The Baby Shower Shopping Mission: 1,000% Overkill
[Author's POV]
The 7th month was in full swing, and the "Nesting Virus" had evolved into its final, most dangerous form: The Baby Shower Shopping Spree. Since Jay wasn't supposed to be on her feet for long, Keifer had done the only logical "Powerhouse" thing—he rented out the city's most exclusive baby boutique for three hours so the "Empress" could shop in a "Secure Environment."
The "Chaos Squad" (Bridget, Keigan, and Keiran) were drafted as "Cargo Carriers," while Mamma Serina acted as the Chief Stylist.The "Double-Heir" Department: [Jay's POV]I was sitting in a motorized, velvet-lined chair that Keifer had insisted on bringing, looking at a rack of tiny, hand-knitted cashmere sweaters. Everything was so small. My "System" was currently experiencing a $2,000\%$ cuteness overload.
"Keifer, look at these," I cooed, holding up two tiny pairs of leather booties—one in deep navy for Alexander and one in soft rose-gold for Aurora. "They have tiny 'W's' engraved on the soles."
[Keifer's POV]
I leaned over her chair, checking the "Material Integrity" of the shoes. "If the leather isn't top-grain, Alexander's first steps will be 'Sub-Optimal', Weify. We need to verify the arch support for the Prince."
"Keifer, he's a newborn!" I laughed, swatting his hand away. "He's not going to be running a marathon the day he's born!"
"He's a Watson," I muttered, flagging down a store assistant. "I want fifty of these in every size increment up to age five. Archive them in the nursery storage."
The "Tactical" Dispute: [Bridget & Keigan]
In the stroller aisle, a war was breaking out.
"This one," Bridget said, pointing to a matte-black, dual-seat stroller that looked like it was armored for a riot. "It has run-flat tires, a built-in GPS tracker, and a hidden compartment for a tactical medical kit. 1,000% necessary for the Princess's security.""It weighs eighty pounds, Bridget!" Keigan countered, poking at a sleek, carbon-fiber model. "This one has an integrated 'Smart-Drive' motor that syncs with Jay's heart rate to adjust the speed. It's a $1,000\%$ more efficient piece of hardware!"
"Does it have a bulletproof canopy?" Bridget challenged.
"Does yours have a USB-C charging port for the baby's white-noise machine?" Keigan shot back.
Jay's POV:
"I want the one with the cup holder that fits my iced decaf lattes," I interrupted, pointing to a third, much prettier stroller.
Keifer: "Buy all three. We'll run a 'Performance Test' in the driveway later.
The "Mood-Swing" Interruption: [Jay's POV]
We moved to the "Nursery Decor" section. I saw a giant, six-foot-tall stuffed giraffe. It was beautiful. It was majestic.
And suddenly, I was crying.
"Jay?!" Keifer was at my side in a millisecond, his hand on my back. "Is it a contraction? Is the 'Double-Heir' movement too aggressive? Speak to me!"
"It... it looks so lonely!" I sobbed, pointing at the giraffe. "He's just standing there, Keifer! He doesn't have a family! He's just a $1,000\%$ lonely giraffe in a sea of cribs!"[Keifer's POV]I didn't even blink. I looked at Keiran. "Buy the giraffe. And buy the stuffed lion next to it so they can be 'Synced' as friends. Move it to the truck. Now.""On it, Boss!" Keiran shouted, hoisting the six-foot giraffe over his shoulder. "Operation: Giraffe-Friendship is a go!"
The "Jealousy" Glitch: [Jay's POV]
As we were finalizing the "Shower Registry," a young, handsome store manager approached me with a tray of sparkling cider.
"Mrs. Watson, it's an honor to host you," he said, giving me a charming smile. "If you need any assistance with the 'Baby Registry' software, I'm an expert in 'Pairing' items for twins."
I smiled back. "Oh, thank you! I was actually wondering about the—"
Before I could finish, I felt a solid wall of "Alpha" heat behind me. Keifer's arm wrapped around my waist, his hand splaying possessively over my 7-month bump.
"The 'Pairing' has already been finalized by the CEO," Keifer said, his voice dropping into that terrifying "Ice King" tone. "The only 'Expert' my wife needs is currently standing right here. You can take the cider and 'Sync' it with the trash can. We're leaving."
"Keifer!" I giggled as he practically whisked my motorized chair toward the exit. "He was just trying to help!"
"He was looking at your 'Glow' for too long, Jay. The 'Perimeter' is closed for the day."