Kam's POV

On our flight to New York, Braelyn and I had a girl chat.

"So, Braelyn, what do you like to do for fun?"

"Mommy and Ryan take me to the park. And, sometimes, we have tea parties."

"Okay, so we will take you to the park and have tea parties with Uncle Cris."

"Yay!"

"And, sometimes, mommy and I play with her makeup."

I know I will pay for this later, but I had a cute idea. "How about we put makeup on Uncle Cris?"

"Put makeup on who?" He said with a glare.

"Uncle Cris is a boy, aunt Kam."

So, I whispered to Braelyn, "Let's sneak it on him." We both giggled.

Cris then says, "What's so funny?"

"Nothing, Uncle Cris. Mommy plays dolls with me."

Layla gave me a list of what Braelyn can't eat and her asthma medicine. "Sweetie, what is one of your favorite things to eat?"

"I like pizza and hamburgers. And mac and cheese."

Layla also said Braelyn likes to eat only homemade mac and cheese. That is one recipe that I somehow mess up. Go figure. But, for Braelyn, I will try to make it for her.

For the rest of the flight, Braelyn fell asleep and laid her head on Cris. He eventually picked her up and cradled her in his arms. "Thanks, handsome. This means a lot to me. I wish Layla and I didn't lose contact with each other. But I am so glad to have her back. And thank you again for the surprise anniversary. Time has flown by so fast that it has been five months since we were married. Best year of my life - married and pregnant with twins. But, also saddest because of my mom. Wait until my father hears about Layla."

"You're welcome, love. It's all thanks to Adriana and Marco. So, I heard that part about makeup and dolls. It's fine. Whatever makes Braelyn happy, I will do it."

Cris winked, then leaned in for a kiss. The flight back to New York was smooth. The flight Ryan chose left Jamaica at 8:00 in the morning. We reached New York at 12:37 pm.

Cris called ahead and got us a rental truck. And guess what he got - a white Cadillac Escalade. My husband knows me well. "Braelyn, sweetie, we are here. Let's get you off the plane."

"Okay, Aunt Kam." We got up and walked off the plane. The truck was waiting for us, so we put Braelyn in the back seat. Cris and I got in the front. We didn't have a car seat for her, so Cris made sure to drive as safely as possible. I heard that New Yorkers are jerks when it comes to driving. Hmm, I can handle them. But Cris is driving this time. We reached Ryan's house in about an hour.

"Ryan has a nice house."

Cris gave me the keys to the house so he could carry Braelyn, who fell asleep. But, as soon as we got in the house, my phone started ringing. I looked at it and was surprised at who it was.

"Hey Layla, we just made it to Ryan's house. Cris took Braelyn up to her room for a nap. I was going to call you once we got settled."

"Kam, I hate to do this, but can you and Cris bring Braelyn back to Jamaica?"

Layla sounded really upset, and I could tell she was crying. "Layla honey, what's wrong?"

"Austin was found almost dead in an alley. He is in the hospital. Ryan and I are on the way there now. I'm scared, Kam. What if he dies? Braelyn can't lose him. They were just reunited."

"Layla babe, hold on."

I waddled upstairs to find Cris. He just walked out of Braelyn's room.

"Cris, Layla says we need to come back to Jamaica. They found Austin almost dead in an alley."

"Hand me the phone." I gave Cris my phone so that he could talk to Layla.

"Layla, I'll book a flight to Jamaica for tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, Cris. I'll give you the number to Braelyn's school because she will need to be out at least the rest of the week."

I grabbed a piece of paper out of my bag and wrote the number down for Braelyn's school.

Cris' POV

"Kamea is calling the school now. We will be there. Think positive, Layla."

"I'll try, Cris. Thanks again, and I will see you guys tomorrow."

"I just got off the phone with the school. They understood that Braelyn will be out for the rest of the week."

"Thanks, love. And we can't say anything to Braelyn about what happened."

"Okay. Um, handsome, can you go to that Sonic we passed for a pickle slushie?"

