Page 80 of Pucks and Likes

My heart is pounding as pain explodes in my back and down my sides.

What happened to having two more weeks, Dr. Riley!

Asshole.

I dig my fingers into Alex’s arms as he holds me tight against him, whispering in my ear to breathe slowly. I don’t know how he knew, but I’m not surprised. He doesn’t keep his eyes off me for too long.

God, I’m thankful for his possessive ass.

As my sister tells Ciaran how much he means to her, Alex’s lips stay at my ear. He doesn’t stop encouraging me or let me go. He holds me tightly and with such a protective vibe that it brings tears to my eyes. I am scared out of my mind, and I want to go to the hospital right this second, but I refuse to ruin this moment for my sister. She deserves this. Her happily-ever-after with the ultimate book boyfriend come to life.

I close my eyes as the tears leak out when another wave of pain washes over my body. My stomach tenses up, and my back feels like it’s on fire.

This isn’t fun.

Zero stars.

Not a fan.

“Tap me twice when you can’t hang on anymore. It’s okay. I’ll sneak you out.”

I smile despite the pain. I turn my head, looking up at him. “Pretty sure they’d notice,” I mouth back, and he shrugs.

“I don’t care,” he mouths to me as he leans in, kissing the corner of my mouth.

I breathe in through my mouth and out through my nose like I learned in Lamaze. Alex mirrors my breathing, and it helps more than I thought. Eliza looks back at me, concern in her eyes, but I shake my head.

I am fine.

Just in a bit of labor.

No big deal.

When the minister asks Louisa if she takes Ciaran as her husband, a sob leaves me in relief. This is almost over. I’m sure everyone thinks I’m overcome with happiness for my sister and her new husband, but really, I feel like my kid is coming out of me Alien-style. Yes, I did Google to make sure that can’t really happen, and no, I’m not one hundred percent sure Google was right. Because it sure feels like Alejandro Benito Cruz Jr. is coming out of my belly button.

“This will be us soon,” my son’s father whispers in my ear. “I’ll be the one looking into the eyes of the woman I love and vowing myself to her for the rest of our lives.”

I’m breathless, and I almost forget I’m in labor.

Almost. Let’s be real—this doesn’t tickle.

“Alex,” I breathe, loving him even more in this moment. He is the perfect distraction.

“Really, though, I think I vowed myself to you when I asked you to give me a few weeks after the baby comes.” He kisses the shell of my ear. “I always knew you’d be mine. The first time you eye-fucked me when I was working out, I went home and fucked my hand with you on my mind.”

I can’t help but grin. This man is ruthless.

“I’ve wanted you since the moment I saw you, and now you’re mine, aren’t you? Soon, you’ll be my wife. And not to remind you, but the mother of all my children.”

My eyes drift shut as love engulfs me. “Sí.”

His lips curve against my ear, and by the grace of God, the minister says, “You may kiss the bride!”

As Ciaran dips Louisa back, kissing her deeply, I’m in awe of them for maybe a minute before my kid reminds me he wants out.

Same, bro. Same.

I tap Alex’s arm just as Lou and Ciaran part, and everyone starts to cheer for the newlyweds. The moment my palm hits his arm the second time, he’s moving. He starts to guide me past everyone, throwing up his hand. “Sorry, Elliot’s in labor.”

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