Ben and Becs: A Novella

Chapter 7: Birthday Boy

I wake up fully surrounded by Ben. His long muscled torso is fully pressed up against my back, his strong arm holding my waist for dear life and his big powerful thick leg pinning my own down. And I’m pretty sure we are sharing the same pillow. I couldn’t move if I wanted to and I don’t. Its something truly special to be wanted like this, to be protected, cared for and loved. I always feel these things when I’m in his presence. Even when we have our arguments and annoy the s**t out of each other. I wouldn’t trade any of that. This is how marriage should be for everyone. I’m at peace in his arms.

I rest my hand over his at my waist and interlace our fingers. “Good morning, gorgeous.” I hear him whisper behind me. Next he spreads a couple shoulder kisses before resting his head on mine. “Morning, Handsome. Did I wake you?” I feel him move my hair away from my neck and nuzzle into me tickling me with his nose and lips. “I’ve been awake for an hour now.” He places soft kisses up and down my neck as his hand starts to wonder under my t-shirt. Just as he cups my breast, Greyson knocks on the door and tries opening it. “Mommy, daddy? I can’t open the door.” Ben must have locked it last night. “Can’t even feel up my wife.” He sighs and nips at my ear lobe. “Coming Greyson.” I call out as Ben reluctantly lets me go. “You know, I may just steal you away for a day very soon. No interruptions, just me and you.” I feel his lips against my ear. “Naked.” He whispered before nipping at my ear lobe again. “Hmm, I may just hold you to that.” I flirt back. He groans as I wink at him giving him a taste of his own medicine.

“Good morning, sweet boy.” I let Greyson in. “Hi mommy, can I watch tv with you and daddy?” He asks. Every so often the kids like to pile in our bed to watch cartoons in the mornings. “Sure baby.” He smiles up at me and scurries to the bed where Ben helps him up. I check on my other babies finding them still asleep. “What do you wanna watch, bud?” I watch Ben rustle his hair to match his own messy locks before grabbing the remote from his night stand. “Paw Patrol.” He yawns a big yawn for such a little boy. I can’t stand his cuteness. He crawls under the covers and cuddles up against his daddy. Ben settles comfortably beside him. Watching him with our little creations is my favorite past time. I climb back in bed and scoot close to Greyson so I can get in on the cuddles too.

One by one, each child awakes and make their way into our room and climb into bed. I look at the clock, I still have an hour before Blaze gets here. “Don’t you have to leave for work soon?” I whisper over to Ben as the kids are all enthralled with the cartoon. “Nope, I’m right where I’m supposed to be.” He gave me his classic smile. I love mornings like these. “I do have to check on a few things though. Later.” He pulled a long face to make me laugh. Poppy just happened to look up at her daddy at the same time. “Daddy’s funny looking!” She giggles disrupting the whole peaceful morning. “Is that so, Poppy seed?” Ben sits up and tickles his little girl. Soon everyone joins in.

…

“Okay my sweet munchkins, breakfast is ready.” I call out. “Blaze should be here any time now.” I add. I here a loud excited squeal from Poppy and then a disgruntled grunt from her daddy. “You’re four Poppy. No being boy crazy yet.” I hear him mutter as he and Poppy come down the steps. The boys follow right behind. “I changed my mind. “We’re having another boy. I don’t think I can handle another girl.” He shakes his body like he got a chill and all I can do is laugh. Ben gives me his raised brow as the kids climb into the seats teasing him. “I’m gonna grab a plate to eat in the office, I have to get on a conference call. Then I’m all yours.” Ben kisses my cheek as I hand him his plate of waffles. “Sounds good Benny.” The kids dig in as Ben makes his way back upstairs. Just as I sit to eat the doorbell rings. “Its Blaze!” Poppy smiles brightly with a mouth full of waffles. The boys cheer as well. My sweet angels. I’m not going to lie, raising four babies at once was a struggle. Ben and I tagged team but some days we both felt like failures as parents. Then other days, we were on top of the world. Looking at my beautiful creations right now, so excited for their new friend, I am thankful for the struggles because goodness always follows. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Buster meets me at the door and barks in excitement. I barely get the door open before Gina shoves a crying Blaze into my arms. “I’m late. Its his birthday. Give him a cupcake or something.” With that she turns and walks off towards her car. What the hell. “Hey my sweet boy. I missed you.” Blaze tucks his head into my neck. I feel his tears on my skin. I hold him close and walk back over to the kitchen. The kids quiet down hearing his cries. “What’s wrong, Blaze?” Aiden asks softly. “Its okay, sweetie.” I caress his cheek. “Mommy is going to sit with Blaze for a bit. You finish eating and in a bit we all will play, okay?” Each one of my kids nod. I head upstairs to interrupt Ben. I softly knock on his door. “Come in.” I hear him say. He always tells me to just come in but I don’t like interrupting his work not unless its important. As soon as I walk in and he sees Blaze he puts the call on hold. “I’m sorry to interrupt. Can you watch the kids?” Blaze is still crying and hiding his face in my neck. His little fist grips my shirt for dear life. “Sure, baby doll.” He comes around his desk and lays his big hand gently on Blaze’s head. “Do what you need to for him.” He kisses my temple and goes back to call to end it as I walk out and into our bedroom. I sit in the lounge chair and continue to comfort him. “Sweet boy, can you tell me what’s wrong?” His head shakes and little sniffles crush my heart. He cries it out for another fifteen minutes before he calms down. “How about I make you some waffles and we can top it with whipped cream, sprinkles and chocolate syrup? They will be birthday waffles!” I say cheerfully hoping it will cheer him up. His sad frown finally turns into a sweet smile. “There he is. I love that smile.” He hugs my neck. “Its my birthday.” He whispers. “We are going to celebrate and have fun today!” I bounce him on my lap to extract more giggles. I still have no idea why he was crying so I’ll put that on the back burner for now. I have a birthday to plan for today.

