That doesn’t sound good, but I also don’t ask. Connor and I see each other at least once a week at the ranch, and if there’s drama, I stay out of it.

“There,” she says as she sets down her phone. “Now it won’t be awkward, and she won’t be alone when he’s hanging on some other woman.”

After the clothes are done, I sit back and pull Maize into my chest. “Any kicks today?”

“I feel a little fluttering on my right side,” she tells me, and I move my hand around.

“You’re gonna be the hottest pregnant mama-to-be when you’re ready to pop. I can’t wait.” I smirk.

“Ugh, shut up. I’m fat and only gonna get fatter.”

“You’re growing two babies,” I remind her. “I can’t wait for a houseful of girls.” Smiling, I press a kiss to her cheek. Due to Maize being high-risk with twins, they took a bunch of bloodwork, and we found out the genders early on. “Which means we’re gonna have to try for a boy next.”

She relaxes against me and laughs. “I thought of what I want their names to be,” she says, then looks up at me. “Madison Bailey and Mila Rose. Bailey after my biological mother. Mila after the woman who raised me.”

“And Rose after my mother?” I ask, honored.

“Yes, and it’s Grandma Bishop’s first name too.” She beams. “I thought it was a perfect tribute to the amazing women in our life.”

My heart beats with pride and excitement. “I love them. It’s a great idea, sweetheart. Mila’s gonna love that you named one of the babies after her.”

“I wanna surprise her, though. Announce it after the babies are born.”

“She’s gonna cry.” I chuckle, and Maize does too.

“Oh, she definitely will.”

MAIZE

I can’t wait to see everyone today. Though I frequently see my family, I’m usually too busy working to visit for more than five minutes. Plus, I’ll get to spend more time with my cousins and sister without being interrupted by guests. Not that I mind, but a break is definitely nice.

Now that I’m pregnant with twins, I need to slow down, which is hard when I’m trying to keep up with my catering business too. I book parties for up to fifty people a couple of times a month, and it’s rewarding for me. I hope I can continue after the twins are born, but I’ll hire someone if not.