I was hoping she didn't see that. "Sure, love. What else would you like?"

"A burger with no cheese. And for Braelyn, she likes hamburgers. Layla's list says fries are okay. And, she can have soda, as long as it is not after 7:00 pm."

"Okay. I'll be right back." Every time I visited New York, I have had run-ins with people. Hopefully, it is not like that this time. So, I made my way back towards the Sonic.

Kam's POV

It has been almost 30 minutes since Cris left to go to Sonic. What is taking him so long? It is New York. But, come on. These babies are hungry. I sat in Layla and Ryan's living room and watched my favorite shows, which just happened to come on.

Now, it is going on an hour. I started getting really irritated. So, I waddled to Layla and Ryan's kitchen to raid their refrigerator. I heard the door slam close, so Cris was back home.

"Shush, handsome. You are going to wake Braelyn up."

"Here is your darn pickle slushie you just had to have." He handed me the slushie and stormed off to the living room.

"Well, excuse me for carrying your twins!" Aren't I the one who is pregnant? Why does he have an attitude?"

"While waiting forever for that nasty thing, I found us a flight to Jamaica at 8:30 am. So, we are going to have to leave here, at least by 6:30 in the morning."

"Well, excuse me for being pregnant! I happen to like that nasty thing!" Now, I was mad and waddled my way into the kitchen.

The least he could have done was waited until I was not around to call it nasty. Hmph, why don't he try being pregnant with twins? Suddenly, I started crying. Then, I heard Braelyn walking toward the kitchen.

"Auntie, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

"It is uncle Cris' fault that I am crying. Here sweetie. He got you a hamburger meal with fries."

"Thanks, auntie."

Cris came into the kitchen and saw that I had tears in my eyes. "I am sorry, love. I took my frustrations out on you. It was almost 20 minutes before someone took my order. Then, another twenty minutes because I had to wait for them to fix fresh fries, and they ran out of pickle slushie mix, so I had to wait for that. Then, they were rude about it. I don't know how Layla and Ryan handle living here. I will never live in New York. Visiting is the way to go."

He came over and hugged me. "Apology accepted, handsome."

"Braelyn, sweetheart, we are going back to see mommy tomorrow. She has something important to tell you."

"Okay, Uncle Cris."

"What would you like to do tonight?"

"Play tea party and put on mommy's makeup."

Cris' POV

Oh goodness, I am in big trouble. Kamea started giving me puppy eyes, and Braelyn did too. I had no problem with the tea party, but makeup? She came over and started giving me a shoulder massage.

"Please, handsome? Just this one time, please? Braelyn will be very happy. And you will end up very happy. Catch my drift?"

Then, she started rubbing my cheeks, and then her hands started moving toward my chest. And further down to -. "Okay, I'll do it. But, sweetheart, don't get me heated up in front of Braelyn."

"I promise. Thanks, handsome. Braelyn, let's go find some makeup to put on uncle Cris."

"I'll get the tea started."

They both walked upstairs. Well, Kamea waddled upstairs.

"What did I get myself into now?"

While I was waiting for the water to boil, I grabbed three cups and tea. They had green tea, so that is what I grabbed. The water finally started to boil. So, I poured some into each cup. I put just a little bit of sugar in each cup. I then headed upstairs to see what those two were scheming.

They were in Layla and Ryan's room, playing with Layla's makeup. I sat the tea down in Braelyn's room on her little table. Then, I went back to grab those two out of their room. Kamea started smirking and had her hands behind her back. Braelyn had a big, cheesy grin on her face.

"Uncle Cris! Uncle Cris! I lost a tooth! "See!" She ran over and opened her mouth wide. "And it didn't hurt."

"I just thought of something. Ladies, I need to step out for a minute. Not sure when I will be back."

"Now, I know you are not trying to get out of putting on the makeup, are you?"

"No. I am going to the bank before it closes. I saw a branch of First Choice Bank Inc. I am going to open an account for Braelyn with that $20k from the idiot in Florida."

