Page 88 of Sniper

“Brother,” Doc rasps, “I promise I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure your baby comes into the world safely. Ken will also be here in a moment; she’s just getting everything we need.”

Theo drops his head with a sigh, and my tears fall.

Yet again, I’m only thinking about myself and not the man who gave me everything, including his heart.

“Theo, I…” I start but gasp and bend over, clutching the counter as another contraction hits.

“Fuck,” I hear Theo snap before strong arms grab me, and a musky, woodsy smell hits my senses. I grip Theo’s cut as he lifts me bridal style.

“It hurts,” I cry out, and he curses again, carrying me through the house. I tense, thinking he’s about to walk out the door, even though right now, if he did, I couldn’t hold it against him.

He’s been so strong for me. Even after finding out about my past, he held onto me tightly and kept his emotions in check, except for the four hours that day. He deserves someone to be strong for him, but instead of going outside, he takes me upstairs, and I whisper, “Theo….”

He shakes his head. “Don’t, Rory. I’m fucking angry at you, but I won’t hold your wishes against you. I can’t. I haven’t got it in me to do so.”

My tears fall as he lays me on our bed, then removes my soaked underwear for me.

I cry, “I’m sorry….”

God, I’m so selfish.

He gives me a smile. “I love you, Rory.”

I go to reply but gasp instead and cry out as the urge to push hits me, and Theo curses, shouting, “Doc!”

Doc rushes into the room with Kennedy, who is carrying several bags. Kennedy grins and cheerfully states, “Let’s have a baby, shall we?”

Panic hits me, and I pray and hope I haven’t made the wrong decision to have a home birth.

I can’t lose this baby like I lost his sister….

“Three hours of pushing…you’re amazing, Firecracker,” Theo rasps from behind me, and I smile, gently stroking my hand over our son’s bald head.

“He’s perfect,” I whisper, a few tears falling. I hate myself right now, because all I can think about is if his sister would look just like him.

Theo kisses my head, his hand going to our son's back. “Don’t feel guilty, Firecracker. You're allowed to wonder because I am, too.”

I smile a little. “You always know what I’m thinking….”

Harlen coos, making me smile.

Theo murmurs, “Always. You’re my heart and soul. Also, honestly, I’m thinking the same, but I also feel blessed because we have this gorgeous little boy. He’ll be the heart of our family and the reminder of his sister. She’ll be in him every day.”

I nod, my eyes taking in Harlen and how amazing he is as I lay my head back on my husband’s chest.

“When is Autumn coming?” I ask.

He kisses my head and whispers, “She’ll be here in the next hour. Momma said she’s trying to find the perfect gift for her baby brother….”

I smile, not taking my eyes off Harlen.

“I’m sorry I didn’t take your feelings into count. I was only thinking about myself, I?—”

Theo cuts me off, "You have every right to think only about yourself, Rory. You were held for a year, and then on the run for two more, before you finally settled here. You have every right to put yourself first.”

I sniffle. “But you have every right to be able to speak, and voice your fears.”

He wraps his arm tightly around me, and whispers, “I voice them when I think they need voicing, Firecracker. I won’t stress you.”

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