by Ruby Rowe
“They don’t need to see that. Show them the ultrasound screen,” she says.
“OK, OK. I’m going to show you two the baby now. You need to be watching when this nice lady named Gwen points to body parts on the screen.”
The technician laughs, but I don’t mind. She likely thinks we’re a bunch of freaks, anyway. I mean, our situation is an odd one.
“OK, do you want to know the gender of the baby?” she asks.
“Hell, yeah. The winner has to buy a new, top-of-the-line car seat for the passenger van we’re buying. It’s going to hold a class of preschoolers before you know it, especially since Elliott froze a load before he started chemo.”
Nicole and Elliott laugh as Sailor reaches up to slap my arm.
“Chill, so Gwen can focus.”
“Sorry, I’m excited.”
“OK,” Gwen chimes, “it appears your gang is having a girl.”
“Yes!” I yell before turning the phone to give Elliott a shit-eating grin. “Daddy, it’s Payton with an A, but don’t fret; I’ll be right by your side, helping you kick Atticus’ ass.”
“Who is this Atticus you’re always mentioning?” Sailor asks.
“I cannot say in front of Gwen. It would require the use of many vulgar words. All that matters is that Elliott and I are going to protect Payton, along with the rest of our kids. It takes a village, right?”
“It does,” Elliott says as he pulls Nicole close and into view, “and I think ours is pretty amazing.”
EPILOGUE
Sailor
Seventeen Weeks Later
“We were supposed to have two more weeks,” I say between strangled breaths. “It’s only August 30th.”
“Look at the bright side. We get two less weeks of you being miserable and grouchy, and from what I’ve gathered, babies don’t always do what we want,” Elliott says.
“This isn’t the time for you to get smart with me, and I’m going to tell you right now that just because you’re back in scrubs, and in your hospital, you don’t have the right to boss me through this.”
Stopping the lady pushing the wheelchair, Elliott bends down in front of me.
“Can you at least wait until you’re in the delivery room to be pissed at me?”
“No, I can’t since I’m already in excruciating pain from your baby.” I glance around. “When’s Nicole getting here? And Where’s Jake?”
“Nicole’s on her way, and Jake’s parking the car, remember? I texted him that you were headed to Labor and Delivery.” Elliott clutches my shoulders. “We’ve got this. You’re going to have all three of us right by your side.”
“OK, so what are we waiting for, dammit? I thought I was going to have Payton right in the middle of rush hour traffic.”
He rolls his eyes before standing. The wheelchair begins to move again, and another contraction builds. Why does something as beautiful as childbirth have to be torturous at the same time?
As I change into my gown, I hear Jake’s voice on the other side of the curtain. He and Elliott mumble back and forth, and like everything else right now, it grates on my nerves. I jerk the curtain aside in my spacious, private room and look at them.
“Are you OK?” Jake asks.
“I told you not to ask her that. Of course, she’s not OK. She’s in pain, numbnut.”
Walking over to me like I might be a bomb about to detonate, he wraps his arms around me. His fingers better fucking touch back there, too.
“I’m sorry you have to go through this. Is there anything I can do?”
“Don’t leave me.”
“I won’t. I promise.”
The guys wait in chairs as I get hooked up to several contraptions. I hear our baby’s heartbeat and feel some of the tension leave my body. I needed to know she was OK … that Payton’s heart was still beating.
But, what if something changes when I begin to push? Panic flares up again, so I yell, “Elliott!” He and Jake glance at each other before he rushes over.
“What do you need?”
I grab his hand. “Tell me you won’t let anything happen to her when I deliver.”
“Sailor, this isn’t like last time. Payton’s healthy. She’s also a part of me, which means she’s stubborn.” He smiles. “See, I’m almost as good as new now, but unlike me, she’s going to be perfect.”
“OK, but if there’s a problem, I want you to tackle my doctor and nurses with your star quarterback skills, and fix it. Tell me you’ll save her.”
“Babe,” Jake says as he walks up to the other side of the bed, “don’t put that kind of pressure on Elliott. He’ll do all that he can, and you know it.”
I nod fast. “Yeah, I do. I’m sorry. Oh, shit, no I’m not sorry.” I groan as a new contraction makes itself known.
“Hello, Sailor,” Dr. Strouse says, waltzing into the room. “Let’s see how dilated you are.”
The guys return to their chairs and wait while I’m being examined.
“9 cm. If you want an epidural, there may be enough time for you to feel the effects from it.”
“No.” I shake my head. “I want to feel every bit of the need to push so that it doesn’t take longer than it should. I don’t want to risk the cord wrapping around our baby’s neck.”
“I think we should’ve gotten her some counseling before this,” Jake mumbles.
“I heard that,” I say.
“Sailor, I meant it sincerely. Your panic is worrying me.”
