My Fiancé's Brother (The Guilty Series Book 2)
Page 26
The nurses exchanged impressed looks.
“You did not.”
“I did.”
“Jackson.”
“Yeah?”
“I didn’t even think of that. I didn’t watch a single video. I don’t even know how to change a diaper,” I wailed in a panic.
“That’s why we’re a team. You do the hard part today and I will change the diapers.”
I gasped as another contraction hit me.
***
Jackson’s face nuzzled me. “Alien’s almost here. You can do this, Emily. I’m right here with you.”
Another contraction took my breath away, arching my body off his. When I could catch my breath, I spit out. “We are never having sex again. I don’t care how sexy you are lying in bed with your big sexy muscles and your swoon worthy kisses. You need to understand that going forward, I’m never having sex again.”
I heard the doctor and the nurses laugh. “Don’t worry, Jackson. We’ve heard that one before.”
I raised my head and looked at one of the nurses. “Are you dating anyone?”
She smiled. “Between men.”
“Pick the shortest guy you can find,” I hissed. “They may not be as fun in bed but trust me, a tiny guy means a tiny baby.”
***
“Emily, one last push,” the doctor said. “The next contraction, you relax your belly and then you give it your all.”
I was exhausted. I was lying with my back against Jackson. “I don’t want to do this anymore. I want to go home.”
I heard everyone laugh.
“Jackson.”
He was holding me so close. “Yes.”
“I can’t do this. I think you should take over. You’re the strong one.”
“Emily, no way. You’re way stronger than me. And you’re amazing. So unbelievable.”
“Tell me some good news.”
“Alien is almost here. It’s almost over.”
The doctor looked up at me. “Okay Emily, one last push, you just relax your stomach and push, okay? Alright, here we go. Push, push, push, push.”
Everything kind of went fuzzy for a moment. It was like the whole world went into slow motion. I could hear things, but not hear clearly. I could see but not really. I could hear my own heart beat. I could feel Jackson behind me. Feel his breath. And then the most intense relief of my life.
The world came back in focus. And then they put a baby on my belly. Alien was wet and wrinkly and covered in blood. My baby was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life. I felt Jackson squeeze his arms tighter around me. His face snuggling against mine. “You did it.”
“What is our baby?” I asked.
“You two are the proud parents of a beautiful baby boy.”
“Alien is a boy,” I said in wonder, touching the tiny wet head.
Jackson’s big hand reached out and touched a miniscule foot. “He’s perfect. Just like his mom.”
I started to cry. “Hey. I’m your mom and this is your dad.”
Alien turned his head towards my voice. My heart overflowed with love. I had everything I needed. A husband and a baby. My family was complete.
Jackson’s chin rested on my shoulder. “I love you, Emily Hunter.”
And with that, I thought my heart was going to burst.
Epilogue
I came up the stairs, wondering why Theo hadn’t started crying yet. He was due to be fed. I heard a voice coming from his room.
I stood at the door and peeked in. Jackson was sitting in the rocking chair. He held Theo in his arms. Our tiny six week infant looked miniature in my husband’s big arms.
Jackson was talking to him.
“So, this is a really important book that I’m going to read to you. My mom read it to me when I was little and now I’m going to read it you you. It’s about a family of bears. Little bear, he lives in a home with his mom and dad, just like you. And he gets up to lots of adventures. Just like you will too.”
Tears clogged my throat.
Sensing me, Jackson looked up and smiled. Theo, in his infant wisdom, was staring blankly at the ceiling.
“Looks like he’s completely engrossed in your story,” I said.
Jackson’s smile was wide. “We haven’t got to the good part yet.”
I stepped in and walked across the room. “What is the good part?”
“Well, Mother Bear finds the best outfit for Little Bear when he goes outside in the snow to play. And she also helps him find a great outfit when he flies to the moon. And she has a lunch waiting for him when he gets back.” Our eyes met. “And she never forgets his birthday.”
“No, she never will.”
He reached out and grabbed my hand. “Alien lucked out when he got you as his mom.”
“Yeah, well, I think we both got lucky when we got you.”
He kissed my hand. “Time for him to eat?”
“No rush. You read that story. I’ll be in the bedroom.”
I started to walk out.
“Hey,” he said, as I reached the door.
I looked over my shoulder. “Hey.”
He paused for a moment, looking at me. “I love you. You know that?”
I could feel my smile take over my face. “Yeah. I know.”
Message from Odette
Dear Reader,
Thank you so much for reading my book. It means the world to me. I hope you loved this story about Jackson and Emily as much as I loved writing it. I believe, more than anything in this world, that love is the answer to almost all of our problems and issues in this world. There was something so heartbreakingly beautiful about Jackson, that I am having trouble letting him go. He was deeply flawed but deep down, he wanted what everyone wants. Love.
I’m not expert at military, but I researched like a mad person. Any errors, please forgive me. I did my best. I have the most deep profound respect for the men and women who serve their country. Thank you to them all.
I have one request of you. If you enjoyed this book, please take the time to review it. A rating has an incredible impact on a writer. It’s the difference between getting reviews, more readers and on special lists that help promote our books. For some it can be the difference of it we are able to pursue our dream of writing.
My last question is - would you enjoy a book about Beth? I would make it part of this series - but it would be her own standalone. Enough interest and I will write it. Always love to hear from my readers. Let me know.
Again, thank you so much for reading this book.
Love,
Odette Stone
About the Author
Odette Stone lives in Vancouver, Canada. Writing is her passion but when you can pull her away from her stories she loves to read, drink coffee, go for long walks and is particularly fond of action or suspense movies.
Website: www.odettestone.com
Twitter: @odettestone1
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Email: odette.stone@yahoo.com
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