Epilogue #2
“The name we chose… It fits him perfectly.”
“It does,” Jayce agrees.
The midwife had left at some point, placing a bed sheet over my waist.
Once our little boy drifts off, I turn to Jayce. “Shall we call them in?” I ask, looking towards the door where I know everyone is waiting.
“Are you sure? If you need time-”
“I’ll be fine; they’ve been waiting hours, too,” I say.
“I did tell them not to come until the baby was here,” he mutters, but still stands up and looks down at our son.
“This baby was long-awaited.” I smile before passing him our pup. He takes him carefully, cradling him in his arms.
“I got you, kid, I got you,” he murmurs.
I rest against the pillows, exhausted but unable to stop smiling as I watch him carry him to the door. I whisper a spell, opening it for him and smile wider, seeing Mama and Heaven right at the front.
“Here is the newest Westwood,” Jayce introduces him.
“Oh… He’s adorable,” Mama says as she kisses his forehead, but then her gaze flicks to me, and she slips past Jayce and the baby, her eyes softening as she pulls me into her arms. “My girl… You did so well,” she whispers.
I hug her back, feeling teary. “Thank you, Mama,” I reply softly, watching everyone crowd around the baby.
Dad is already taking him from Jayce, saying he has first dibs, whilst Uncle Liam hovers beside him.
Allie is simply staring, looking as if she doesn’t know how to process her emotions.
Grandma Red and Jaddati are admiring the baby before looking at me and coming over to join Mama, who is still holding me.
“Congratulations, ya hayati,” Jaddati says, kissing my forehead as Grandma Red hugs me next.
“How are you feeling? Actually, not the right question.” She laughs.
“No, it’s fine, I’m feeling great,” I say. My body is already healing.
Heaven and Allie now approach. “I am not going to complain right now, but why do they feel they have more right to him?” She frowns, glaring at the three present quints.
I laugh softly as Allie says, “I’m so confused… I mean, I know how babies are born and yet… I am willing to hold him before he’s even been bathed. I think he has power over me…”
“With that admission, I think he definitely does, too,” I giggle. Aunty Kiara and Azura walk over, both smiling at me.
“Congratulations, Mama,” Azura says. “He’s a cutie, and so big.”
“He is, isn’t he?” I reply as Aunty Kiara brushes my hair back.
Aunty Ri, Uncle Liam and Dad come together. Uncle Liam is holding our pup. Dad hugs me, not saying anything, but the emotions in his eyes say enough. Aunty Ri is next, hugging me before she frowns at Uncle Liam.
“It’s my turn,” she states.
“No, it’s mine,” Heaven interferes. Uncle Liam looks between them as if not sure who to listen to.
“Your mom did ask first,” he says hesitantly. Heaven narrows her eyes as Aunty Ri smirks, taking the baby.
“Right answer, Liam.”
He looks apologetically at Heaven, who tosses her hair. “Don’t worry, you’ll have him for longer,” I say as Grandpa Elijah, Ares, Carter and Renji come over.
Each one looks at me with a mix of admiration, concern, happiness, and, in Renji’s case, worry. “You need rest,” he says.
“She does, so now that you’ve seen the baby, the extras go home,” Grandma Red orders.
“Ouch, I know I’m an extra, aren’t I?” Renji pulls a face.
“Yes, your mate is waiting for you. Go home,” Grandpa Al says as he walks in and smiles at me.
“She’s not even here,” Renji complains.
“He’s a strong pup,” Grandpa Al says to me.
I nod. “Just like his dad.”
“And like you,” Dad says with a smile.
“Oh, video call Ahren and Tatum. Scheherazade has been waiting up to see the baby as well,” Aunt Ri says.
“On it,” Dad says.
Sensing Jayce’s gaze on me, I smile, and he walks over to me, standing beside me, reaching for my hand. I take it, lacing my fingers with his.
He’s going to be spoiled, Jayce says through the mind-link. I nod my agreement.
Oh, for sure, I respond, watching our families.
Loud, overprotective, and completely in love with him already.
Eventually, Jayce retrieves our son from Grandma Red, ignoring the complaints that follow as he brings him back to me. Placing the baby in my arms, he sits on the edge of the bed beside me and places his arm around my shoulders.
Our little boy is still fast asleep through the chaos, completely unaware that half the room is already prepared to fight over him.
“What’s his name?” Heaven asks softly.
The room quietens as everyone looks our way, waiting for the answer.
I look at Jayce. His eyes meet mine, and a smile slowly appears on his face as his hand settles over our son’s tiny body.
I look down at the little boy sleeping safely against my chest, surrounded by the people who will love and protect him for the rest of his life.
“Our son,” I whisper, unable to keep the pride from my voice. “His name is Stephen Corvin Westwood.”
THE END.