Dr. Strouse removes her gloves, washes her hands and walks over to me.
“I believe your baby is going to be fine. Relax as best you can, and I’ll be back once you’re fully dilated.”
“OK, thank you.”
The door swings open, and Nicole barrels inside. Wide-eyed and out of breath, she says, “I’m not too late, am I?”
“No, and I’m glad you’re here,” Elliott says. Dropping her purse on the floor next to him, she plants a quick kiss on his lips and strides over to me.
“Do you need anything?”
“This baby out ASAP.” I give her a once-over. “Oh, and could you drive home and change into something that covers your perfect size six body a little more? That would be great.”
She smiles. “I’m sorry. I’ll be your workout buddy once you’re up to it.” Grabbing her hand, I bury my chin against my chest and groan.
“Jake–Elliott, someone, get over here,” she adds. Jake beats Elliott to the punch, and I grip both his and Nicole’s hands. As Jake rubs my back, I feel hot all over, and before I can ask for one, Elliott’s covering my forehead with a wet washcloth.
“Thank you.”
“No problem.”
“We’ve got this,” I murmur.
“Yeah, Sailor Girl, we’ve got this.”
Elliott
Before I had cancer, my empathy toward my patients was superficial, but not anymore. It runs so damn deep now. Every day, I struggle not to join them in their pain.
I also used to think there were scientific reasons for what others believed were miracles. That changed one minute ago when my baby girl let out her first wail.
Science explains how my sperm fertilized Sailor’s egg, but the fact that this tiny, perfect being is the result of that process is a miracle in my eyes. Speaking of eyes, I have to peel mine away from Payton while she rests on Sailor’s chest.
I’m given the honor of cutting the umbilical cord, and afterward, I stare in awe at Jake, Nicole and Sailor as they shed tears for our baby.
We did it. The four of us. We fought cancer and won, we adjusted to living under the same roof, and now we’ve brought a life into this world.
And … there are two more monumental events taking place this year. Nicole and I are getting married on November 3rd, during a private ceremony, and Jake and Sailor will wed on December 22nd.
They’re having the elaborate, magical wedding Sailor dreamed of at Jake’s favorite time of year. Her dad is even walking her down the aisle. That was an important fe
nce I was happy to see mended.
I’m still fighting to get healthy. I only recently returned to work, I still fatigue easily, and I’m struggling to put on weight, but I count my blessings every day.
Nicole and I are golden, happier than I could’ve dreamed, and she and Sailor get along great. The only issue we need to work out is our future living arrangements.
The condo isn’t large enough, but the four of us don’t want to be apart, so I came up with the perfect solution. Now, I need to tell Jake and Sailor about it.
Jake
As Sailor sleeps late into the night, Elliott, Nicole and I take turns holding Payton Rebecca Calli Roberts. Along with having part of my awesome last name, she has Sailor’s raven hair. Her facial features remind me more of Elliott’s, and her body’s long like his, too.
All eight pounds of her fits perfectly in my arms, and while she’s this cute and quiet, it’s going to be hard to share her. I should’ve known my best friend and I would still find a way to fight over a girl.
“I figured out a solution to our housing dilemma,” Elliott says. He’s still in his scrubs with his hands laced behind his head. It’s good to see more muscle tone on his arms and less darkness surrounding his eyes.
“What’s that?”
“I talked to the owner of our building. I didn’t know, but he leases the other condo on our floor, and the tenants are moving. I offered him a price he couldn’t refuse.
“We could open it up to our place, giving us the whole floor. We’ll remodel, making it one enormous space, yet we’ll each have our own kitchens, baths, living rooms, etc. Our kids will literally be able to run back and forth between the two.”
“Real estate is scarce and astronomical in the Village. I can’t imagine what that will cost.”
“If Sailor and I split it, we can afford it. I think our parents would insist on pitching in, too. Nicole and I want this, so I hope you won’t make a big deal about the financial aspect of it.”
I look at Nicole, and she smiles. “I think it’s a wonderful idea, Jake. We could even make some communal areas if we wanted, like one spacious rec room or one large kitchen. Those are only ideas, but I see so much potential. We’d have plenty of room for more kids, and Payton would never have to be passed between two homes.”
After staring at their excited faces a few seconds, I grin.
“I love it. I know Sailor will, too.”
Sailor
Christmas Day
I look around the family room of Jake’s parents’ home, and as the chatter of loved ones fills my ears, my heart becomes as toasty as the nearby fireplace.
Nicole holds Payton next to me on the couch, and Maddie leans over to grin at her. Staring back with curiosity in her sapphire eyes, my baby girl gnaws on her stuffed penguin’s arm.
“My little cousin is getting so, so big,” Madeline says.
“She sure is. Before long, you’ll be able to teach her things,” I reply.
