Nine months later
– QUINN –
There are still so many things to do and the line, “I’m not ready,” is going through my mind more than a few times a day.Strange, because I’m way ahead when it comes to my final year in college, all thanks to my amazing guidance counselor.She’s been extremely valuable, helping me with extending deadlines and a modified attendance policy.
This pregnancy has not been all roses and sunshine.My ankles are killing me right now, my back too, but at least that comes and goes.I still get to be able to enjoy the sight before me.It gives me the ultimate distraction, and with it creating a new craving.
My amazing husband is riding Lumos, a white stallion.The sight always makes my belly flutter.When we were finally able to return home nine months ago, Fiero made it a daily routine to take me with him whenever he wanted to ride his horses.
I’ve never ridden one, but I sure love to watch Fiero when he’s with those noble animals.They each have their own quirks, and I really love the white stallion he’s riding now.Lumos is sweet and I can’t wait to ride on his back the way Fiero promised me.
Well, he promised to teach me how to ride after I’ve given birth.Pain shoots through my back again and I keep rubbing while pacing the fence.I abruptly come to a stop when I feel wetness between my legs.With wide eyes I stare down at my soaked yoga pants.Shit.My water just broke.I glance to my left and wave Benny over.
“Everything okay?”Benny asks and looks concerned when I wince from the new level of pain flaring from my back.
“Dandy, Benny.”I grimace.“Could you please tell Fiero my water just broke and take Lumos so my husband can drive me to the hospital?”
His eyes go wide, and he doesn’t say a word but simply jumps the fence and rushes to Fiero.I watch my husband jump off Lumos while Benny takes the reins.He’s standing in front of me with my next breath and is guiding us toward the car.
I dig my heels in.“You have to change.”
Fiero frowns.“No.We already put the bag and stuff you and the baby need in the car.Everything is ready, come on, we can’t waste time.”
“I’m not getting into the car until you’ve changed.”
He stares down and the corner of his mouth twitches.“It’s not the horse smell or the boots, right?”
I roll my eyes and he chuckles.Chuckles.I’m biting away pain and he’s laughing at me.
“Floris,” Fiero bellows.“Grab me a pair of jeans and meet me at the car.”
His brother rushes off while Fiero helps me shuffle to the car.The pain is getting worse and I’m guessing the contractions are coming closer together.I grit my teeth and have my eyes closed when Fiero stops.
I hear him open the door and he puts his hands on my hips to guide me into the car.I’m huffing out a breath when I hear Floris and open my eyes to see Fiero dropping his pants in the middle of the driveway.I might be insane because seeing him changing his pants is totally hot.Dammit.Not the thoughts I need right now.Another contraction takes my breath away.
“Call Bri,” I tell Floris.“I want her at the hospital.”
“On it,” he rumbles while Fiero gets behind the wheel.
I close my eyes once more and try to breathe through the pain.Pain that’s getting worse and worse, and once we’re at the hospital they ask if I want an epidural.This is something I’ve given a lot of thought over the past few months and it’s why I tell them I want a natural birth.Hours pass and I might doubt my own sanity until it’s finally time to push.
Fiero is at my side, whispering words while I can’t pay attention.Everything is too overwhelming when I’m trying to push a tiny person out of my body.The moment it happens?Everything else falls away.Nothing matters except how this tiny person came into the world when our son is placed on my chest.
I can’t even remember the pain as I stare down at the tiny goo-covered person.In the back of my head, I know it’s not something I’d do anytime soon again, but oh my sweet heavens our boy is perfect.
“He’s perfect,” Fiero croaks.
It takes effort to drag my gaze away to look at Fiero.His eyes are brimming with tears and there’s so much love staring back at me, at our son, it makes my heart overflow with happiness.
“I love you,” I whisper.
Our gaze connects and he leans in to murmur against my lips, “I love you more because you give me so much more every damn day.”
A smile overtakes my face as I stare down at our son.“You, little man, are loved.”
“Finley Reaux, you are more than loved,” Fiero agrees.
“Adding more to everything doesn’t work the way glitter does.”It takes effort not to laugh when I look at Fiero.
