Winning Layla (#2)

Chapter 13

Three Days Later...

"Babe."

"Don't babe me, Nash Hendrix. I'm carrying them into the house. I'm their mother," I tell him.

"I know you are, baby, but the doctor said to take it easy. Just let me take them in, please?"

"How about I only take Lennon and you take the girls?" I negotiate.

He thinks for a second before saying, "Fine, but only Lennon. No diaper bags or anything. Just Lennon."

I raise my eyebrow at his terms. "Deal. You're such a macho man."

He laughs and kisses my lips. "Thanks, baby."

After gathering Lennon, Sophia, and Rhiannon from the car, we head into the house and to the nursery where we lay the babies down. I venture to our bedroom to unpack my bag from the hospital along with all the presents given to us since we didn't have time for a baby shower.

I can't believe the babies are finally here. I can't imagine having to wait nine months just to meet them. I know most mothers say that their babies are perfect, but mine aren't. They're beautiful and precious. I don't want them to be perfect. I want them to be themselves and be proud of that.

I jump when Nash's arms wrap around my waist.

"You scared the s**t out of me," I exclaim, pressing a hand to my chest.

"I'm sorry, sweetie. You looked so dazed. What's on your mind?" He asks, concerned.

"I was thinking about how I want Rhiannon, Lennon, and Sophia to be themselves and to be proud of who they are. And how beautiful each of them are in their own way," I respond. I look up at him and see nothing but love shining back at me.

"I love you so much. You're the greatest woman I've ever met, Layla. Well, next to my sister and mom. I wouldn't wish for any other to be my mate."

"I love you, too."

* * *

About Six Weeks Later...

Beta Nash Hendrix-

I don't recall ever being this nervous about anything. Especially when it comes to Layla. Usually, I'm very demanding where she's involved and it's become worse since the babies were born.

I've been meaning to ask her to marry me for a while now. I just haven't found the right moment or time, so I made the moment. I called Mom to see if she would babysit, which she accepted immediately. I rented a lake house for the weekend, so it will be just the two of us. And the timing is also perfect, because we got the okay from the doctor to have s*x again. I think Layla is going to attack me if we don't have s*x soon.

Layla and I decided to move into my place since it's a lot bigger and has more bedrooms. Though Layla was hesitant to leave behind the nursery she had composed, she agreed that a bigger house would be an advantage for when the kids are older. I haven't told her that I bought the property once it came onto the market.

I come from my thoughts when I hear a car pull up into the driveway. I walk into the house to grab the diaper bags as I hear Dad get out of his truck and head to the door. Mom is at the salon with Layla and November so Dad decided to pick the babies up.

"What's up, Dad?" I greet him when he walks into the nursery where I am packing the babies' things.

"Not much. I had to listen to your mother gush about you asking Layla to marry you. Never known that woman to dread anything. She's always been that way," he says.

"She doesn't like the idea?"

"She does. She loves Layla, but she's worried that you'll mess it up in some way. You and Layla have had a tough time as it is."

I nod before turning towards him. "I've never asked you and Mom for anything, but what should I do about the nerves? I'm afraid she'll say no. We just got back together, Dad."

"Son, I was the same way with your mother, except she had you after we were married. If Layla loves you like I have seen, "no" won't be an option. And who cares that you just got back together? If you guys are happy together, then roll with it. It's your life. Live it how you want," he advises.

"Thanks, Dad."

"Your welcome. Now, let's get the little people loaded into the truck. I ain't got all day," he laughs, making me chuckle.

* * *

About Four Hours Later...

"Nash. Where are you taking me?" Layla demands impatiently from the passenger seat of my truck.

"I told you, baby. It's a surprise," I remind her. She scoffs, making me smile.

"You know I hate surprises," she whines.

"Babe, I've been planning this for awhile now. I'm not telling you," I state.

She finally looks up from her book. "Really?" She whispers.

I lean forward and press my lips to hers. "Really, really," I say against them, making her giggle before kissing me again.

When we arrive about twenty minutes later, Layla hops out of the truck before I can come around to open her door for her. She takes off towards the check-in cabin and I race to catch up with her.

I find her cuddling a chocolate colored puppy in her arms, making me chuckle. I crouch down beside her and lean into her ear before asking, "What do you want to name her?"

Her head shoots up instantly. "What?"

"What do you want to name her?" I repeat.

"Nash, we can't get a puppy," she says.

"Why not?" I ask, confused.

"We have the kids and who's going to take care of it?"

"I will," I tell her.

"Yeah, right," she retorts sarcastically.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

She shakes her head. "Nothing. Forget it."

She walks back outside and I check in and collect our key. When I get back to the truck, I find Layla gathering our bags.

"Here. Take the key and head inside."

"It's fine, Nash. I've got it," she whispers. I know something is wrong. I place my hand on her hand that is holding our things.

"Layla, please."

She sighs before complying.

After getting settled in, I head to the master bedroom where Layla is unpacking.

"Now that we're settled, you wanna tell me what that comment was about earlier?"

"There's nothing to talk about. It was nothing," she declares, though I know she's lying. She always bites her lip when she lies.

"I know that statement is complete and utter bullshit."

She sighs. "Why did we come here? Are you trying to accomplish something? You're not happy. Are you, Nash? I can tell by the way you've been acting lately. You seem so stressed."

Shit.

This is not how I planned this.

"Everything is fine, Layla," I try to reassure her.

"No, it's not!" She exclaims, turning around to face me.

"Layla-"

"You're hiding something and it's driving me crazy. Are you not happy with way things are going, because-"

"Layla-" I try again.

I'm starting to get angry now.

"I just want you to tell me what's wrong and-"

"For f**k's sake, Layla. I didn't come here to break up with you," I say.

"Then, why? Why did you bring me here?" She yells.

"I want you to f*****g marry me," I shout back. She stills.

"What?" She asks quietly.

"You heard me. I want you to marry me. I was going to ask you-"

"Yes," she says, cutting me off.

"What?"

"Yes. Yes, I'll marry you."