Page 144 of 12 Months of Mayhem

We stay like that for a moment, the beeping of the monitors fading into the background. Then Rem pulls back slightly, her emerald eyes locking onto mine.

“There’s something else we need to discuss.”

I feel a knot forming in my stomach. “What is it?”

She takes a deep breath. “If...if something happens, if I go into labor again and it’s too early...”

“Rem, don’t—”

She holds up a hand, silencing me. “Let me finish. If it comes down to a choice between me and the baby, I need you to choose the baby.”

The words hit me like a physical blow. I stumble back, shaking my head. “No. No way in hell, Rem. I’m not making that choice.”

“You might have to,” she insists “And I need to know that you’ll do what’s best for our child.”

I feel like I can’t breathe like the walls of the hospital room are closing in on me. “I can’t...I won’t choose between you and our baby. Don’t ask me to do that.”

Her eyes soften, but the determination remains. “Rex, listen to me. This baby is a part of both of us. If something happens, I need to know that you’ll fight for them with everything you’ve got.”

I clench my fists. “And what about Beaux and Birdie? What about me? We need you, Rem. I can’t do this without you.”

“You can, and you will. I’m not planning on going anywhere. I’m just...preparing for the worst.”

I sit heavily on the edge of her bed, my head in my hands. The pressure of everything - Meredith, the pregnancy complications, this impossible choice she’s asking me to make - it’s all too much.

“Hey,” Rem says softly, her hand on my back. “Look at me.”

I turn to face her.

“We’re going to get through this,” she says firmly. “All of us. You get Meredith out of our lives forever, and I’ll protect the baby.”

I nod slowly, trying to summon some of her strength and conviction. “You’re right. We’ll figure this out together.” I lean in and press a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I love you, Rem. You and our kids…you’re everything to me.”

Her eyes soften, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I love you too, Rex. Now, go make those calls. Get things moving on the Meredith situation.”

I stand, reluctant to leave her side, but knowing she’s right. We need to act fast. “I’ll be right outside if you need anything. Try to get some rest, okay?”

She nods, her eyelids already looking heavy. The stress and medication are clearly taking their toll. I watch as she settles back against the pillows, her hands instinctively resting on her belly. The thought of losing either of them is eating me from the inside. She’s right, though. Meredith has to be dealt with immediately. One way or another.

Chapter Seven

Rex

I march into the safe house where Maya has brought Meredith, supposedly to assist her but really to monitor her. My anger still simmering. Seeing Meredith there, with her smug and unapologetic expression, makes my fists tighten instinctively. Coffey, Tex, Maya, and Harlow stand by my side, their presence a constant reminder that I can’t lose my shit completely.

“Looks like you brought the whole cavalry, “ she drawls, her voice grating my nerves.

I ignore her taunt, fixing her with a steely glare. “You took my kids, Meredith. My fucking kids.” I can feel Coffey tense beside me, ready to intervene if necessary.

Meredith shifts uncomfortably, her bravado faltering. “You wouldn’t listen to me. You didn’t leave me any other option.”

“So, you kidnap two innocent children?” Maya interjects with disgust. “Real classy.”

I clench my jaw, fighting the urge to lash out. The room feels suffocating, the tension thick. Meredith’s eyes dart nervously between us, her earlier bravado crumbling under our collective anger.

“Is Remy okay?” Meredith asks suddenly.

“Don’t,” I declare, cutting her off. The mere mention of Rem’s name on her lips makes my blood boil. “She isn’t any of your concern.”

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