Ben’s POV

Blaze and Becs are kindred spirits. The moment she walked in with him I not only saw it but felt it in my gut. That little boy already has a history. Just as my heart cracks for Blaze, seeing my wife loving on him makes my heart grow in size. I knew the moment I saw her at that flag pole she was special. Her love for others is the greatest gift and I’m lucky enough to not only witness it but be on the receiving end of her love every single day. I watch her walk out and into our bedroom. Motherhood looks damn good her. I get back on the call and tell them we’ll finish with an email exchange before heading downstairs.

“Okay my little rugrats, after you finish eating put your plates in the sink. I need to send some emails out before we all can play. So you can either sit with me and color mommy a pretty picture or you can watch tv quietly.” All four want to color thankfully. I look over each child of mine. The boys have frosting and syrup all over their faces. Then there’s Poppy. I swear she sticks her tiny hands in anything sticky and runs it through her curly hair. I can’t help but chuckle. “Hmm. New plan. Finish eating and I’ll help each one of your wash up then you can color.” I get a “okay daddy” in unison.

I get the boys’ faces cleaned and their teeth brushed before ushering them into the room to get them dressed for the day. It took a lot longer than it should because boys are boys. Plus I instigated it. Let’s just say I have to do a load of towels because we got a little crazy with the water. Making messes is making memories. “Okay Poppy seed. You’re turn little missy.” I scoop her up interrupting her Barbie play time in her room. Her giggles light up my life. I sit her down on the counter top and figure out where to start so I take a closer look. “Oh geez. Poppy, you have a chocolate chip stuck in your hair. How?” I laugh picking it out. “Were you saving it later?” I tickle her sides. “Daddy! I didn’t mean too.” She giggles and wiggles. This girl gets the weirdest s**t stuck in her hair. A sticker and a matchbox car literally got tangled in her hair somehow about 2 months ago. Becs spent 30 minutes getting them out not wanting to cut her curls. This is also why chewing gum is banned in our household. We’re all about prevention here. “Okay, okay. Lets see here.” I really don’t have time to wash her hair luckily I found some detangler under the sink. “Daddy’s gonna cheat right now but I’ll make sure we wash your hair tonight.” Poppy looks up at me with the same dancing eyes that her mother has and wiggles her itty bitty finger to come closer. I bend down to her level and wait for her next move. She reaches up and squishes my cheeks with her hands. “Okay daddy.” She giggles. Maybe another daughter won’t be so bad after all. “Silly girl.” I poke her nose before getting to work.

