Cyclops
Two Months Later
I winced when I heard Leigha throwing up. She’d done it every morning, and even some afternoons, for the last three weeks. While I was beyond thrilled about the reason behind it, I wished the pregnancy was easier for her. The kids were excited about getting a brother or sister and were already helping us come up with a list of names. All boy names with a T and girl names with an L, of course.
I kneeled down next to the kids and made sure I had their attention.
“There’s something I need to tell you, and it’s important. I know you’ve each been through a lot, and you’re still healing. I got some news today. Matteo and the two men who were hiding with him have not only been found, but they’ve been dealt with. Kye also found Mr. Sanders, and he won’t be hurting you or anyone else ever again.”
“Are they dead?” Tristan asked. “Did anyone get hurt going after them?”
“They’re dead. The two men Beast sent after them, Wrangler and Snake, found them and made sure they suffered before they died. I know I shouldn’t tell you things like that, but you haven’t exactly lived normal lives up to this point. I don’t want any of you looking over your shoulders, worrying that man will come for you. You’re safe. Brenna wanted to help catch them, but Copper wouldn’t let her. It’s why it took longer. Wrangler, Snake, and Kye are all okay. It’s over.”
Lacy put her arms around me. “Thank you, Daddy.”
“The three of you sit tight. I’m going to check on your mom.”
They went back to watching the cartoon I’d put on for them, and I went down the hall to the bathroom. Leigha groaned and had her forehead pressed against the edge of the bathtub.
“If I get up, I’m going to puke again. But this floor is hard as shit. We need a thicker rug if I’m going to spend so much time down here.”
I rolled my lips in and pressed down so I wouldn’t utter what was dying to come out. But I like it when you’re on your knees. Nope. Not saying it. I didn’t have a death wish.
“Need something, kitten? Water? A cold, wet rag?”
She lifted her arms. “Carry me to the couch? Maybe if I don’t walk, it won’t be so bad.”
I knew different. We’d tried it a million times before. Wouldn’t matter. The little peanut inside her would still make her puke off and on all day. The doctor said the morning sickness would pass in another month. I hoped like hell he was right. I’d heard of women who were sick their entire pregnancy. If that happened, I didn’t think Leigha would want that huge family she’d been talking about, and I wouldn’t either. I hated seeing her so miserable.
I eased her onto the couch, then went to get the bucket for her. It grossed the kids out when she used it, but I didn’t want her rushing to the bathroom and possibly falling. I kissed her forehead and smiled at the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen.
“I love you, Leigha.”
“We love you, Daddy,” Lacy said behind me.
I chuckled and turned to the kids. “I love the three of you, too. Very much. Let’s let Momma rest for a bit. Why don’t y’all go out back to play? Uncle Logan put a surprise out there for you.”
They rushed from the room and Leigha held out her hand to me. “What did my brother buy now?”
“A sandbox. Small enough we can easily move it to the new house when it’s ready. Still want six bedrooms?”
She smiled and nodded. “We’ll need them.”
My brow furrowed and I stared. “What do you mean? We have three kids, and a fourth on the way.”
“Sorry, Papa Bear. We don’t have one on the way. Remember the appointment you missed yesterday? And I told you I had news to share?”
I sank to my knees next to the couch. “Are you saying we’re having twins?”
“Yep. Told you it was possible.”
I placed my hand on her belly and leaned down to kiss her. Putting my face near her still-flat stomach, I had a brief talk with my children. I promised to keep them safe, to always love them, and make sure they would have happy lives.
And I’d do anything to keep that vow. Not just to the unborn twins in Leigha’s stomach, but to Lacy, Tristan, and Tyler as well.
“Finding you in the alley that day was the best thing to ever happen to me,” I said. “I know it was scary and traumatizing for you. If I could change the events, I would. But the one thing I will never wish away is meeting you. Leigha, you’re the most amazing, kind, loving woman I’ve ever known. I’m so damn glad you’re mine.”
She ran her fingers through my hair. “I’m the lucky one.”
“You’re both lucky,” Logan yelled out from the front entry. “Hopefully, you’re both dressed too.”
He walked into the room, and I glowered at him. “Don’t you have your own place?”
He shrugged. “Why would I be there, when I know how much it annoys you to have me underfoot? Besides, we’re family.”
I smiled. “Yeah, we are. All right, Prospect. Come visit with your sister while I try to tire the kids out. Make yourself useful.”
He flipped me off and I chuckled as I went to find my kids.
Life wasn’t perfect. It was messy, sometimes bloody, and scary as fuck. But mine was as close to heaven as I’d ever get. Whatever it took, I’d make sure my wife and kids never regretted having me in their lives, because I damn sure wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world.