Chapter 41
The drive home was quiet, the kind of silence that spoke of exhaustion and satisfaction. Mack's hand occasionally brushed against Viola's on the console, a silent reminder of the night they'd shared. By the time they reached her apartment, both were drained, and the warmth of the bed promised a welcome escape.
Inside, they fell into the sheets with little ceremony, Viola curling into him as he wrapped her in his arms. Sleep came quickly, heavy and complete, leaving the world outside far away.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Morning came soft and golden. Viola stretched, hair tousled from sleep, and glanced over at Mack, still in that peaceful, rare slumber. Smiling to herself, she slipped out of bed, careful not to wake him, and grabbed her phone.
"Sam," she whispered into the line. "I'm thinking… baby shopping today. Are you free?"
"Always," Sam replied, a laugh in her voice. "Let's make it fun. I'll drag you through every aisle until you're dizzy and broke. Sound good?"
Viola giggled, brushing a hand over her stomach with a hint of awe. "Perfect. I need help, and you know it."
he sun shone brightly over the bustling streets as Viola and Sam made their way into the first baby store, Sam's bump tucked snugly beneath a cozy sweater, and Viola carrying the reusable shopping bags. Sam wobbled slightly on her feet, and Viola instantly looped an arm around her for support.
"Oh my gosh, Sam, look at these tiny socks!" Viola squealed, holding up a pastel blue pair with little ducks embroidered on them. "I can't even handle it!"
Sam giggled, rubbing her belly. "I know, right? It's like someone shrunk a whole wardrobe into tiny baby sizes. I feel like I'm shopping for a royal baby."
They moved down the aisles, stopping at every adorable display. Miniature shoes, fluffy hats, and plush animals drew gasps and squeals from both of them. Sam held up a onesie with a cupcake on it and said, "Vi, I'm officially demanding we get this. It's mandatory for my future child's cuteness quota."
Viola laughed, picking up a tiny superhero cape. "You're going to have a baby that rules the playground before kindergarten even starts. Look at this—it's basically superhero training."
Sam waddled over to a shelf of teething toys, examining each one carefully. "Do you think they'll like this one, or this one? Decisions are hard when everything is so cute!"
Viola rolled her eyes playfully. "Decisions? Sam, the baby doesn't vote—you vote. And we all know the answer is: get them all."
By mid-morning, their cart was overflowing with tiny clothes, blankets, and an absurd number of toys. They stopped at the little café inside the mall, Sam sinking into a chair with a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness for coffee. And a seat," she said, rubbing her back.
Viola handed her a latte. "You're doing amazing, Sam. Honestly, this little one is lucky to have you."
Sam smiled, touching her bump. "I'm lucky too. And I wouldn't trade these shopping trips for the world. I love imagining this tiny person, and all the chaos they'll bring."
Viola laughed, leaning back in her chair. "Chaos is definitely on the menu. But look at us—armed with diapers, blankets, and teething rings. We're ready for anything."
By the time they left the store, bags piled high in their arms, both were laughing so much passersby gave them amused glances. Sam wobbled slightly as they loaded everything into the car, and Viola held her steady.
"Next stop: nursery décor. But maybe we need a snack first," Sam said, pointing to the café across the street.
Viola shook her head, smiling. "Snack, yes. But I have a feeling this baby is going to have the cutest wardrobe in the city before they even see daylight."
The ride home was filled with giggles, playful debates about what toys were "essential" versus "completely extra," and the kind of light-hearted energy that made them forget the world outside. For Sam, every little item they chose felt like a step closer to welcoming her baby—and for Viola, it was pure joy to be there every step of the way.By the time they got back to Mack's loft, the car was practically bursting with bags. Sam huffed as she dragged the last oversized tote inside, while Viola laughed, balancing a stack of tiny onesies in her arms.
Before either of them could settle, the door swung open—and there was Mack. His tall frame filled the doorway, dark eyes scanning the chaos in the living room. For a heartbeat, he didn't say anything, just took in the scene: baby blankets spilling onto the floor, tiny shoes scattered across the rug, and his two favorite women in the middle of it all, laughing like schoolgirls.
"Wow," he murmured, voice low and amused, his gaze landing on Sam's bump. "I come home to this?"
Sam looked up, mock-scolding. "You should be proud. We're preparing the future heir!"
Mack's lips curved into a crooked grin as he walked inside, stepping over a miniature duck toy. "Heir, huh? Sounds like trouble is coming early."
Viola held up a onesie with a superhero cape stitched on it. "See? Totally equipped for trouble. Future ruler of chaos."
Mack's eyes softened as he knelt to inspect a pair of tiny sneakers. Then he straightened, turning toward Sam with a sly smirk. "And you… you've been running around this entire time with a mess like this? I thought you were supposed to be delicate and fragile."
Sam laughed, swatting his arm. "Delicate? Ha! I'm carrying a tiny human—what's your excuse?"
Mack's gaze flicked to Viola, who was laughing at the exchange, and he shook his head. "You two are impossible."
Then he crouched to grab a little plush toy and held it up to Sam. "And this… is for the baby, or for you to wrestle me with later?"
Viola snorted, nearly dropping the onesies. "Knowing you? Both."
Mack rose, towering over them, and his tone shifted into something more possessive, playful, and teasing. "Viola, don't even think about leaving me out of this. You brought all of this chaos into my home. You're part of it too." He gestured at the pile of baby gear. "You're mine, and that little one's going to be mine too, in a way. Don't forget it."
Viola's cheeks flushed, but she laughed nervously. "You're ridiculous."
"Ridiculous?" he repeated, stepping closer. "I call it… protective. You know, guarding what's mine. And right now, that's you two."
Sam rolled her eyes playfully, patting her bump. "Well, Mack, it's a good thing the baby can't talk yet, or they'd probably tell you to calm down."
He crouched again, this time leaning close to Sam. "Don't worry. They're safe. And don't think I won't teach them the art of self-defense early. Vi, start taking notes."
Viola groaned, laughing, as Mack swept past them to deposit the toy atop the pile of baby things. Then he turned back, grinning, dark eyes glinting. "Honestly… you two are a mess. But I love it."
"And we love you… sometimes," Sam said, giggling.
"Sometimes?" Mack echoed, mock offended. He leaned in toward Viola, lowering his voice. "Viola… you're forgetting. I always win."
Viola shot him a look, but her lips twitched, betraying her amusement.
Mack chuckled, shaking his head, and finally, for the first time that evening, sat down amidst the chaos. He pulled a small toy from the pile, wiggled it at Sam and the bump. "Okay, maybe the baby's first lesson is: never underestimate me."