Page 94 of Kings of the Campus

“Water broke, we’ve been arguing for almost an hour, and now we really need to go,” Devin explains, sounding exasperated. “Tessa’s been stalling.”

Alec looks over at me, half-smiling. “You okay?”

“I’m fine,” I say brightly, though I’m starting to feel the contractions stronger now. “But yes, we can go now.”

Jace gives an exasperated laugh. “Oh, now you’re ready.”

I grin as they hurry to grab the last few things. Finally, we bundle everything into the car and get me settled inside. Alec sits in the back with me, holding my hand while Jace and Devin load up the rest of the bags and climb into the front.

As we drive off toward the hospital, I glance around at the boys, feeling calm despite everything. I know this is it. The babies are coming, and we can handle it.

It’s hours later, and I’m exhausted, but I can’t stop smiling as I look down at the tiny babies in my arms. The room is quiet and peaceful. Alec, Devin, and Jace are all gathered around me,marveling at the little fingers and toes and cute little noses of our new babies. It’s surreal, seeing them like this—so small, so perfect.

“They’re really here,” I whisper, still trying to process it.

Devin grins at me, his eyes bright as he looks at the little girl in his arms. “Yeah, they are.”

Jace is next to him, gently cradling the baby boy. “They’re beautiful, Tess.”

Alec leans over to kiss my forehead, his own eyes misty as he looks at our babies. “You did amazing.”

I laugh, feeling a bit overwhelmed, in the best way. “We did this together.”

There’s a long moment of silence, everyone just taking in the moment, before Devin looks up with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “So…what are we naming them?”

Everyone freezes. The room falls completely silent.

Jace looks up first, blinking. “We forgot to pick names, didn’t we?”

I stifle a giggle, feeling a wave of exhaustion mix with amusement. “We really did.”

Devin laughs, shaking his head in disbelief. “Well, we better come up with something before they grow up being called Hey You, You There, and The Other One.”

I giggle, then look down at the baby girl in my arms and smile softly. “How about…Rosie?”

Devin grins, looking over at the other girl. “I like that. Then maybe this one could be Mia.”

Jace nods, bouncing the little boy lightly in his arms. “And this guy…I think he’s a Jamie.”

Alec smiles, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “Rosie, Mia, and Jamie. I like it.”

“Perfect,” I say softly, my heart full as I gaze at our little family.

The room settles into a warm, quiet contentment, the weight of everything we’ve been through easing now that the babies are here and safe. As I look around at the boys, at the three little lives we’ve brought into the world, I feel a deep sense of peace. This is the beginning of something incredible.

A couple of days pass, and the house is finally starting to feel like home again. The babies are settling in, and the boys and I are adjusting to our new normal—exhausted, but happy.

I’m in the living room, cradling Jamie while Rosie and Mia sleep in their bassinets when the doorbell rings. My heart skips, and a sense of unease creeps in. I glance toward the door, instinctively pulling Jamie closer.

Jace comes out of the kitchen, exchanging a look with Devin before opening the door. Alec is currently on his baby break, napping in the bedroom.

Ryan stands on the porch, looking uncomfortable, shifting from foot to foot, holding something large in his hands—a beautifully crafted crib mobile with hand-painted figures of animals.

I feel my throat tighten as I take in the sight of him. I haven’t seen Ryan since everything went down with Max, and the memories flood back. Devin steps forward, blocking the doorway slightly, his tone firm but calm. “If you’re here to upset Tessa or the babies, you can leave right now.”

Ryan shakes his head quickly, looking earnest. “No, I’m not here to cause any trouble. I just…I needed to apologize.”

Jace narrows his eyes but steps aside, motioning for Ryan to come in. Ryan walks into the living room, looking a little unsure of himself, but he sets the mobile down on the coffee table, glancing at me with genuine remorse.

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