Epilogue CalistaIan
Calista
The sun is beaming so high in the sky that you’d think it was warm, but it’s the middle of winter and I wrap up in my new dark blue coat that accommodates my size along with my white cashmere hat, gloves, and scarf set. This little bundle inside me has grown so fast. I look like I’m about to explode, and even though I look like a giant ball, I’m warm on this frigid day.
Ian chuckles as he runs toward me. “Hold on, baby. I’m coming.”
“I’m sorry. It’s just so cold. I wanted to get bundled up and in the car already. The damn sun is faking me out,” I grumble over the top of my scarf.
“Someone’s feeling a little moody today.”
“Bite me. I feel like I’m going to explode, and you just look as handsome as ever—cut, muscular, and damn good looking. Here I am, a big ball.”
“Baby, you’re the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. Your rounded belly just reminds me that I did my job and put my baby in there. Even if it never goes away, you’ll still be hot to me because your body creates life, and that’s a fucking miracle. Women are magical and should be respected.” He kisses my lips and rubs my belly. “So calm your sexy ass down, and let’s go to the doctor so that we can feed you afterwards.”
I grin from ear to ear, clapping my hands as the baby does another flip in my stomach. The baby likes that idea as well. We drove to the doctor, which is about fifteen minutes from the house in a little bit of traffic. We luckily arrived about two minutes before my appointment.
The doctor walks into the room with a grin on her face as she watches Ian’s hand on my belly. She pumps some hand sanitizer into her hands, rubbing it in as she asks, “How’s the little guy doing? Giving you much trouble?”
“Strangely, no. The baby hasn’t given me any trouble that I can remember.”
She takes a tape measure and tucks it from one end to another and stretches it along my belly to measure me. “Mr. and Mrs. McNamara, congratulations. Your baby is growing at the proper rate, and he looks to be very healthy. The great news is he’ll be here very soon.”
I can’t stop staring at my husband, knowing we’ve made this little baby that’s growing inside me. It’s amazing. I’m kind of glad that we didn’t get pregnant right away, but now all I want to do is have more of his babies. I love this man with all my heart, and the look on his face right now is worth everything to me and more. I groan and scrunch my face. “Are you okay, Mrs. McNamara?”
“Just felt a slight twinge of pain,” I groaned through clenched teeth. The pain doesn’t last too long, but it’s longer than the one I felt earlier.
“Well, you’re due any day now. Perhaps we should check your cervix and see if you’re dilated.”
“Yes, that’s probably a good idea,” Ian says. She prepares her gloves and the stirrups while Ian helps me with a gown and then helps me get into position.
I wave him close so I can whisper, “Maybe we could use those for us.”
He chuckles. “I was thinking the same thing.”
“Every couple says the same thing,” the doctor remarks, shaking her head with a smile. “Let’s see what we have here.”
“Wow, okay.”
“What is it?”
“It seems that you’re probably in early labor as we speak. You’re about five centimeters at present. I want you to stay here for another twenty minutes so we can monitor your pain. If your contractions persist and move closer together, I’d like to admit you. If not, we’ll send you home.” I look up at Ian, wide-eyed.
“It’s okay, my love. We can handle anything. You know what happens.”
“Yes, that’s why I’m frightened, Ian.”
“I’m here for you. If you want them to give you the meds, I’ll have them give it to you when the time is right. I’ll call your parents now.” He takes out his phone and calls my father.
Once he has him on the line, Ian says to me, “Hey, baby. Your daddy wants to talk to you.” He puts it on speaker.
“Hey, Princess. I love you.”
“I love you, Daddy.”
“I’m extremely proud of you, and I know that you’re going to do well. Even if we don’t get there before you bring my grandson into the world, I’m positive you are in good hands. You have that wonderful husband who would do everything in his power to keep you safe and strong. You got this, my little girl. See you soon.” He blows a kiss into the phone. I blow a kiss back, and then he hangs up.
“We got this.” The pain kicks in again and Ian holds my hand, allowing me to squeeze his.
“It looks like we’re definitely having this baby today,” I say with tears in my eyes.
“Yes, we are. I couldn’t be happier to have one of many babies with an amazing woman like you, my wife.” He presses his lips to mine.
“You should tell your family.”
“I’ll send them a message soon. All that matters is you, Calista. Let me know when you are well.” I press my head to his forearm.
“You are wonderful. I’m so grateful my father set me up with a mafia man.”
“Me too.”