Maverick chuckled. "Yes, ma'am. Whatever you say."
For the first time in awhile, it didn't bother me when he said that. Either I was getting soft or the current hormones weren't as raging. Either way, I was ready to get this project finished.
Only two more months and we’d meet our little boy.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Maverick
I looked down at my precious son.
Despite how much Jo complained about the pregnancy, she did spectacularly well during the birth with the help of an epidural. She was very adamant she would not be doing this without some kind of medication, and I was fully supportive of whatever made her more comfortable. I wasn't the one pushing a giant baby out of my vagina, so who was I to judge what she wanted?
"He's perfect, man."
I couldn't take my eyes off my son even though Owen was talking to me.
"I don't know what I did to deserve such an amazing life."
Owen clapped me on the back. "You're a good man, Maverick. No one is ever going to tell me otherwise."
I thought about the people who floated in since my son had been born. People who were more than just friends. They were our family.
Kati and Easton with their son, Lucien. They were so damn excited, and even Lucien couldn't wait to hold the baby.
Annalee and Owen. Despite never wanting kids themselves, they were more than happy to spoil the newest addition to the family.
Maisie, Hendrix, and Maisie's niece, Olivia, who lived with them. Even though Olivia was a little young yet, she offered to babysit any time Jo and I wanted adult time. Her words, not mine, which made me wonder what Hendrix was teaching her.
Nancy and Lex. My friend barely spoke other than to give me a slap on the back in congratulations, but since that fateful night I met Ghost team, Nancy and Jo had become very close. Many evenings were spent with the two of them, and I didn't see that changing anytime soon.
Valerie and Aaron plus their two adopted children, Anastasia and Ivan. The adoption finally went through, and all of us had taken to learning Russian to help with the transition, but it was barely needed. The two kids were picking up English quickly and two of the happiest children despite everything they had gone through. I loved those two like they were my own and beyond happy for my two friends.
Vanessa and Nolen. It had taken Vanessa some time to come around Jo after her accidental slipup, but once Jo noticed Vanessa's absence, she hunted the woman down and cleared the air. It was so good to see Jo had easily fit in with everyone else. It was almost like she was the glue that brought all the women together.
"So what did you decide to name my great-grandson?" Bee stood next to Jo and leaned a little on the hospital bed. The labor had been long, and Bee had refused to leave the hospital until she knew Jo and the baby were healthy.
Jo and I locked eyes. I gave her the briefest of nods. We had talked heavily on the subject over the last couple of months butdecided we would wait until he was born before locking down a name. One had stood out amongst the rest, and I was honored to know the choice Jo was about to make.
"We've decided on Jackson. You may have given up your maiden name to marry Grandpa, but you were always so damn proud of that name that we wanted to honor you and our son."
A single tear slid down the old woman's wrinkly face. "You really know how to make an old woman cry."
Jo slid her hand into her grandmother's and waved me over. I gently placed Jackson into his mother's arm as Bee touched his little head.
"It's a damn fine name for the most perfect baby boy. I'm honored to watch the legacy continue."
Bee wasn't the only one crying. Tears poured down Jo's face, and I knew if I asked her, she would blame them on the hormones. I, on the other hand, had no reason for them to pool in my eyes except I was overjoyed at the moment.
I might never get Jo to admit she loved me, but looking at her right now, I knew I loved those two with all my heart.
EPILOGUE
Anita
I looked down at my ringing phone while I sharpened my favorite knife.
Wes.
