With a scowl, Bennett said, “Seriously, Gray?”

Grayson gave us a sheepish grin. “Sorry. Couldn’t help myself.”

I laughed. “It’s okay. I want you to be honest.”

Nodding, Grayson replied, “But besides feeling that, I know that I’m still going to be his father.”

“Exactly.”

“Oh wait a minute,” Wendy said from between my legs.

“Wait, what?” I demanded.

She grinned. “That’s very dark auburn hair, not black hair.”

“He’s a ginger?” Grayson asked.

I gasped. “Don’t call him that.”

He winked at me. “Okay, Mama Ginger.”

With a playful smack to his arm, I replied, “Watch it.”

To get off the ginger subject, Grayson said, “So, I guess we’re back to square one on not knowing the father.”

“Thebiologicalfather,” Bennett corrected.

He snapped his fingers. “Exactly.”

“Well, once he gets here, you just need to swab his cheek, and within two to fourteen days, you’ll know who the daddy is,” Wendy said.

I didn’t tell her we were well-versed on the postnatal paternity tests. “That’s good to know,” I diplomatically replied.

“All right then. Now it’s time to get pushing. I’m sure these fine gentlemen will grab a leg each to help you get into position. I can get you started and then the doctor will be in.”

Once again, I hoped Theo would make it.

An hourof pushing later and my stubborn son thankfully hadn’t made his appearance. When Theo swept through the door, I wept out of both gratitude and exhaustion.

“Hey now, don’t cry. I’m here now,” he said as he kissed me.

“I’m so glad. And I’m so fucking tired.”

He appeared stricken by my declaration. “What can I do?”

“Grab some forceps and pull our stubborn son out?” I suggested.

Shaking his head, Theo replied, “Forceps are risky both for you and the baby.”

“I was only joking.”

He winced. “Sorry. I’m way too laser-focused at the moment for jokes.”

I laughed. “I can see that.”

Bennett jerked his chin at Theo. “Here you can take my place for a bit.”

“Are you sure?”