With three aunties in Iris Meadows and one in Maine, Button is already the most spoiled little boy.
After a FaceTime with my sister and dad, Warren’s family showed up. We didn’t tell anyone I was in labor, mostly because there wasn’t enough time. I casually dropped a photo of Button mid-yawn in the group chat, and I’m positive their screams were heard all the way to the hospital.
My son doesn’t stir as he’s passed between Talia andMargot. Parker’s had her turn and is bouncing on the edge of her seat, waiting for another cuddle.
“Look at this cute squishy face.” Margot taps his nose lightly. “You guys make seriously beautiful babies.”
Warren is out front, sorting the insurance paperwork. My plan covers part of the stay, and I know for a fact Warren will offer to cover the rest. The meeting at the record label feels like centuries ago, not hours, and I can’t wait to tell him.
Give birth to a baby and settle a copyright suit, all in a day’s work.
Talia pulls me in for a hug before sitting at the bottom of the hospital bed. “Considering you pushed a baby out of your cooch, you look incredible.”
I curl my bottom lip. “That means a lot.”
Her eyes turn to saucers. “You’re a mom, Harry! A frickin’ mom!”
“Responsible for a whole other person.” I blow out a breath, not quite believing it either.
“Tell us again how you got here?” Parker asks.
My face remains passive. I rehearsed my response when Button was being weighed. No one, especially Talia, needed to know Tate personally escorted me to the hospital. It’s a fucking miracle none of the hospital staff recognized him.
“Steven. Great dude.”Dude?I’m a terrible liar, and I feel equally terrible for lying to them.
The shock from my surprise birth announcement paired with the offer we settled for left all three of them stunned silent. It was a world record, lasting all but eleven seconds until the questions rolled in.
They’re sworn to secrecy until I tell Warren.
Talia fiddles with the edge of my blanket. I wish she’d just ask. It’s eating her up inside, wondering if I saw Tate or not.Since I don’t know how she’s going to react, silence seems safer. For now.
Needing to change the subject, I clear my throat and plump the pillows behind me. “I’d like to say something to you all.”
They perk up.
“Very regal.” Parker smirks.
Dang it, am I crying already?
“The last eight-ish months have been a whirlwind. It was a shaky start, and I’m so grateful for the way you’ve accepted Warren into our messy little fold.” I glance at the ceiling, willing my voice to steady. “He’s everything and more to me, but you girls, you’re my rocks, and I know our son is the luckiest boy to have three amazing, strong women looking out for him.”
“Ah, shit. She’s set me off,” Parker grumbles as she pulls me into a hug. Talia quickly joins us, and Margot carefully places the baby in his bassinet before squeezing herself into the huddle.
A girl couldn’t get much luckier.
A soft cry rouses me.
I can’t have slept longer than twenty minutes, but good lord, was it a marvelous nap.
I turn to reach for the baby and find his bassinet empty.
“Over here, sweetheart,” a deep whisper comes from the corner of the room.
I didn’t think it possible, but my heart triples in size when I find Warren sitting in the armchair, shirtless, the baby in only his diaper, curled up on his chest.
“Look at you two.” I’m crying. Again.
The postpartum waterworks haven’t stopped.
