Epilogue
ARLYS
I worked until the last possible minute in the shop.
That included bringing on another barber who thought she was just passing through.
One of the prospects that had been assigned to hang around and make sure that things ran smoothly couldn't help but watch Regan as we worked in the shop. I had a feeling he was just waiting to become a member before asking her out.
It was sweet, really.
But I had a feeling that Logan had a hand in it.
Regan was like my little sister now and Logan had probably put the fear of God into Crosswalk when I mentioned the longing looks between the two of them.
Now, he sat dutifully in the corner just beyond the front door, keeping a pleasant and watchful eye on the comings and goings of Close Cuts.
The bell over the front door jingled and I was glad to hear it.
Regan had barred me from sweeping or wiping, basically anything that got me up off of my feet.
Seeing Joe Roberts come through the door was like a fresh breath of air.
"Joe!"
He grinned at me and held up a small cooler that looked like it would hold half a dozen beers. "I went fishing yesterday and I brought you some catfish."
My stomach grumbled loudly. "Thanks! The last time you brought fish I barely managed to save some for Logan."
"Ah," Joe waved his hand and his face settled into a grumpy look, "you eat it all if you want." He lifted his chin in my direction. "You've got baby to make happy, that man can sit and stew."
I knew that Joe didn't really mean it. He was barely hiding a smile from me.
"I can always catch more," he reassured me. "You're the only one I share with who likes catfish as much as I do."
I bit into my lip and put my hands on the counter. "I'm the only one you share with, Uncle Joe."
He nodded. "That is true." He gestured toward the back. "You want me to put it in the refrigerator for you?"
I nodded. "Sure, but I'll come with you."
All the heads in the room swung around toward me.
"Seriously, guys. I can walk to the background without breaking. I promise."
With those reassuring words I leaned forward, using the counter to brace myself and stood, hearing the stool I was sitting on go sliding across the concrete floor.
"See?" I smiled at everyone hoping they'd go back to what they were doing and then I turned to walk with Joe.
And that's when the floodgates opened.
"Oh."
Regan's gaze dropped to the ground at my feet and her jaw dropped.
"Boyd?"
Crosswalk turned to look at her. "Hmm?"
"Boyd! Call Thief."
The prospect got up off of his stool near the door and looked around for any sign of danger.
What a sweet summer child he was.
"Boyd!"
He snapped to attention as if his General had caught him napping. "What?"
I gave him what mercy I could as I felt a kickass contraction hit me at the base of my spine. "I'm in labor, Crosswalk. Can you drive me to the hospital?"
Regan took one look at his poleaxed expression and sighed. "I'll drive you."
From that moment until Logan arrived at my bedside, Regan took control of the situation, and I was happy to let her.
I thought I was prepared for labor, but the joke was on me, I was not in any way prepared for it.
Logan "Thief" Zane
I wanted to cut my own nuts off.
Sure, the baby that was basically splitting Arlys open wasn't made with my DNA but the thought of her going through this again?
Nope.
No way.
Not happening.
Between contractions, Arlys looked in my direction and I think she had a feeling where my thoughts were going, and she grabbed onto my arm with a grip that was better than some of my brothers managed when we sparred.
"You're not cutting off anything, Logan.
I'm going to do this at least two more times! "
"I don't agree, baby. I'm happy with one. There's no need to put yourself through this again."
One of the nurses gave me a look that said I was a fool or worse for saying anything.
When the contraction was over and she was panting and letting me wipe her brow, Arlys gave me a look.
That's when I bit my lip and chose to remain silent.
The nurse gave me a look that said I'd made the right choice.
And then, there was no time to talk because our baby, our first baby, decided it was time to make her appearance.
I'd never been happier and more terrified.
"How the hell am I going to protect her from the world?"
Arlys reached out and held my hand. Her grip was surprisingly strong for someone who'd just gone through hell. "You don't have to protect her from the world, daddy. You just have to love her and do your best."
I'd do more than my best.
That was my promise to the little baby screaming her lungs out.
When they'd wrapped her up in a little pink blanket and hat and let me take her into the waiting room, I held her against my chest and introduced her to the whole Fallen Souls family, I knew that the little girl in my arms was a part of me. A part of our family.
And a part of the Fallen Souls.
Our home.
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THE END