Operation Revenge (34 page)

Simon opened his eyes and smiled up at her. "You should wake me with a kiss more often," he muttered.

"I'll keep that in mind." She smiled. "Would you carry our little one upstairs and put him to bed?"

"Sure." He got to his feet slowly.

Haley leaned in close and kissed her son on the forehead. "I love you, my angel," she whispered.

"I won't be long," Simon told her. "Don't go anywhere. I don't want to have to go searching for you."

"I'll stay right here," she promised.

"Thank you, sweetie pie."

She shook with laughter. "You're welcome, honey buns." She plopped down on the couch after he left and reached for the phone. She dialed Sandra's number and waited for her sister to answer.

"Hello?" Sandra said, picking up on the third ring.

"Hi, sis."

"Haley, have you told Simon about the baby yet?"

"Not yet." She propped her feet on the coffee table. "I will when he comes back from putting Mikey to bed. I have to tell you. I'm hoping it will be a girl this time."

Sandra laughed. "I have two boys. You have a boy. The odds of having a girl in the family is slim, but I will pray that it's a girl."

"Thank you."

"I'm happy for you, sis. I always hoped that you would have a family of your own. It makes-. Oh good lord." She sighed heavily. "I'm going to have to let you go. The boys just dropped a bottle of soda. It's going to be a sticky mess. Talk to you tomorrow."

"Bye." Haley hung up the phone just as Simon returned to the living room. "Did he wake up?"

"No." He sat down beside her. "I think all that running around and playing he did today wore him out. Before I forget to tell you. Daniel and Lindsay invited us to dinner on Saturday."

"Your Gran is coming back from her trip on Saturday."

"I'll talk to Daniel and see if it's okay to bring her with us," Simon said.

"Okay." Haley took his hand, her heart racing. "There's something I need to tell you. I uh- went to see my doctor this morning." She gazed into his eyes. "What would you like? Another boy or a girl?"

"I knew it." Simon placed his hand on her flat belly. "You haven't been yourself lately. I know, because I've been watching you. You showed the same symptoms you had when you were pregnant with Mikey."

"If you knew then why didn't you say something?" she asked softly.

"I wanted you to tell me." He rubbed her belly, a smile lighting up his eyes. "I figured when you were ready you would come to me."

"Even though I knew, I wanted to wait until the doctor confirmed it before I said anything." Haley laid her hand over his. "I don't have to ask if you're happy about the baby. I can see that you are."

"Did you think I wouldn't be?" Simon wrapped an arm around her and drew her to his side. "I want us to fill this house with children." He kissed her ear. "I'm hoping it will be a girl this time. One that looks like her beautiful mommy."

"I'm hoping for a girl too." She smirked. "We'll probably end up with another boy."

"Probably," he agreed, "but it really doesn't matter what we have. What matters is that he or she is healthy, and that you're healthy. It won't be long and your weird cravings will kick in. I'll be making late night trips to the grocery store."

Haley grimaced. "I'm sorry I'm such a bother."

"You're not a bother," he assured her. "I don't mind doing things for you. When compared to what you're going through I have it easy. Besides." He nuzzled her ear. "It's my fault you're in this condition. The least I can do is take care of you."

She shivered as he continued to nuzzle her sensitive ear. "It's not all your fault. I'm partly responsible. I participated too."

"True." Simon gave her a gentle squeeze. "How are you feeling? Do you need anything?"

"I'm fine," Haley said. "I don't need anything." She kissed him and then rose from the couch. "I'm going to check on Mikey and then take a bath."

"I have any idea." He got to his feet. "Why don't I start your bath while you're checking on Mikey?"

'That sounds wonderful." She took his hand and led the way upstairs. In the hallway, they parted ways. While Simon headed toward the bedroom, Haley walked into Mikey's room. The glow from his nightlight cast the room in shadows. Making her way to the bed, she leaned down and tucked the covers more securely around the sleeping child. She brushed her lips against his temple and then slipped quietly from the room.

"Everything all right?" Simon asked her when she joined him in the bathroom.

"Of course." Haley ran her hand up his arm. "Since you went to the trouble of starting my bath why don't you join me? That's if you can behave yourself."

"I'll try."

She pulled him close. "Don't try too hard."

Simon grinned. "I wasn't planning on it."

Haley framed his face with her hands. "Have I told you lately that I love you?"

"Yes, but I never grow tired of hearing it."

"I love you."

"I love you too, sweetheart."

The End

3