Page 155 of Butterfly Effect

Where am I going??

Landy

Ottawa birthing centre

Landy

But in a few hours

The man has got to be kidding me.

I throw my phone onto the nightstand.

“False alarm, Freckles. We’ll get to meet Baby Davé Radek in the morning.”

A pillow slams into my face before Gabe burrows under the comforter.

“Remind me to smother you in the morning.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I salute and simultaneously drop my pants before sliding into bed again, this time being sure to spoon this feisty cuddlebug. “I’m all yours.”

“Mm.”

Nestling into her neck is like coming home. “And you’re mine, all mine.”

Fletcher’s beady eyes follow me back and forth around the room.

“Will you sit down?” Gabe asks over her coffee cup, eyes hidden behind large, dark sunglasses. “Your pacing is making my headache worse.”

“Sorry.” I stop and park my ass between her and the other grump. “I’m on edge.”

“Nervous to meet the baby?” Fletch chimes in.

“Meeting is fine. I’m good with meeting.” My right knee bounces. “It’s holding it I’m worried about. What if I break it, snap it in half?”

“I’m no expert, but I don’t think babies do that.” Freckles and her sass. I love it, but not right now.

Ginger eyebrows rise in confirmation. “She’s right.”

Jaeg yawns and bobs his head. “They’re resilient little shits.”

“Easy for you two to say. You have the experience of, like, a million nieces and nephews.”

The lounge door opens with a creak. Four ruddy-face grandparents exit.

Congratulations are shared through handshakes and hugs as they sigh and gush about the newest addition to their world.

“Go on, guys.” Landon’s dad, Leon, holds the door open. “They’re waiting for you.”

Gabe sneaks a kiss in the seam of our interlocked hands as we stroll down the hallway.

Pale green walls line the dimly lit room.

Our chorused gasps echo through the silence at the sight of Landon outstretched alongside Indi on the bed, a cloth bundle cradled between them.

“Hi,” they whisper in unison.

“Hiiii,” we parrot back.

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