"Okay. We will be waiting for you when you come back. Oh, I checked my phone, and Layla texted me that she had got us a room. The number is 2552."

"Okay. I'll be right back."

Narrator's POV

Cris took a shorter amount of time at the bank than he took at Sonic. He wrote a check for $20k and asked the bank employee to set up an account for Braelyn Mitchell. And he also told the employee that Layla would be the authorized account holder until Braelyn reached 18. He gave the employee Layla's information to set up the account. Once it was set up, Cris had an additional $20k added to the account. The employee told him the additional deposit would not hit the account until the next day. He said that was okay.

After Cris exited the bank, he headed home. Fortunately for him, Kamea had fallen asleep with Braelyn in her arms in Braelyn's room.

Cris was relieved he didn't have to wear any makeup. While they were asleep, He packed a bag of clean clothes for Braelyn. He gave both of them a kiss on their foreheads and went to sleep in the guest room.

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Tuesday morning

Cris' POV

I hated to wake up Kamea and Braelyn because they looked so peaceful. But we had a flight to catch and had to fight through New York traffic.

"Sweetheart? Braelyn? Time to wake up. We have to leave in about an hour to go to the airport."

"Okay." Wiping their eyes, both ladies woke up.

Kam's POV

Dang. We fell asleep and didn't get a chance to put makeup on Cris. I hope he doesn't think he will get out of this. "Braelyn honey, do you need me to help you with a bath?"

"Can you run the water? Mommy won't let me."

"Sure thing, sweetie."

I picked out a cute little outfit for Braelyn to wear. Then, I went to run the bathwater for her. Braelyn has a shirt that says, 'Daddy's girl,' so I picked that shirt with some jeans for her. I went back to check on the bathwater to make sure it was the right temperature. And it was perfect. So, I helped Braelyn in the tub. "Sweetie, let me know when you are finished."

Fifteen minutes later. "I'm finished, auntie."

So, I went into the bathroom and helped Braelyn out of the tub. "I put a cute outfit for you on the bed. Once you are finished, Uncle Cris has breakfast for you." She hugged me and said, "Thank you, auntie."

"You're welcome, sweetie." Braelyn then left the bathroom to get dressed. Now, it is my turn to get ready.

Cris' POV

I fixed the ladies' breakfast - eggs and pancakes.

"This is good, Uncle Cris."

"You're welcome, sweetie. Does mommy have a nickname for you?"

"She calls me Brae. Or Lollipop."

Kamea waddled her way into the kitchen. "Good morning, handsome. I'm ready for my shot. And don't think we forgot about makeup time. When we come back to New York, it is makeup time, buddy."

Dang. I gave Kamea her shot and fixed her a plate of food.

"Once you ladies are finished, let's start getting ready to leave. I'll wash the dishes."

I got started washing the dishes, and once the ladies were done, they handed me their plates. Braelyn grabbed Kamea's hand, and they walked out of the kitchen. Well, Kamea waddled out. Once the dishes were done, I went to grab the suitcases from upstairs. We all took turns using the bathroom. Then, we locked Ryan's house and made our way to the airport.

Even at the hour we left Ryan and Layla's house, it was still plenty of traffic. Fortunately, we made it to the airport on time. Our flight took off on time as well.

Three and a half hours later.

Kam's POV

We arrived safely in Jamaica. Cris had Braelyn and me sit in the airport while he went to rent us a truck. Twenty minutes later, he came back.

"Your chariot awaits. Let's go to the hotel, ladies." Cris carried Braelyn in one arm. She held on to him tight. And he held my hand with his other hand. Then, we walked to the truck. Cris got us a Range Rover.

Once we arrived at the hotel, I told him the room number again so he could get our room key. Lollipop and I got out of the truck and made our way inside.

The bellhop followed us to our room and placed the luggage in our room. It has two rooms - one for us and one for Braelyn.

After that, we went to Layla and Ryan's suite.

I knocked on the door several times but no answer.

"They are probably busy." I knew what he meant but couldn't say it out loud because Braelyn was with us.

