Duke

“Aww. That’s the perfect answer,” Mom says, pulling her into a hug. “Everyone. Your brother has some amazing news.” We follow her into the dining room, and Prince comes in too.

“We got married and we’re having a baby,” I tell everyone.

“That’s terrific son,” Dad says from the corner.

“Shit. Sorry Dad, I thought you were in Washington.”

“Came home for the weekend. I’ve missed you guys.” He pulls me into a hug first, and then Esther. “Welcome to our family.”

“Thank you,” she says, wiping tears from her eyes.

“Let’s eat dinner and at least talk about a big reception,” Mom says, ushering everyone to the table. “Now, I’m not mad per se, but I should have been there. You couldn’t have waited?” she implores.

“I’m sorry, Susan. We couldn’t wait. But we are agreeable to a party of epic proportions.”

“We must discuss specifics”, mom says. She and Esther turn towards each other and they laugh and discuss between bites.

In the end, we decided on a big reception after the baby is born. Before the meal is over, we watch in fascination as Prince’s phone rings once. He declines the call and then resumes eating. Three more times, this happens. He looks at it and frowns before answering it.

“Roades,” he barks. “Son of a bitch,” he shouts and gets up from the table and walks out the front door without a word.

“What the hell was that about?” Mom asks.

“It has to be a woman. Nothing else makes a man forget himself like that,” Frannie says. I laugh.

“Yeah right. He doesn’t give women the time of day,” Baron says.

“Betcha one month of future diaper duty, I’m right.” she says smugly, rubbing her belly.

“Deal,” he agrees and then they shake hands. We all laugh then and enjoy the rest of our meal.

For the rest of our lives together as man and wife.EpilogueEstherFive and a half Months LaterI am going to fucking kill him. “Come on precious. You can do this.” He wipes my forehead as I sit here, my chest heaving like an elephant is sitting on it, as I try to push a damn football team out of my pussy. Yes. You heard me. When we went for our sixteen-week checkup, we found out that we are having three boys. Three big ass boys. Who the hell thought this was a good idea? “I love you so much, baby. I’m right here.”

“Get the hell away from me, asshole. You did this to me,” I yell at him. My mind knows it is not his fault, but right now I am so fucking pissed.

“Mrs. Roades, a couple more pushes and this will all be over.” A couple more. She says it like I’m pushing a fucking shopping cart, instead of the whole damn store. Bitch. Bracing my legs in the stirrups, I lift up using my arms as an anchor with Duke’s hands on my back, as one more force of strength. I am not sure how long this lasts, but suddenly I feel my body exhale and a loud wail and squeal resounds into the air.

“Esther, look. Look at him.” I look over at my son and cry. An overwhelming feeling of protectiveness and love taking over me.

“Hey little guy,” I say, putting my finger into his little hand. “I’m your mom.” Duke looks at me and smiles, his eyes are filled with tears.

“Hey, little Duke. I’m your dad. I love you, your mom, and brothers so much.” He kisses his head before the nurse comes to take him. Then the pain hits again.

“Ok, Mrs. Roades. Let’s get the other two out.” For ten more grueling minutes, I push, yelling and grunting, sweating like a damn pig, until my other two sons are out. By the time I catch my breath and open my eyes, Duke is holding them both in his arms.

“Welcome to the world, Kiernan and Blake.” I look at this beautiful man, as he looks at our children and I know…

“Oh God. What’s happening? Dr. Lane?” I scream as I begin having another contraction. I know they say the placenta is supposed to come out, but this is something else. Duke hands the babies to the nurses and comes back to my side screaming and yelling at the doctor.

“Calm down. Everything is fine. Seems we have a stowaway.”

“A what-a-way? What the hell are you talking about?” he yells at her, his face menacing.

“Push once more.”

“What the fuck is she….” before he can finish, this tiny little cry interrupts him and we both look down at this little squawking baby.

“What have we here? Seems you have a little girl, hiding herself behind her brothers.”

“Oh my god. Hiding? Is she... is she ok?” Panic takes over, as I am realizing she is much smaller than the other three. I hold my hand out for Duke, and as anticipated he is right beside me.