48. Sione
Chapter 48
Sione
Brightness radiates from the rocky beach, despite the way the sun sinks below the horizon across the shore. Glimmers of hope and joy crackle amongst us, the energy of this night alive and sparkling. The warmth coursing through me has nothing to do with the roaring flames. It does, however, have everything to do with the jubilant spirits of the nine other people laughing, talking, and mingling around the bonfire.
Hunter is home. After a few nights in the hospital, and a few additional labs and scans to confirm all was well with the pregnancy, she’s returned to the Crusade Mansion. She spent a week in bed, per Greedy and Spence’s insistence. Now that she’s better healed, we’ve gathered on the beach for a celebration of sorts. All of us reunited once more.
We aren’t just celebrating Hunter’s homecoming and improved health tonight.
Josephine’s cohort is aware that Hunter is with child. It would be hard to keep it from them, considering we all live together and intend to do so until the end of summer. That, and Hunter has acquired an intense aversion to the scent of roasted nuts.
She couldn’t even walk past the pantry without feeling queasy. From there, it didn’t take long for Josephine’s cohort to figure it out. Much to Decker Crusade’s chagrin, entire shelves had to be cleared out and relocated to the garage.
Near the fire, Kendrick barks out a loud, boisterous laugh. Levi delivers a punch line, inspiring more laughter, while Greedy stands beside him and subtly scowls. His frown doesn’t keep. Within seconds, he’s laughing, too. When Josephine joins them, Levi dives into a humorous explanation.
I’m growing fond of this place. Lake Chapel. The Crusade Isle.
The juxtaposition between the constant company of a full house and the seclusion of the private residence creates a syncretic harmony within my soul. There’s always something going on or someone to talk to here. Just like there are always moments of solitude to be found.
Delicate hands ghost over my obliques and around my torso, followed by a familiar warmth.
“No new water.” Hunter shuffles up beside me to stand at the lake’s edge.
The smile that overtakes me is so wide it causes my cheeks to burn. Every time I’m reminded of the baby, I’m filled with so much effervescent joy I fear I may float away.
Right now, water is accumulating in her uterus, providing a cushy, blessed sanctuary for our child. Right now, the water is home to the new life we created. Together.
I’m fascinated by the process. Absolutely feral for information and knowledge on the subject. I’m intent on learning all I can about pregnancy, especially as it relates to caring for Hunter and keeping her as comfortable as possible.
I’ve always known I wanted to help people, but only recently did I realize the pointedness of my life’s ambition. I want to provide chiropractic care to support individuals’ fertility journeys. I want to provide as much ease as I can to the physical containers responsible for creating and growing life.
“What are you thinking about?” she asks, leaning a little more into my side.
Wrapping one arm around her, I kiss the crown of her head. “I’m thinking about what you asked me a few months ago. About this place. About our situation.”
She peers up at me, searching my face.
“Remember when you asked me if I’m happy here? If it’s all right with you, I’d like to amend my answer.”
She sinks her teeth into her bottom lip, but quickly nods.
“We’re home. You, me, the guys, our child? We have created a sanctuary that’s as impenetrable as it is beautiful. I love it here, Mahina. I never want to be anywhere but right here, by your side.”
“I love you.” She kisses my ribs, pulling me from my thoughts.
Before I can return the sentiment, the rambunctious group by the fire snags our attention.
“How many last names is the baby going to have?”
Locke, Kendrick, and Levi are engaged in a heated discussion—again—centered around the fact that we do not intend to find out the paternity of the child.
Our cohort has already discussed it. We have a plan. We know what we want and we’re committed to the promises we made to one another.
We won’t be seeking any sort of paternity test for this baby or for any of our children unless there’s a medically necessary reason to do so.
There may be obvious outward traits, of course. And I’m sure it will be possible to sense the way the soul of the baby mirrors the fabric of each of us individually. But we’re all in agreement. This baby is ours. Hers, mine, theirs. Ours .
“I have six names total, not including my honorific,” Spence remarks. He’s sipping from a flask, because he refuses to use one of the vibrant red cups the others seem to be so fond of.
“Your honor- what ?” Locke asks.
“My honorific title. I’m knighted. My full name is Sir Kabir Kareem Alexander Louis Cornelia Spencer.”
Josephine chortles, then doubles over laughing, the contents of her red cup sloshing over the side. “Stop. Stop it right now .”
She’s the one who ought to consider stopping. I’m afraid she’ll pass out at the rate she’s gasping for air.
When she finally stands, she points at Spence. “I thought she only called you Sir in the bedroom.” She bursts into another fit of giggles.
Decker appears at her side, taking the cup from her hand. Then he wraps his arm around her shoulders. “She’s had a few Tom Collinses,” he informs us. As if it wasn’t abundantly clear.
“Hey.” Josephine snatches her red cup out of his hand and downs the rest of her beverage in a huge gulp. “My bestie is pregnant, so technically, I’m drinking for two.”
With a grin, Hunter squeezes me. Then she makes her way to Josephine’s side and engulfs her in a hug.
After a moment, Josephine pulls away and holds her at arm’s length, her eyes wide and her expression mischievous. “I have an idea.”
Hunter presses her lips together, clearly trying to keep from laughing. We all gravitate closer but give the girls space, watching their exchange.
“All this talk of names and titles… The answer’s been right in front of us all along. You should name the baby after me .”
Hunter’s face screws up, but she takes the bait and plays along. “And why’s that?”
Josephine huffs, clearly offended. “Because I’m a motherfucking prize, Hunter. You said so yourself. And because my first child has to be named after you. It’s only fair.”
Hunter laughs, her joyful exuberance filling the warm night air. “Two fair points, Joey Crusade. There may be a law career in your future, after all.”
Decker guffaws, bringing his hand to his chest. “Hold up. We have to name our first child after Hunter? Why is this the first I’m hearing about it?”
Josephine’s eyes practically bug out of her head. Quickly, though, she schools her expression, spins on her heel, and turns on the charm.
“Funny story, really. You’re going to love this, Cap. Remember that time I wore the wrong jersey to Shore Week?”
The others break off into small groups, continuing their previous conversations and enjoying the jovial mood that true happiness and contentment bring with such ease.
Across the flickering flames of the bonfire, Garrett appears behind Hunter. Levi steps up, kisses her cheek, and rests his head on Garrett’s shoulder. Spence strides over and throws his arm around the three of them, holding them tight.
Hunter’s face tightens, her gaze searching the beach until she spots me. When our eyes connect, she offers me the most effortless, dazzling smile.
She’s glowing. Luminous.
She’s never looked more beautiful than in this moment.
She reaches out one hand, calling to me.
I traverse the rocky beach, giving the flames a wide berth, then rightfully join the group.
We’re here. We made it. The bonds we’ve developed were created by the kind of magic poets write about and romantics dream of.
No wrong moves.
No more running.
This is it.
Nothing has ever felt so right.