Page 56 of Fourteen Years

My eyes met Lucas’ and I spoke quietly.

“Everything okay?”

He nodded, glancing down at Monica himself.

“Becks is ready to see you all if you want.” he spoke in a whisper, “I just didn’t know if you wanted to wake Monica up just yet or…”

“She’ll put us both on another floor of this hospital if we don’t.” I joked.

“Mon,” I spoke softly, running my hand down her arm.

She groaned, her face twisting in pain and I felt a rush of irritation that she’d talked me into letting her stay here when she was in so much pain. There hadn’t been any compromise with her. Until she set her own eyes on her best friend, we weren’t leaving.

“What,” her voice grumped, raspy with sleep.

“Becks is ready to see you,” Lucas spoke, standing up to his full height again.

Monica jerked upright, grimacing in pain, her hand going to her abdomen.

“Jesus. Would you take it slow, woman?” I growled.

“Let’s go,” she ignored me, standing up gingerly, ready to follow the tall cop.

Going down the quiet hallway of the labor and delivery unit, Lucas came to Becks’ door. Knocking and opening it gently, we entered the room to see the new mother laying in her bed, glowing.

Becks’ eyes grew big, taking in how her friend was moving, and she shot me a concerned look.

“Monica, you shouldn’t have stayed when you were this hurt.” she scolded, even as the two women hugged like they’d been apart for a decade. “I’m so glad you’re okay.” Becks continued, tearfully.

“We’re fine.” I assured Becks, “Monica is banged up and needs to heal but there was no convincing her to go home when you were here.” I added.

“I had to make sure you were okay too.” spoke Monica, standing and looking down at Becks, tearful herself. “Are you okay? How's the baby?”

Becks wiped the tears off her face, still holding Monica’s hand. She met Lucas’ eyes and smiled.

“He’s perfect.”

Monica nearly shrieked excitedly as Becks nodded and Lucas and I laughed. I shook my friend’s hand.

“Congratulations, you two.” I said, elated for them.

“His lungs just need to grow a little more. He needs some extra help.” Becks said, worriedly.

“They said he’d be fine, hon.” spoke Lucas, moving to her other side. “He’ll be in the NICU for a while. Then we’re taking our son home.” his hand rubbed her shoulder softly.

“What’s his name?” asked Monica.

“You tell them.” said Becks, reaching up and placing her hand over Lucas’.

The gruff, stoic man cleared his throat, and I was surprised to hear his voice crack as he spoke.

“We named him William so we could call him Will, like we did my grandpa Willard.”

“That’s beautiful!” exclaimed Monica, squeezing Becks’ hand.

“But his middle name is Paul.” Lucas’ gray eyes met mine, then Monica’s as I heard her let out a soft sob. I moved up to her, placing my arm around her shoulders to draw her into me tight.

“William Paul,” Monica echoed, staring at her friend with tears running down her face. Becks’ was crying now too, and I even had to run my hands over my eyes.

---