Page 25 of A Crossroads Christmas

Rael shrugged, a look of defeat on his features as he snuck a glance at Nylah.

Bodie held his son and pretended to nod off.

Patriot scratched the back of his neck. He finally leaned back, accepting defeat after Mimi’s glare. At least he held the baby, peacefully sleeping in his arms.

Papa was the only man left standing. He ate popcorn from a bowl, tossing buttered pieces into his mouth. “I arrived in time for this shit show. I’m plannin’ to watch how it ends.”

Bess shook her head, amused.

“I asked for one night, Dex.”

He cringed. “My goddess, the love of my life.”

Rael snickered.

Patriot cuffed him on the back of the head. “Shut the fuck up.”

“Ow. Fuck. I didn’t say anything.”

“You were thinkin’ about it.”

I rolled my eyes. Would Rael ever grow up?

“I want this cleaned up by morning.”

Grim nodded. “It’ll get done.”

“Not the prospects either.”

Bodie sighed. “We’re fucked.”

Yeah, probably.

“Babe, why don’t you go put your feet up? You probably need to relax. I’ll make you a cup of hot cocoa.”

I opened my mouth to reply when I felt a sharp pain in my stomach, and then it hardened. Oh,ouch. My eyes slid shut as I breathed through the contraction, recognizing what my body was doing since I’d gone through it already with Creed.

There was a tiny pop, and then fluid gushed out of me in front of everyone. A clear puddle appeared below my feet. My water broke! My eyes closed as I sighed. Now I had to change clothes.

Grim rushed to my side as my eyes opened, searching his anxious but excited expression.

“Babe, our son is finally coming.”

“Yeah,” I agreed. “Finally.”

His lips tipped upward into a grin. “We need to get to the hospital.”

“It’s an hour away.”

“That’s why we’re leaving now.”

“But I’m all wet.” Yeah, I realized how that sounded a little too late. Luckily, no one snickered.

“Okay. We’ll do that real quick, and then we’ll be on our way. Yeah?”

“Alright.” Another contraction ripped through me, and I held my stomach, breathing through it.

“Babe. We need to hurry. He’s not waiting.”

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