Chapter Seventeen
Spencer
The ringing of Liam’s phone woke us, the personalized chime indicating it was Nicola’s husband Ethan calling. We had made sure to update all our phones with different ringtones so we always knew who was calling without having to look at the screen. It had been several weeks since I decided to stay here and mate Liam, and every time the phone rang in those weeks, we were expecting it to be news of our niece’s arrival. Now that Nicola was past her due date, the anxiety was even higher
Liam reached over me and grabbed the phone from the nightstand where we were charging our phones.
“Hello.” My mate’s growly and groggy voice would tell his brother-in-law he had interrupted our sleep. I swatted at Liam, to tell him to clear his throat at least before speaking further. He did, and the next words sounded much clearer. “Is everything okay, Ethan?”
“Oh yes. Sorry for calling so late, but we need to know if you can come watch the boys. Isaac can’t be reached, and Nicola’s contractions are increasing rapidly. We need to get to the hospital.” Ethan’s voice rang out into the room since Liam answered it on the speakerphone.
Liam sat up and wiped at his eyes. “We will be right there. Are they asleep or awake?” Liam got out of bed and started putting on his pants.
“They are still asleep. We decided not to wake them. If Isaac was here like he promised, I wouldn’t even be bothering you two. I swear, he says he came out here to help us with the kids but then is out of the house most nights since he showed up a few weeks ago. Anyway, hopefully you have a few hours of rest too before the little monsters rise and wreak havoc on you two.” Ethan sounded worried though he was trying to crack jokes.
“Are Nicola and the baby okay?” Liam passed me some clothes and sat down on the bed to put on his socks and shoes. “Yeah. I’m fine,” I heard Nicola say in the background.
“The contractions are just really bad, and I don’t remember it progressing this quickly with any of the boys,” Ethan answered at same time as his mate.
“Remember, this is your fifth.” Liam grabbed his phone again from the bed. “It is bound to be a different, quicker delivery. The pregnancy books all warn of that.”
“I know. It’s just different when it’s actually happening to your mate, you know.” Ethan sighed. “Okay, we will see you soon. I gotta go make sure we have the hospital bag in the car, and everything is ready to go once you get here.”
“Okay, see you in a few minutes.” Liam disconnected the call and stood. “Ready to go?”
“Yeah. Let’s go watch those hellions so your sister can finally meet her little girl.”
I was excited. I loved watching Liam with those boys. I wondered if he would have a little boy to roughhouse with soon, or a little girl to spoil.
Pulling up to Nicola’s cabin a short time later, we saw Isaac exiting his car as well.
“What are you two doing here?” He checked the time on his phone and frowned. “Is everything okay?”
“Ethan called us when they couldn’t reach you. Nicola is in labor, and the boys need supervision.”
“Shit. I’m sorry they bothered you. I was with a hookup and—”
“Don’t worry about it and spare me the details please.” I pushed past my best friend. I was a bit annoyed by how he had been behaving lately. He was never such a neglectful friend or brother before, especially not ignoring calls for an easy lay. Hopefully this was just a phase and the great guy I had known for years would start bearing his head again.
I laughed when I imagined his head only shifting, making both alphas look at me strangely.
Why am I like this?
Opening the door to the cabin, an anxious Ethan and a panting Nicola pushed past us. “The boys are asleep. We will call you after the baby arrives. Thanks again.” Ethan rushed out as they dashed for their car.
“I guess you two can stick around and help me wrangle the little ones in a few hours. If you don’t mind.” Isaac frowned. “I haven’t been around them alone much yet.”
Liam shrugged. “We’re already here so I don’t see why not.”
“Just don’t leave us for any hookups,” I added and then felt guilty. He wasn’t doing anything wrong; I was just hormonal and moody. “Sorry. Pregnancy hormones suck.”
“Let’s feed him.” Isaac looked at Liam. “Nicola is always cranky unless she’s getting her midnight bowl of spaghetti.”
“Oh. Can we?” My mouth watered at the thought of pasta and red sauce. “I could use some food right now.”
“Whatever you wish, my sweet.” Liam kissed my forehead and headed to the kitchen. Isaac followed him.
“I’ll just go sit on the couch until it’s ready.” I walked to the living room and plopped down on the comfy cushions.
“Hey, Uncle Spencer.” A small voice alerted me to a tiny visitor as I rested on the couch. Henry rubbed his tired eyes. “Where’s my mommy and daddy?”
“Hey, sweetie. They had to go and meet your baby sister. But you have all your uncles here to make sure you and your brothers sleep well tonight.” I stood and held out my hand. “Let’s get you back to bed. You are going to need lots of rest for all the fun we have planned for the morning.”
“Okay,” Henry mumbled, already starting to fall back to sleep standing up.
I rushed him to his bedroom, knowing if I didn’t, he’d be up for good. Tucking him in, and then checking on each boy before leaving their room, I congratulated myself on getting him back to bed before he fully woke up. I went to find my mate and best friend in the kitchen.
“We are gonna have to come up with some fun distractions for the boys in the morning. Henry just woke up. I put him back to sleep promising a busy day tomorrow.”
“We’ll come up with something. I have faith in us.” Isaac smiled and hugged me. “I’m sorry if I have been acting strange lately. I have hardly been around it seems since coming back here and giving up the city life. I’m just feeling odd. I’m sure it will pass.”
“It’s okay. We still love you.” I let myself be comforted by my best friend. I missed his hugs.
“Oh, and congratulations on the claiming. I guess you really are my brother now.” Isaac kissed the top of my head. “I knew you were meant to be in my life, and I am really glad how it all turned out.”
“Me too.”
The morning passed with few updates from Nicola. The baby’s delivery had stalled, but they were going to try a bit longer to deliver naturally before trying to proceed with a C-section since both the mother’s and baby’s vitals were okay. We kept the kids busy with coloring, shifting, and making welcome home signs for their mother and baby sister. By the late afternoon, the four boys were exhausted after playing all day with Liam and Isaac. And Nicola and Ethan were taking the day at the hospital to get to know their precious new daughter, Hailey. It was a great day. Exhausting, but good.