“I don’t know for sure but I think Colton used his natural healing ability on me and then I woke up. I’m fine, really I am. Sorry for the scare,” Jackson said, as he got his first look at their son close up. “Oh sweetie, you are so beautiful…just like your daddy.”
“Yes, he does have your beauty,” Steel said, gently touching the downy softness of his son’s cheek.
“No silly, I mean he looks like you,” said Jackson.
“Uh-uh, he has your eyes,” Steel insisted.
“Not to interrupt your mutual admiration about the looks of your son,” said Colton, “but what’s his name? Steel refused to name him until you were awake.”
Jackson gazed at Steel, love clearly reflected in his face, “Oh babe, thank you.”
“Well?” Colton asked.
“What the hell is going on in here?” Ian demanded as he burst through the doorway. Then he too stopped short at seeing Jackson apparently healed and in good health.
“Hi Ian, thank you for everything. Did you see how beautiful my pup is?” Jackson asked.
“Uh, yes. Colton what happened after I left the room with Steel?”
“He used his natural healing ability on my mate and it worked. It must be more powerful than we knew,” Steel said to Ian.
“Are you responsible for Jackson’s recovery, Colton?”
“Yes.”
“Well done. I should have thought to ask you to try again but I’m glad you had the presence of mind to think of it,” said Ian as he moved next to his mate and wrapped an arm around his waist.
Colton caught Jackson’s eye and gave a short nod. Yes, he had to tell Ian about his power and soon. But first, “So what do I call my nephew?”
“Don’t you think we should wait for everyone to be here?” Steel asked.
“I think so,” and pausing for Colton’s groan, Jackson continued, “why don’t you tell everyone to come in here? Our son has waited too long for his name already. In the meantime, do you have a bottle ready for him? He’s been gumming my finger for the last few minutes.”
“I’ll get the bottle,” Ian said, “and Colton, you go round up everyone.”
“Okay, but promise you won’t tell a soul until I’m back.”
“I promise, now go,” said Jackson.
While Ian left to retrieve a bottle, Colton ran, taking the stairs two at a time, eager to find out if he won the name pool. Knocking on one bedroom door after another, he told everyone what was about to happen. Then he rushed back to Jackson. He skidded to a stop at Jackson’s bed and announced, “Everyone is coming.”
By ones and twos, they all arrived, smiling at the sight of Jackson feeding the pup. After his son had finished, Jackson put him on his shoulder and patted his back until a burp escaped. Now, once more nestled in Jackson’s arms, the pup’s bright eyes looked at the people gathered in the room, seeming to understand the importance of the moment. And as everyone looked on, Jackson’s pup gurgled and smiled.
Chapter 33
“Did you see that? He smiled at me,” Zane exclaimed,
“No, dumbass, he was looking at me.”
“Hey what did I say about watching your language?” Jackson asked.
“But he was looking at me when he smiled, not Zane,” Carson said.
Jackson listened as the mini controversy swirled around him, smiling at his baby who was the center of it all. “Is this how it’s going to be, sweetie? You know exactly what you’re doing, don’t you? I can imagine how it’ll be with everyone fighting to feed you but not when it comes to your diapers, huh?”
Steel added, “Don’t worrymo chroí,you can assign me the poop patrol.”
Jackson burst out laughing. “Poop patrol? Really?”