So, I sent them a text message.

*******************

Kam - "Hey Layla, I just wanted to let you know that we have arrived in Jamaica. You must be sleeping or busy. So, we will come back later."

Ryan - "Kam, this is Ryan. Layla is knocked out, lying on top of me. Sorry I couldn't answer the door."

Kam - "That's okay. Let Layla get some rest. Braelyn said to tell you both hello. Talk to you later."

********************

"Hey, lollipop, let's go get you some lunch so mommy can get some rest, okay?"

"Okay, auntie."

So, the three of us left the hotel and explored Jamaica for a little bit. We found a restaurant not too far from the hotel.

I was starving like crazy, so I ordered a few things - Jerk Chicken, beef patties, and several other dishes. Cris gave me a weird look. "You try eating for three." Lollipop got some chicken and rice. I love that nickname for Braelyn because she is a sweet little girl. Cris and I are going to have so much fun spoiling her.

We even got dessert. I ordered a piece of cake called Boscobel Ginger Cake. It was excellent, and it had ginger, which I love. Lollipop got a piece of Jamaican banana bread. They had two kinds - one with rum and one without. Of course, we got the one without for her.

After leaving the restaurant, Cris found a mini-mall, so we went shopping. Braelyn saw a teddy bear she wanted to get for Austin. And we bought her some cute shirts and trinkets. We spoiled her like we spoiled our kids. I can't help it - I love kids.

Time went by fast because it was time for us to go back to the hotel to see Ryan and Layla. Cris drove us back, and it didn't take a long time - about 15 minutes. So, we took the elevator up to their room.

"Ding dong!"

Ryan answered the door. Room service arrived at the same time we did. As soon as the door opened, Braelyn ran in, jumped in Ryan's arms, hugged him, and kissed his cheek.

"Ryan! Ryan!"

"Hey, kiddo." He hugged her and kissed her back.

"Where's mommy?"

"She is upstairs. She should be coming down soon. Hi Kam and Cris, thanks for coming back."

"You're welcome, Ryan. We didn't tell her anything yet. We wanted Layla to tell her."

"Thanks, Kam." After the room service was placed in the kitchen, Ryan paid for the food and gave him a nice tip. Suddenly we heard Layla, and she was walking very, very slowly. Cris and I knew why and started laughing.

Layla says, "Do I hear my little munchkin down here?" She was walking like an old lady.

Layla's POV

Why did I tell him whatever way he wanted it? Goodness, he worked it and put a hurting on me. I saw them laughing at me while I slowly walked down the stairs. When I finally reached the bottom, Braelyn got down from Ryan's arms and ran over to me. She wanted me to pick her up. I did, but very slowly.

"Mommy! Mommy!"

"Hey, munchkin!! Are you a good girl for your auntie and uncle?"

"Yes, mommy. I lost a tooth, too. See?" She smiled, and I saw that she had lost one of her front bottom teeth.

"Layla, before I forget, this is for Braelyn." Cris handed me a bank receipt for a deposit. My mouth dropped when I saw the amount - $20k.

Cris then says, "That is from the guy that threw the glass. He said Miranda gave it to him to hurt either you or Kamea. So, I took it for Braelyn, we set up an account for Braelyn, and it will grow interest. We also added an additional $20k, so you won't see it until later. Marco, Val, and Dominic Calabro said they have something for Braelyn as well when you come back from your honeymoon. Marco is going to bring it when they come for a visit this weekend."

I walked over to Cris and Kam and gave them both a hug. Kam let me kiss Cris on his cheek. "Thank you both so much for this. Braelyn baby, say thank you to auntie and uncle for their lovely gift."

She walked over to them, and Cris picked her up. "Thank you, auntie and Uncle Cris." She hugged him and kiss too.

"Braelyn, I have something to tell you about your daddy. And Cris, I have a message to show you that I got earlier this morning." He already knew who it was from because I saw the look on his face. "But, let's eat first."

One hour later.

