Page 144 of Crazy Love

“That would be great. Mrs. McGregor can put him down for the night while we—oh shit, Poppy…” Bowie looks at Poppy in horror when she doubles over. “Tell me what to do.”

“Get me to the hospital,” she says through gritted teeth.

“Right. On it,” he says, blinking rapidly.

She grips his face with both hands. “Now,” she says softly.

That snaps him into gear. He moves her a little closer to the door.

“Oh no…ahh. My water just broke,” Poppy says. “I’m so sorry, Greer and Wyndham!”

“That’s what bleach is for,” Greer calls. “Don’t you worry. Go have that baby!”

“Whew, I feel woozy,” Bowie says.

“Not today, Fox,” Poppy says, grabbing him by the collar.

Weston yanks open the door, and Bowie and Poppy stumble through it. We tell them to drive safely and let us know when the baby arrives…and if there’s anything we can do to help. When they leave, it’s suddenly quiet.

Addy and I stand there in the doorway, shell-shocked.

“Did that just happen?” she whispers.

“I think so.” I wrap my arms around her.

“I cannot believe this.” She looks up at me.

“Five babies,” I say, waving my hand. “A baby tonight and then four all at once. What kind of baby epidemic is this?”

Addy starts laughing and so does everyone else. Pretty soon, we’re all in a state of hysteria.

“It’s going to be absolute pandemonium,” I say, holding my stomach. It hurts from laughing so hard.

“Imagine when they all hit puberty at once,” Elle says.

“And start driving…” Tru adds, looking horrified.

“Aw, maybe they’ll ride to school together,” Sadie says. “And share clothes.”

“Oh my God, what if they date each other?” Elle says, eyes wide. “Aw.”

Rhodes has Levi on his shoulders and he bumps my shoulder with his. “You don’t mess around, Penn Hudson.” He smirks. “I like this look on you.”

I let out a long exhale and give Levi a high five.

“Thanks, man,” I tell Rhodes. “I never knew what I was missing. Now I can’t imagine how I survived without them.” I tilt my head toward Addy and the kids. I shake my head and start laughing all over again. “All these babies. What the fuck?”

“Our Single Dad Players meetings are gonna belit,” he sings.

“Yeah, about that name…”

Not even two hours later, we’re back home when Bowie sends a text to the group chat.

Bowie

He’s here. Elias Hayden Fox. Poppy’s doing well. And Elias is healthy and perfect and freaking huge. 12 pounds, 8 ounces, 22 inches long.

A picture comes through and he’s adorable.

---