Until Arsen (Daniels Family 1)

I’ve been on bed rest for the past three months as a precaution, and Ember and Thea have been practically living with us ever since. They’ve traded on and off depending on their schedules, so I was never alone. Even Kol spent a week with me because the girls couldn’t get away.

“Kol, it’s happening.” Arsen phones his brother to tell him what’s going on, nothing but pride and excitement in his voice.

Jacob has been worrying me in the backseat. He’s being quiet and subdued. “Sweetheart, it’s going to be fine.” I reach a hand back to him, and he grips it. I can feel him shaking.

“I know, Mom.” I never tire of hearing him say that. It’s like I’m getting a gift each time.

As we roll up to the hospital, Kol is standing there with an entire maternity team ready to take me away. “Contractions are only a minute apart,” Arsen tells them as he helps me from my seat and onto the stretcher.

“Good luck, Mom!” Jacob calls, and I want to cry and hold my baby.

“I love you, sweetheart!” I see Arsen give him a quick hug as he runs after me, leaving our son with Kol while I bring new life into this world.

Jacob

Seeing my mom, the nicest woman I know, screaming in pain brings tears to my eyes. I’ve tried to stay strong for her. Dad has told me that I should show her how excited I am to have a new baby sister, and I am.

But I’m also scared.

What if they love her more than they love me?

What if they send me back?

What if they don’t want me anymore?

“Jake?” Uncle Kol grips my shoulder, squeezing it. “You okay?”

I look up to him; he’s a lot of fun. He’s always treated me like I was really his family. “I don’t want to lose you guys,” I reply. Angry when I feel my eyes fill with tears.

“Oh, kid, you ain’t never going to lose us. We’re family.” His smile is genuine.

“But they have their real baby, now.”

Without saying anything, he guides me upstairs to where Mom is going to have the baby and into a waiting room.

“You’re their real son, too, you know,” he tells me.

“Not by blood. I’m not really theirs.” I can’t contain my tears.

“Who says?” He looks angry.

“Kids at school.” I got into a fight twice this year because of it.

“Have they ever made you feel like they won’t love you anymore?”

“No. Mom does her best to let me help with all the baby stuff.” I really enjoyed all the extra time I’ve been getting to spend with her. Mom’s smile soothes me in ways I never knew before.

“Yeah?” Uncle Kol smiles. “And Dad, he likes to play basketball with you, right?”

“And fishing,” I say. It’s one of our favorite things to do.

“Don’t you guys have a boys’ weekend planned in three weeks?”

“Oh yeah!”

“Can I tell you a secret, Jake?”

“Yeah!” I’m excited Uncle Kol wants to tell me something.