We all took a seat in the living room. Ryan, Braelyn, and I sat together on the couch. And Cris and Kam sat on the loveseat. First up was what I had to tell Braelyn. "Braelyn, sweetie, daddy did not leave you. Yes, he left the party. But, something happened to him."

"What happened, mommy?"

I paused before I answered, "Some mean, nasty people hurt your daddy, and now he is in a hospital here in Jamaica. You know how I take you to the doctor so you can feel better?"

"Yes, mommy."

"Well, the doctors and nurses are doing all they can to make daddy feel better. Sweetie, at first, we thought he did leave you, but he didn't. He is not going to leave you, okay?"

"Yes, mommy. Can I see him? I got a teddy bear for him. See?"

"Of course, you can, baby girl. Ryan and I will take you tomorrow. And he is going to love the teddy bear you got him. Cris, here is my phone. I unlocked the screen and opened the message."

Cris' POV

I already knew who it was from.

"I hear Braelyn's father is in the hospital. I can take care of Braelyn, and she will be in good hands. Braelyn is a very pretty girl. You need to watch her carefully before she goes missing."

I tensed up and immediately felt angry and what he said in that message. "How he got your number Layla, I am not sure of."

Kamea saw it as well. "This is even a new low for Chase - kidnapping a five-year-old child? He may even try to kidnap our kids, too," Kamea says with a sad face.

"Listen, Layla and Kamea, we - Ryan, Marco, Jake, Sean, Austin, and I - will not let him get his slimy hands on you or the kids, understand?" They both shook their heads and said, 'Yes.'"

"Layla, do you mind if I tell Braelyn something?"

"I don't mind at all. Braelyn, Uncle Cris has something to tell you." Braelyn came over and hopped on my lap. "Yes, Uncle Cris?"

"Sweetheart, I know mommy already told you this. But, now that there is a mean, crazy man after mommy, I wanted to tell you too. Don't ever, ever talk to strangers. If someone ever tries to talk to you that is not your family, make sure to tell mommy, daddy, Ryan, or Sean, okay?"

"Okay, Uncle Cris."

I kissed her on her forehead. "Good girl."

"Layla, would you still like Braelyn to stay with us? We can bring her things over."

"Can I stay with auntie and uncle, mommy? Please?"

"Cris and Kam, are you sure it is not a problem?"

"Girl, it is not a problem at all. Braelyn and I are going to have girl time together without Uncle Cris. And Marco is going to bring the twins on the weekend. Noeli is back in California for university, but she will also come for the weekend."

Okay, I will let that one slide for now. "Kamea and I are planning a long vacation for the two of us next April - after the twins are born. It will be after your wedding."

Layla thought about it, then she said, "Braelyn honey, as long as you are a good girl, you can stay with auntie and uncle. Cris and Kam, you have my permission to spank that tushy if she acts up. I really do love you guys so much. And, when you go on vacation, Ryan and I can watch the twins - Día, Rocco, Kekoa, and Bella."

Ryan says, "I would love to watch your kids. Plus, it will be training for me when Layla and I have kids."

"You already do a great job with Braelyn, Ryan. I do not doubt that you will be a great dad."

"Cris and Kam, I didn't know how long you were planning on staying, so I booked the room through Sunday."

"We are going to leave Friday morning and meet up with Marco and the kids."

"Okay. For tonight, do you guys mind if Braelyn stays with us? After seeing that message, I want her by my side. We are going to take her to see Austin tomorrow. We will bring her back to you guys on Thursday morning. You both have done so much for me these past few months. And Kam, I don't want to send you into early labor."

"I have an idea. How would you ladies like a spa day? There is a really nice exclusive spa not too far from here. Every time I would come to visit Jamaica, I would always go there to get a massage. It will be my treat."

Then, Ryan adds, "That sounds like a wonderful idea. Count me in too. I'll help Cris."

Kamea and Layla were giddy like school girls.

Ryan and I looked at each other and said simultaneously, "Women."

