We walked for a bit, her leaning into my side more and more. I heard the sound of the boat leaving. The laughter of my daughters as Missy and Evie came to get them. They brought the girls over for hugs and kisses, Skylar burying her face into my neck as I held her.
“Sweep, Daddy.”
I chuckled and kissed her head. She was a mini Tally, right down to the freckles. “You go with Auntie Evie and she’ll let you go back to sleep. I’ll come get you later, okay?”
“Tay,” she mumbled.
Julianna was more aware of what was happening. “The baby coming today?” She asked me.
“I think so.”
“Will he be bigger than Skysky was? Can I play with him right away?”
“Not for a bit. But you can hold him.”
That satisfied her.
After more kisses and snuggles, they went with Evie and Missy. Without asking, I swooped Tally into my arms. The pained look on her face told me all I needed to know.
“He’s coming fast, isn’t he?”
“Yes,” she ground out. “I hope Marcus hurries.”
“I hear the boat. Let’s get you inside.”
**
Two hours later, I held my son. At just over ten pounds, he was a struggle for Tally, but my brave, incredible wife delivered him. He was long, wrinkled, and red faced as he pushed himself into the world, screaming his displeasure, making us all smile at his entrance.
Once he was cleaned and wrapped, I got him. I stared down at him in wonder, touching the dark hair on his head and stroking his full cheek.
“He’s perfect,” I said to Tally, who watched us from bed. She was tired and worn out, but still so beautiful.
“He is,” she agreed. “And big.”
“Strong.”
I sat beside her, lifting her hand to my mouth. “Thank you, Tally. For my son. Our girls.” I brushed my mouth over hers. “Our life.”
“Do you ever regret it?” she asked, sounding vulnerable.
“Giving up Hidden Justice? No. Not a single moment. I love it here. I love our life. Our family.” I kissed her again. “I love you.”
Our son shifted and I settled him in the crook of my arm. “Matteo once told me his children gave him something he never found in the job. I didn’t understand it until I found you. Until you gave me Julianna. Now I get it. Our children, you, mean everything to me.”
She smiled. “You mean everything to us.”
“Then know I have no regrets. I look forward to the rest of my life here with you. I’m sure the kids will keep us plenty busy.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” She sighed as she watched us. “We have to choose a name.”
“You still like Joseph?”
“Joseph Alexander Grayson. Joey for short. Yes.”
“Then welcome to the world, Joey,” I murmured. I heard the sounds of laughter approaching and I grinned.
“Time to meet your sisters. Brace yourself little man.”
I stood and gazed at my wife. “Sleep, baby. I’ll bring the girls in soon and we can have a family cuddle.”
“Sounds good.”
I pressed a kiss to her head.
“Yeah, it does.”