The pain hits like a lightning bolt, so intense and sudden that I can’t hide it anymore. “Jesus! Fuck!” I groan as I double over, clutching my stomach, the agony so overwhelming that I can’t think, can’t breathe, can’t do anything but feel like my body is being torn apart from the inside.
Immediately, everyone jumps to their feet. Voices shouting, footsteps running, hands reaching for me as I sink to my knees in the grass.
“Kaia, what’s wrong?” Bayou’s panicked voice is by my side instantly.
“Should we call an ambulance?” City takes charge like he always does.
But it’s Lani who understands exactly what’s happening as she reaches out for my hand. “Kaia, was that a contraction?” she asks, her voice cutting through the noise like a blade.
And as another wave of pain crashes over me, I realize that my twins have decided that today, at their father’s funeral, is the day they want to make their entrance into this world.
And all I can think is that Hurricane would have found this absolutely fucking hilarious.
Of course, his children would steal the show at his funeral.
Of course, they would choosethis moment, surrounded by all this love, chaos, and brotherhood, to announce their arrival.
Just like their father, they have perfect timing and absolutely no regard for anyone else’s plans.
Panting out fast and furious breaths, I glance up at the concerned faces looking at me, and weakly smile. “I think the twins don’t want to wait anymore.”
Chapter Fourteen
KAIA
The escort to the hospital is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in my life.
Hundreds of motorcycles form a procession around our car, engines roaring like rolling thunder. NOLA Defiance leads the way, but behind them are patches from across the country—even prospects and hangarounds have joined the convoy, their bikes creating an honor guard that stretches for what feels like miles.
Through the back window, I watch the sea of leather and chrome, and despite the overwhelming pain radiating through my body, I can’t help but be impressed by the loyalty and solidarity being shown.
Hurricane would absolutely love that his children are being born into this world with this much spectacle surrounding them, especially on a day celebrating him.
“Jesus Christ,” I breathe out, gripping Ingrid’s hand as another contraction builds. “He’s probably laughing his ass off up there, watching all this chaos.”
Ingrid squeezes my fingers, her eyes soft with understanding. “You know he is, honey. That man never could do anything quietly.”
Mom sits on my other side, baby Louis balanced on her lap, her free hand stroking my hair. “How are you feeling,Keiki?” she asks in that gentle way that only mothers can manage.
“Like I’m being split in half.” I pant, pressing my palm against my belly as the pain peaks. “But also like… like this is exactly how it’s supposed to happen. Does that make sense?”
Lani turns from the front seat, her face a mixture of excitement and concern. “It makes perfect sense. These babieshave been waiting for their daddy’s big day to make their entrance. They want to be part of the celebration.”
Another wave hits, stronger this time, and I double over with a low groan. The pain is different from what I remember with Immy. More intense, more demanding.
These twins aren’t playing around.
“Breathe through it, darling,” Ingrid coaches, her voice steady and sure. “In through your nose, out through your mouth. Just like we practiced.”
“When the hell did we practice?” I gasp.
“We didn’t, but I’ve been through enough births to know what works,” she replies with a small smile. “Trust me.”
The prospect driving glances at us in the rearview mirror, his eyes wide with panic. “Should I go faster? I can get us there in five minutes if I—”
“No,” I manage between breaths. “Just… just keep it steady. These babies aren’t coming in the next five minutes.”
I hope.
