Page 55 of Fourteen Years

“Yep. I’ll keep you updated as I know something.” I said, speeding up as I heard voices in the waiting room.

Rounding the corner, placing my phone back in my pocket, I saw Lucas standing with his back to me. His hair was standing on end, like he’d been running his fingers through it distractedly.

“They’re okay though…” he trailed off, as I walked around him. Monica had her hands covering her mouth, tears rolling down her face, even as the big man pulled her into a hug.

“I’m so fucking glad you’re okay,” he added. “Both of you.”

Monica just continued to cry against his chest, hugging him back, as he reached out a hand to me.

I grasped it, raising an eyebrow questioningly.

“Baby is here and fine.” he explained, as Monica stepped back, wiping her tears and I placed an arm around her. “He’s tiny. So fucking small. He’s having some trouble breathing. They want to monitor him.” his voice broke.

“Becks was apparently seven centimeters when Lucas got up here.” Monica picked up, “and letting everyone in the room know that the baby was staying put until her husband got here.” she laughed tearfully. “She said and I quote, ‘I’m not fucking doing this alone again’ and had them all terrified.”

Lucas chuckled, running a tattooed hand through his hair again.

“She was in battle mode, man” his gray eyes met mine. “I’ve never quite seen her like that. The whole part of the labor I caught and delivery was…” he shook his head.

“I know, man. It’s incredible what these women can do.” I agreed with him.

Monica laughed, shaking her head at my side. “It doesn’t feel fucking magical.” she murmured.

“They want to keep her for observation overnight. But she’s fine. Becks did beautiful. They’re getting her cleaned up and then you all can come back. She demanded the bathroom and a shower and ordered me to go with the baby. She swore me to secrecy.”

“Ugh…I’m dying to meet my nephew!” groaned Monica.

“Patience,” I soothed, smiling down at her.

Lucas laughed. “Sorry. I’d rather face your anger than my extremely hormonal wife’s.”

“I’ll let it slide this time.” Monica returned.

“I’m gonna go check on baby boy and mama,” Lucas said, nearly slipping. “I’ll come get you when Becks is ready.”

“Alright, brother. Congratulations.” I said.

“Tell Becks we love her,” added Monica.

“Will do, you two.” Lucas turned, leaving the room.

Monica sighed, shaking her head. “I cannot believe the baby is here.” she said, looking at me.

“They’ll be fine.” I assured her. “He is in the best place for them and it sounds like other than being early, and needing some time to catch up, everything else went perfectly.”

She nodded, wrapping her arms around my waist, cuddling into me.

“I checked in on the girls. They’re asleep, and Nan was headed to bed. She said to just leave them there until we get some rest tomorrow. She’ll probably kick all our asses if Lucas didn’t call her before he told us anything.”

Monica chuckled, then sat down groaning.

“You’re in more pain than you’re letting on.” I accused her.

“Alright. Maybe I am.” she admitted, grabbing the peanuts and juice from me.

“Trevor…”

Lucas’ voice came through like it was in a tunnel and I blinked my eyes open slowly. My back and neck ached from the position I’d fallen asleep in on the hard plastic sofa. Glancing down I saw Monica was still asleep, laid out, head on my lap.

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