Broken kingdom

Extended Epilogue

“I can’t do it,” I scream as another contraction plows through me. “I’m exhausted.”

I thought I’d be in labor for eight hours at most…not twenty-freaking-four.

Oakley goes to wipe the sweat dotting my forehead, but I swat his hand away.

I’m not trying to be a bitch, but squeezing something the size of a watermelon out of something the size of a lemon is a lot harder than I thought it would be.

At this point I just want the doctor to light a fire in there and smoke the baby out.

Oakley kisses my temple. “What can I do?”

I glare at him. “Gee, I don’t know. How about get a time machine and stick your goddamn dick back in your pants?”

The doctor’s eyebrows shoot up and he chuckles before leaning over and whispering something into the nurse’s ear.

A smug grin creeps along Oakley’s lips. “If memory serves, you were the one begging me to take it out of my pants that night, baby girl.”

He’s right.

I’d come home from school tired and grumpy…but horny as hell.

Oakley lifted me onto the kitchen counter and started going down on me with that serpent tongue of his.

One thing led to another, and well…

Here we fucking are.

Given I still have another year of college left, getting knocked-up wasn’t part of the plan.

However, the second I found out I was pregnant…everything felt right.

Until now.

Because right now it hurts so much, it’s taking everything in me not to punch my doctor in his stupid fucking face because the epidural he said would help hasn’t one bit. 

“Breathe,” Oakley urges as another contraction rips through me.

“I’m breathing,” I grit through my teeth.

“Just a little longer,” the doctor says. “We’re almost there.”

“We’ve been almost there for the past twenty-four hours and sixteen minutes, you damn liar.”

Just when I’m positive I can’t take another second of this, the door to my hospital room opens.

Cole holds up a giant bag of what looks like fast-food in front of his face as he strides over. “How’s everything going in here, fam?” He plops down in the empty chair next to Oakley and smiles. “I brought us some munchies while we wait for my nephew to greet us.”

Irritation crawls up my spine as I turn to Oakley. “I will chop your friend’s body up into little itty-bitty pieces and bury them in various parts of the world—places where they'll never ever find him—if you don’t get him and his fucking food the hell out of here now.”

Nodding, Oakley slaps Cole’s back. “Cole, you gotta go, man. You’re making my wife homicidal.”

Cole snorts. “As opposed to any other ti—”

I fling my cup of ice chips at him. “Get out—” 

I curse when another agonizing contraction comes.

Eyes wide, Cole quickly scurries out of the room.

“Okay, Bianca,” the doctor says. “I’m really go

I grip the side of the bed. “I’ve been pushing.”

If I push any harder, I’ll spontaneously combust.

“I know, but you’re go

Defeat flows through me and I sag against the pillow.

“Oakley, I’m sorry, but I can’t do this. He’s just go

Gripping my hand, he stands up. “Yes, you can.” He kisses my knuckles. “I know it hurts. But when it’s all over, you won’t remember the pain.”

I glare at him.

“Okay, fine,” he amends. “You’ll remember the pain, but it will all be worth it.” He drops his forehead to mine. “You’re the strongest person I know, baby girl. You got this.”

Oakley was right.

Twenty-five hours of grueling labor was so worth it.

Every ounce of pain and sadness in my life was worth it for this incredible moment right here.

Because the second I laid eyes on my son for the first time…my heart exploded.

I stare down at his perfect little sleepy face. He’s so gorgeous it takes my breath away. 

I glance at Oakley who can’t stop smiling. “He’s so perfect.”

“I know.” The tips of his fingers press into the curve of my jaw. There’s so much love in his eyes, my chest somehow feels both light and heavy at the same time. “Thank you.”

Our lips meet in a feather-light kiss…just as the door opens.

Cole, Sawyer, Jace, Dylan, and Wayne barrel inside the room and circle around my bed.

“Oh, my God,” Dylan sighs. “He’s the cutest baby in the world.”

“I can’t tell which one of you he takes after more,” Jace says.

“About damn time he showed up,” this from Cole.

Wayne beams. “Can I hold my grandson?”

Sawyer’s eyes become glassy and she reaches for a tissue. “I can’t believe one of us has one of them.”

After handing him over to Wayne, I rub her growing belly. “I can’t wait to meet my niece and nephew.”

Jace sucks in a breath. “I can’t believe I’m an uncle.” Pulling out his phone, he snaps a picture of his nephew. “By the way, Dad wanted me to tell you he’ll be here soon. He’s on a plane headed back from Australia so it’s taking him longer than expected.” 

Smiling, Wayne looks down at his grandson and coos, “I’m your grandpa and I’m going to spoil the shit out of you, so you better get used to it.” Pride illuminates his face as he hands him to Oakley. “I can’t wait for your sister to meet him, Oak. He’s beautiful.” 

“Of course he is,” Cole declares. “He’s half Covington.”

“And half Zelenka,” I point out because as far as I’m concerned, my husband is the hottest thing on the planet.

Oakley grins as he stares down at his son who’s squeezing his finger while he sleeps. “He’s go

“Over my dead body,” I mutter under my breath. 

I make grabby hands for Oakley to give me our son back after another minute goes by. If he’s gone too long, I get separation anxiety.

The nurse assured me it was normal and it will pass soon, but I’m not so sure.

I just want to hold him in my arms and keep him safe forever. 

“So,” Cole says. “Did you decide on a name yet?”

Before I can answer, everyone starts speaking at once.

“You should name him Jace after your favorite brother.”

Cole shoots Jace a dirty look. “You should name him Cole after your good-looking brother.”

Dylan gives me a rueful grin. “Dylan is a great boy’s name, too. Just saying.”

Sawyer nudges her in the ribs. “So is Sawyer.”

Oakley and I exchange a humorous glance.

“Okay,” Oakley declares, rubbing his hands together. “The bidding starts at fifty dollars.”

After pulling out his wallet, Jace slaps some money on the tray table. “I got a hundred for Jace, right here.”

Cole shoves some bills into Oakley’s hands. “I got two hundred for Cole.”

Wayne reaches inside his pocket. “Do you take credit?”

“Sorry, Pops. Cash only.” Fa

Dylan pulls some money out of her bra. “Yup. Four hundred for Dylan.”

 “Well, I didn’t bring my checkbook with me.” Smiling smugly, Sawyer pats her stomach. “But we are having a girl and a boy. Perhaps we can work out an exchange.”

Jace glowers. “That’s not fair.”

“It’s called bartering, bro.” Reaching over, Cole high-fives his wife. “And that right there is just one reason I love you so much, Bible Thumper. You’re so fucking smart.”