"Maybe just a bit," Elsie agreed with a smile in his direction. "Five or so is much more reasonable." Els thought she could easily handle two more pregnancies, or maybe one or two beyond that, pending how they went. Covering his hand with both of hers, she laughed at the little foot that poked back, wincing slightly as she felt the stretch from within.

The idea that this third child might be their undoing had her chuckling again. She had a sneaking suspicion it was another girl; this pregnancy had progressed much like Maisie's more so than Ben's and Maisie had always been the better sleeper, which was all Elsie needed. "Somehow I doubt that. I think they only get easier as we go. Plus you know how fond of you I am." To say she was smitten, even now, would be an understatement. It was hard to keep her hands to herself sometimes. Not to mention they were pros by now. Two somewhat eventful arrivals, two perfectly healthy, boisterous babes that only enriched their days.

"Three under three is going to be quite the challenge though." Not for long, this baby would likely arrive only a few weeks before Bentley's third birthday, but the spacing felt fine to Elsie. And she had good help. Miss Halliwell was truly an angel and Elsie would be lost without her in the first six months of having a newborn. They were going to have increase her pay soon.