his joking tone, he seems to be lost in thought.
"I remember when it was just the three of us. Kaz and I would watch scary movies on the couch but she'd always fall asleep first. Then Ricky would always carry you off to bed."
"Mhm, good days."
Ricky sets a plate in front of me and stares at me. "No use living in the past. We gotta move forward," He cups my cheek and nestle my face closer to his palm. "I hope you enjoy breakfast hermosa."
He scoops up Anthony from my arms and allows me to eat. As always his cooking is marvelous. I would have never guessed that he'd be such a talented chef.
"Thank you Ricky, it's delicious."
"Wait where's mine?!" Carlos whines and looks over at the food sitting on my plate.
"I made it for her, if you're hungry then go fix something yourself."
"You break into my house, use up my food and then don't have the decency to even make me breakfast too?! You are a cruel man, CRUEL I SAY!"
"If it'll get you to stop bitching then you can have the rest of mine. I can't finish it."
He gives me puppy-dog eyes and hands me Josiah. "Que Dios bendiga tu alma, hermana!"
(God bless your soul, sister!)
He goes straight for my plate as I get up and join Ricky in the lounge area. He was leaning over the boy's playpen and playing with Anthony. He looked so good, even without trying he was beautiful.
I walk over and set Josiah down as well then pull Ricky back onto the couch. I lay my head on his chest and he wraps his arm around me, pulling me closer to him.
"You're so good with them. I think they like you more than me."
"Not true, the first few hours were hell. Tony kept crying no matter what I did. It wasn't until I started talking about you that he calmed down."
"Really? What did you tell him?"
"I told him how much I loved you. How lucky I am to be yours and how I'm blessed to have you be the mother of my children." He pulls me onto his lap and his hand wanders up my shirt. His large hand holds firmly onto my waist as his fingers make small circles in my back.
"I wouldn't want to be with anybody else... I really do love you Ricky."
He buries his face in my neck and deeply inhales. I could feel his heartbeat quicken as I lean back on his chest.
"I love you too, hermosa. Now go get dressed. There's somewhere I want to take you."
"Hm? What's the occasion?" I look over my shoulder at him and he just smiles.
"Last night you had to stay here with that nutcase. I'm making up for that."
I laugh, "But the boys?"
"No need to worry about it hermana! Uncle Carlos is here to help!" He jumps onto the couch with a smirk.
"We're leaving them with him?!"
"Don't worry, I talked to one of his maids. She'll be doing most of the work."
"Ugh, I'm hurt!" He dramatically puts his hand over his chest. "You don't trust me alone with the twins?"
"No." Ricky and I answer simultaneously.
"Ah whatever, I can handle two babies. No problem... But, out of curiosity, which maid did you talk to?"
"The one called Maria. Know her?"
A mischievous smile appears on his face and he rubs his chin. "Miss Maria huh? The black-haired beauty with those piercing green eyes. She's my favorite."
"Your favorite eh? I'll be sure to let Dee know." I laugh at Ricky's quick remark.
"Let's not get crazy now. Nothing wrong with the boss rewarding his best worker. And besides, that happened way before Dee. I'd never do anything to jeopardize what we have."
"Aww! So you two are official now?" I coo in excitement.
"Well not yet but I do plan on asking the next time I see her." He looks down and holds the back of his neck. It was odd seeing him blush but kinda cute too.
"When do you see her again? Can I help plan how you're going to ask her? Aww I'm so happy for you!"
"Tsk, you're getting too involved Kaz and we have places to be. When we return you girls can talk all about your crush later. Vamos mami, I don't want to be late."