“You are so pretty Poppy seed.” I kiss her forehead after we finish up. “Aww thank you.” She smiles and flips her hair out dramatically. Such a little character that one. I get everyone set up with crayons and coloring books so I can tie up loose ends for work. Twenty minutes later I get my work done and look over my schedule for next week until I hear Becs come down the steps with Blaze hand in hand. He is a cute kid. The kids start to rustle but I want to meet him first before they start to play. “Hold on guys.” They settle and I get up to meet them at the bottom of the steps. He hides behind Becs’ leg and peaks over at me. It’s the sweetest scene. I kneel down to get on his level. “Hey buddy, I’m Ben. I’m their dad.” I points to the kids. “Its okay sweetie.” Becs pats his head and gently nudges him to stand beside her but not forcing him to get closer to me. We will go at his pace. “Hi.” He whispers shyly. “Hi Blaze. I’m so excited to meet you.” He wraps his arm around Becs’ leg and leans into her. He’s overwhelmed so I slowly back away to give him space. “Would you like to color with the boys and Poppy?” He nods his head as the kids cheer. Poppy comes over and grabs his hand and leads him to the table. “He’ll loosen up as the day goes on.” Becs whispers. I get up and stand beside her as we watch the five of them color and giggle amongst themselves. “Is everything alright?” I whisper back. “Not sure. He couldn’t tell me why he was sad.” She nods her head over towards the kitchen and I follow her. “I promised him birthday waffles.” She smiles sadly up at me. “Its his birthday?” I clarify. “Yes, Gina handed him to me and told me to get him a “cupcake or something.”” Becs shakes her head. “I’d like to do something fun for him today.” She adds quietly. “Baby doll, make him the best birthday waffles ever and I’ll figure something fun out.” I  kiss her head and head off with my laptop and phone before she can respond.

…

Becs

Birthday waffles were a hit. Blaze had the biggest smile on his sweet face as he ate. While his attention was elsewhere, I had the kids make him birthday cards. “I’m full, mommy. I mean Becca.” Blaze smiles up at me and I bend down to kiss his little nose. “Thank you, it was yummy.” He rubs his belly. “I’m so glad, little one.” I help him down so he can go play with the kids. I just finish the dishes when Ben comes down in his work out clothes. “Okay guys, lets load up and go. I have some birthday surprises for Blaze.” Ben looks over at me and winks. “What do you have up your sleeve, Wilder?” Everyone shouts and cheers including Blaze. “You’ll see.” He gives me a peck on my lips and herds everyone out to our SUV. “Do I need to bring any snacks or anything?” I ask. “Nope, I got it all handled.” He smirks.

During the whole drive, Ben dodges our questions and doesn’t ruin the surprise. But his smile keeps me on edge in a good way. He planned something special. The car erupts in loud cheers and giggles as he turns into the sky zone parking lot. “Hey Blaze, you ready to celebrate your birthday?” Ben hypes him up. “Yes!” Blaze laughs and kicks out his legs excitedly as we unbuckle their belts and help them out of the car seats. “Okay babies, Blaze, Carter and Aiden hop out on daddy’s side and hold his hand. Poppy, Greyson, you two on my side.” I direct kid traffic out of the car so we can safely cross the lot and into the building. Ben checks us in and gets us the socks we have to wear. There are so many trampolines, ziplines and little obstacle courses to try. Everyone sits on the benches and kicks off their shoes so Ben and I can put the bright orange socks on. “Some ground rules, we all stick together, no running off without mommy or daddy. We have a hour and 30 mins of bounce time and then pizza time. So lets go have fun!” We bounce around to each sections of the big gym and have the time of our lives. Ben fully unleashes his inner child and lets loose while I wish I worn a sports bra today. But seeing all the smiles and hearing all the laughter is worth it. I sneak a few pictures in. I’m sure Blaze’s parents would like to see him playing and having a fun time.

As the time goes on, Blaze is a lot more comfortable around Ben. Ben has taken everything in stride and treats Blaze like one of his own and I couldn’t be more grateful. I married one of the good ones. Our jump session is up and we eat pizza before loading back up to head home. One by one, each child nods off for a car nap. “I have two more stops to make, baby doll.” Ben whispers. “I have a few  more surprises.” He winks and takes my hand to hold over the console. “Okay, thank you.” I squeeze his hand. He doesn’t know how much today means to me. He answers me with a wink and lowly hums to the tune on the radio until we get to the next stop. He goes into the store and I stay with our sleepyheads. Twenty minutes later he walks out with a shopping cart full of items and a proud look on his face. He loads everything in the back and hops in still looking proud. “What are you up too?” I squint my eyes at him playfully and poke is bicep. “Nothing much.” He says in a nonchalant tone. “Hmm, sure.” I tease.

Everyone is still napping by the time we get home. We carry each child in one by one and let them nap on the big couch in our living room. Ben goes back out and carries in a birthday cake and puts it right in the fridge. “I’ll be outside setting up. Get them in swim gear when they wake up. Oh, can you wrap a few things?” He gives me a wide smile. He went all out for Blaze. I give him a bear hug as my answer and I don’t let go for several long moments. “I love you.” I say into his rumbling chest. I swear this man purrs. “I love you too Becs. He’s a special little boy and I’m so thankful he’s in our lives.” He tightens his hug around me. “Look at me.” He whispers. I do and he’s right there and ready to kiss me. It’s the perfect romance novel book cover kiss. We slowly part ways and rest our foreheads together. “I’ll wrap the presents.” I finally answer him. He chuckles and lifts his head to kiss my forehead. “I’ll bring them in now and then get started. I would wear a old t-shirt with a sports bra and running shorts later. I saw your struggle at sky zone.” I laugh as he playfully squeezes my right breast. “Of course you did.” He gives me quick peck on the lips and heads out to the SUV.