Kam's POV

"And what was that remark for? Like, you guys don't get giddy. I remember a certain person sitting next to me who had the biggest grin on his face when he met Daddy Val in Italy. And you, Ryan, when you saw Layla in those bikinis at the photo shoot, you had the cheesiest grin a man could muster."

Yeah, that shut them up. It must be mood swing time, and I did care. And now the little kickers are acting up. I started rubbing my belly. "Ouch."

"Kam, are you okay over there?"

"I'm fine, Layla. The little kickers, Bella and Kekoa, are active in here."

Layla came over and started rubbing my belly. "Hey there, Bella and Kekoa, be good for mommy. Auntie Lay can't wait to hold you both in December." Suddenly, they stopped kicking.

"Layla, it seems like you and Cris are the only two they listen to."

"I'll tell you what I tried when I was pregnant with Braelyn because she did the same thing to me. And you may get a chuckle out of it because I sure did. I was watching a SpongeBob marathon. Braelyn started kicking me. So, I rubbed my belly and just started singing the SpongeBob theme song. She just suddenly stopped kicking."

”Aww, that is too cute, Layla."

"I kept singing it whenever she started kicking. And guess what? We watch SpongeBob together now. Some episodes are questionable for children to watch, so I don't let her watch those. Try maybe to sing your favorite song or any song that you like. Or, have Cris, Día, or Rocco read a story to them. I can't wait to be pregnant again."

"We could tell by how you walked down the stairs." Everybody snickered at that.

"You were walking funny, mommy."

"Yeah, mommy's back was hurting, baby girl."

Layla did not tell her what was really hurting. Before that conversation got out of hand, Cris said, "Layla, I'll go get Braelyn's clothes for tomorrow and Thursday. I'll be right back."

Fifteen minutes later, Cris came back. "We forgot to pack something for Braelyn to sleep in."

"That's okay, Cris." Layla then turned to Ryan and gave him the puppy dog eyes. That always seems to work. Cris and I do that to each other all the time.

Ryan already knew what Layla was going to ask. "Hey sugar, can Braelyn and mommy be twins and sleep in your shirts? You know how I love it."

Layla slyly started moving her hand under his shirt. Ryan almost let out a moan but kept it in. Then, Braelyn and Layla said, "Please?" They both had big grins on their faces, waiting for his answer.

He says, "Of course, you both can."

I totally saw what she did. So, I elbowed Cris, and he glared at me like I was crazy. "Ouch, woman. What was that for?!" I know he is going to get me when we go back to our room.

"It's time for us to go. We will see you all on Thursday." Then, we got up to leave. Ryan followed us so he could lock the door.

As soon as we reached our room, "You know you are in trouble, right?"

"Yup. So, bring it on! Momma's hormones are raging."

Wednesday morning

Cris and I just stayed in the room. Well, and I needed the jacuzzi tub, so I relaxed in the tub for a little bit. Cris ordered room service for us.

"Brunch has arrived, sweetheart."

"Thanks. Can you help me up out of the tub?"

"Sure." Cris grabbed my hands and lifted me up and out. "Here." He handed me a towel to dry myself off. Then, I headed to the bedroom and put on my lacy underwear and robe. It was around noon.

Cris had already given me my shot, so I grabbed my phone and went downstairs. Might I add that my waddle is cute? My babies were kicking, so I started rubbing my belly and singing them a song.

I sang one of my favorite songs from The Lion King.

"I have to remember to thank Layla for that tip because they stopped kicking."

As I made my way into the kitchen, my phone rang, and it was Layla.

"Hey Kam, Austin woke up, and he told us why he walked away from the reception. And he wants to apologize to you and Cris. Can you both come by later?"

"Sure. We can stop by later."

"Thanks, Kam. Talk to ya later."

"Hey, handsome. Layla said Austin woke up and he wanted to apologize to us. Layla asked if we could stop by later to see him, so I said yes."

"And guess what?! I finally got Bella and Kekoa to calm down. Layla's trick worked."

"That is great news. And we can go to the hospital around 5 pm. Let's eat brunch."

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Thank you all for reading chapter 46.

And thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