Maddie points to her own chest. “I’m going to be a teacher like you.”
“Yep. Now, am I supposed to open this gift?”
Even though I’m not teaching Maddie any longer, I think I’m still her favorite person. Well, that’s if Elliott’s not around. She’s smitten with her uncle.
“Saaaailor, open my present.”
I laugh. “You mean my present.”
“You know what I mean.” Maddie stomps twice in her black patent leather shoes. After shredding the wrapping paper, so she’ll laugh, I wad it up and pull the lid off the box.
“Awww, Mads, I love it.” I admire the 4 x 6 framed photo of Maddie, Jake and me at our reception three days ago.
“I knew you would. You can put it in your suitcase and take it with you on your honey–honeymoon to Bolognes.” Laughter from everyone joins our party. “What’s so funny?”
“It’s Belize, sweetie, and I promise to take it with me tomorrow.” Lifting her chin, she smiles proudly. “Can you do something for me?” I ask.
“Yeah, what?”
Reaching over the arm of the couch, I pick up the small, wrapped clothing box.
“Will you please give this to Uncle Jake? It’s a special gift.”
“Sure.” Swiping it from my hands, she skips across the room.
“What’s this?” he asks.
“It’s from Sailor. It’s an extra-special present.” She grins back at me like only we know the secret, except she’s rubbing her hands together as she waits anxiously to see what’s inside. Jake opens the box and picks up a baby onesie. He holds it up...
“I Watch Football With Daddy,” he says, reading the front of it. After examining it thoroughly, and showing it to Elliott next to him, he looks at me with a perplexed expression. “Payton’s chubby, doll. I hate to break it to you, but she’s not gonna fit in this tiny thing.”
“It’s not for Payton.”
He stares at me a few seconds with his mouth agape.
“Are you…?”
Biting the corner of my lip, I feel the flush to my cheeks as everyone waits in silence.
“Barely, but yes.”
The tears crowd Jake’s eyes, and as he half laughs and half cries, he jumps to his feet to give me a hug. While in his embrace, I listen to everyone’s awwws.
“Babe, I’m so happy right now. It happened fast.”
“I know. We’re going to have our hands full.” Letting me go, he wipes his eyes.
“What’s going on?” Maddie asks.
“Just don’t tell my parents we stopped using birth control before the wedding. I don’t think they could handle finding out I was knocked up a third time out of wedlock.”
“I want to be knocked up,” Maddie says. As everyone gasps, Jake furrows his brow and looks down at her.
“No, you do not, and don’t ever say that again. You’re also never allowed to date anyone named Atticus or Miles. Got it?”
She scrunches her nose. “Ewww, Miles in my class is gross. He eats his boogers.”
“All boys do. Remember that. You never want to date any of them.”
“Jake,” Marcy scolds as laughter lingers in the room. Pulling me into his arms again, Jake hugs me snugly. I look over at Elliott, and he gives me a thumbs up, along with an approving smile, assuring me that we’ve got this, too.
The remodel of our village will be finished in two months, and we’ll soon add a new member to our tribe. The unique life we share is chaotic, and some even find it abnormal, but Jeanine said it best many months ago at the hospital…
Our souls choose whom to love. It would be a dishonor to put stipulations on such an extraordinary decision.
END NOTES
Thank you for reading The Crashing Tides Duet. I hope you’ll check out other novels by Ruby Rowe, along with her Ruby Romp novellas.
Keep up with release information at www.rubyrowe.com. You can also follow Ruby on Amazon, BookBub, Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
I have a reader group on Facebook called Ruby’s Rompers. I’d love for you to join! Members get the inside scoop on all my work.
Lastly, I’d greatly appreciate it if you would leave me ratings or reviews. Thank you!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Patrick, you’ve been my anchor since day one. You keep me grounded, and show me immense love and support, so thank you. I love you more every day.
Members of Ruby’s Rompers, I’m grateful for your support and friendship. I’m a lucky girl to have readers who are willing to chat with me daily about my books. I hope you’ll continue to be a part of my group.
Readers, thank you for checking out my books! I’d love to hear your feedback and find out what kind of stories you’re interested in.
Bloggers, I wish I could give each of you a hug. Thank you for reading and promoting my books!
Beta readers, your feedback and friendships are invaluable! Nikki Cherniak, Rachael Leissner, Jamie Mounts, Tracy Ann Murray, Karina Wade and Samantha Wiley, thank you so much for your he
lp!
Nikki Cherniak, thank you for your editing services. I’m still in awe of your patience and knowledge. It’s been wonderful working with you!
Jo-Anna at Just write. Creations, thank you for creating the beautiful cover. You always produce fantastic work!
To those who leave reviews, thank you. Good or bad, they’re important for both readers and authors.
Happy Reading!
Ruby