…

An hour later kids are up and had their snacks. Now they’re ready for the next surprise. Ben and I help get the kids changed into swimsuits. Ben even bought Blaze his own pair with little sharks to keep here. The kids line up for sun screen and we all head outside. “Oh cool! A slip n slide!” Carter shouts and races over to it with everyone else close behind. “Wow!” Blaze’s eyes are so wide and his mouth the perfect “O” shape. I got a picture just in time. After the initial shock he darts to it and slides on his belly. Poppy following right behind. The triplets cheered them on before taking their turn one at a time. “Daddy’s turn!” Aiden laughs. “Yeah, daddy’s turn!” I nudge my husband. “Only if mommy goes first!” He nudges me back. “Come on Becca!” Blaze runs up and grabs my hand to lead me to the slip n slide. Who can say no to that offer! “Okay little ones, countdown for me!” Just as the say one I take off and slide on my belly the whole way until I hit the grass. Ben goes next. A giant man versus a kids slip n slide. What can go wrong? The kids hype him up as he takes a running start. He throws himself onto his stomach and slides right off the side of the slide. We all laugh and tease and do it all again.

Eventually the slip n slide turns into tag. Blaze is it and is currently chasing after Ben. Ben zigs and zags but lets him to catch him. Blaze is making dinosaur noises and his little hands are stretched out towards Ben. Two more steps and Blaze wraps his arms around Ben’s legs. My heart melts. “Oh man! You got me Blaze!” Ben ruffles his hair and picks him up for a proper hug. Ben flies him through the air like a airplane before setting him back down on the grass in a fit of giggles. What a precious memory to tuck away!

Tag turns into chasing mommy around the yard. Ben’s idea since he’s it. He gains on me quickly and we both end up on the ground. “Gotcha sweetness!” He rolls us so I’m on my back and he’s hovering over me. “Jump on mommy!” One of the kids call out. Before I know it all 5 kids are on Ben’s back. He doesn’t even wince as he keeps his weight and theirs off of me. “No jumping on mommy. We treat mommy gentle.” Ben chuckles. He bends his elbows to lower his face to mine for a sweet kiss. “Ew! No kissing.” Greyson yells. Moments later, everyone runs off to the slip n slide again. Another 30 minutes of playing and everyone is ready for birthday cake. We sit in the gazebo as Ben brings out the cake. The kids are chatting away and giggling over their inside jokes. I just sit back and savor this moment. Going through hell to get to where I am now was definitely worth it. I would do it all over again. Watching Ben with our creations and then with Blaze is pure joy.

“Okay, birthday boy. Get ready!” Ben sets the cake right in front of Blaze and lights the candles. “Paw patrol!” Blaze shouts as he looks over his cake. We sing happy birthday and Poppy helps him blow out the candles. After everyone gets a piece of cake the kids give him the homemade birthday cards and he opens his gifts Ben picked out. He got his own dump truck to play in the sand with and a lego set. And he is happy as can be.

…

“Today has been amazing.” I’m sitting in the middle of the bed waiting for Ben to come back in from his shower. Kids are in bed. Blaze is sleeping over too. “I think Blaze really had fun.” He walks over to his suitcase we haven’t unpacked yet. “Close you eyes, Becs.” I hear him digging through his clothes. “I meant to give this to you when I got back.” He placed the item on my lap. “Go ahead and open.” I feel him tug a curl and climb into bed in front of me so we are facing each other. I open my eyes and look to my lap. The most beautiful rose gold Christian Louboutin purse. “Oh my gosh, Benny. I love it. You didn’t have to.” I tear up just a little. “I know baby, but I wanted to. I know its not a Birkin purse.” He sighs just a bit. “Oh no, this is perfect. Thank you so much.” I throw my arms around him. “You are so wonderful, you know that?” I hold him closer. “Nah, its no big deal.” He plays it off. “No, it is. You made that little boy’s day. You put us first and provide for us. Benjamin Rylie Wilder, you are a good man. I’m so proud to be your wife.” I don’t give him time to respond before I pour all of my love for him in a long fervent kiss. As that kiss turns into more, he lays me down and  never responds with words, only passionate actions.

I sure hope the kids sleep all night long…