Page 166 of Blackout-

The sweetest, most perfect bundle of joy.

I close my eyes, relishing in the sound of her cries, committing the melody to my memory.

“Oh my God!” My mother squeals. “She’s perfect, absolutely perfect!”

I feel my father drop his lips to my ear.

“Open your eyes and look, Lace. Look at our girl, see what you did,” he rasps. “I’m so fucking proud of you…so fucking proud.”

I do as I’m told, and my eyes find her once again.

Her arms flail as she kicks her legs and continues to cry at the top of her lungs. It’s such an indescribable moment that leaves me in awe and I wonder if it’s possible for her to ever know how much I love her.

“Who is going to cut the cord?”

Her father isn’t here to do the honor, but I imagine there is only one person he trusts to take his place.

Touching my dad’s hand, I lift my eye to his.

“Dad, you should do it,” I murmur. “Blackie would want you to.”

Thumbing away a tear with his free hand, he nods and lifts my hand to his lips. Giving it a quick kiss, he releases it and makes his way to my daughter. I always held my father in high regard, but I never thought it was possible to love him more than I already did. As he takes the scissors from the doctor and smiles at my daughter, I’m proven wrong. Jack Parrish has had many roles, but I think grandpa will be his best yet. With Reina on one side and my mom on the other, he cuts the umbilical cord and the three of them gush over my daughter.

A smile plays on my lips as I lay my head back against the bed and close my eyes.

I did it.

Despite the chaos and confusion that threatened to ruin me, I brought our daughter into the world and she’s healthy.

It was worth all the tears.

Every sacrifice.

All the pain.

“Welcome to the world, Jacqueline Christine Petra,” I whisper. “Mommy loves you.”

My job isdone.

Chapter Sixty-Two

Blackie

Schwartz isan arrogant prick but there is no denying he’s the best. Hiring him and forking over the key to my safe deposit box was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If I hadn’t, I’m not sure what would’ve happened to me. My guess, I’d be doing some serious time for murdering Javier’s soldier. Instead, I’m clean and sober. A man who is somewhat confident in his abilities to maintain a healthy lifestyle while being the best husband and father to Lacey and our little girl who decided she wanted to meet her mom and dad a little earlier than expected.

After my release from rehab was processed, I hugged Sunny goodbye as Schwartz loaded his Range Rover with my belongings and promised to keep in touch. It was an easy promise, one I’m sure I’ll have no problem keeping. I don’t think that tree-hugging hippie knows how much I respect her. I may be the one reclaiming my life, but she’s the one who gave me the tools to make that possible and for that, I will be forever thankful to her.

We exchanged numbers and before I could ask her to promise she’d come to visit the baby once she was born, Sunny’s cell phone rang. By the expression on her face, I thought something was horribly wrong when she squeezed my arm. Then she smiled at me and something inside me told me to brace myself for the news.

“Lacey’s in labor!”

“What?”

“Reina’s been trying to get a hold of us but because of the court appearance, forget it. It doesn’t matter. You need to go! She’s coming, Dominic! Your little girl is comingtoday!”

“She’s coming today,” I repeated, before abruptly turning to Schwartz. “How fast does this thing go?” I questioned, patting the hood of his fancy SUV. He scowled at me but a moment later he unbuttoned his suit jacket and tossed it into the backseat. Rolling up his sleeves, he jutted his chin.

“It’s going to cost you,” he warned. “And if I get a speeding ticket--”

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