Page 69 of Flawless Lyric

“What if I had left the room and you gave birth to my son while I was gone, Beauty?” I knew it. He’s angry and hurt and it wasn’t my intention. Now that I’ve calmed down, I’m just worried he won’t be able to handle it if something’s wrong with the baby.

“You heard the doctor. There’s still plenty of time before the baby comes. I thought you could use a break is all.” Tension is high, and it’s best if I just let it go. We’re both on edge and it won’t do us a bit of good to argue about something we have no control over.

Anger aside, he holds my hand and helps me breathe through my contractions for the next few hours. Being the best coach and partner a foolish woman like me could ever hope for. When the pain becomes unbearable, I scream. “Get the damn doctor because I need to push like yesterday!”

Micah’s wiping my brow, feeding me ice chips, and rubbing my thighs when the doc walks in.

“It’s showtime ladies and gentlemen. Let’s meet baby Monroe.”

“Wait!” Micah blurts out.

Is he crazy? Micah has lost his fucking mind if he thinks I’m waiting for another second. “Gary mentioned he’s a JP, and I want to marry this woman now so we all have the same last name.” Oh good god.

30

MICAH

“There’s no time,Micah. The baby’s ready.” Doc sympathizes with me, but he doesn’t stop prep.

I chastise myself for not speaking up earlier in the day when we had more time. Lyric looks shocked because this is the first time I’ve ever mentioned getting married and sharing a life with her. It’s not because I didn’t want to, I was afraid to scare her away because she was newly divorced.

“Gary, get over here and marry us right now because this baby can’t wait.”

“Beauty, are you sure?”

“Yes, Micah. Let’s get married before your son comes. Hurry.”

Doctor Taylor’s not too happy when Gary reads us the vows and we repeat after him. I know this is crazy, but it feels so damn right. I make up something on the fly and Lyric repeats them after me.

“I take you to be my partner for life, I promise above all else to live in truth with you and to communicate fully and fearlessly. I give you my hand and my heart as a sanctuary of warmth and peace. And I pledge my love, devotion, faith, and honor as I join my life to yours.”

As soon as Gary states, “I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Lyric screams and Doctor Taylor is right there.

“It’s a boy! Now let’s get him to NICU, stat.” I’m holding my breath when he cuts the cord and suctions him out. As soon as my son begins to cry, Doc wraps him in a towel. Then the nurses put him in an incubator and rushes him out the door. Lyric bursts into tears and I’m right there, consoling my wife.

“We have a baby boy, Beauty. And it sounds like he’s got a set of pipes just like his daddy. He’s going to be fine; you just wait and see.” She clings to me while the doc takes care of business. As soon as it’s over, the nurses begin cleaning her up.

Her body’s trembling from the aftershock so I hold her tightly against my chest. Knowing she’s missing her first bonding moment with our son. I do the best I can, but I’ll never be able to take his place. Ever.

“How’s he doing, Doc? Any word on what’s happening in there?” She’s anxious and so am I, but I need to be strong for her.

“Nothing yet, but with a preemie it takes time. By the way, what’s his name?” He stands over her, waiting. This guy is so patient and kind. I’m thankful he’s Lyric’s doctor.

“Gunnar, because he’s a bold and brave warrior.” A tear slips down her cheek and it guts me knowing I can’t take away her pain.

“I’m going to go check on Gunnar so you can get some rest. I’ll be right back.”

A sudden wave of guilt suddenly hits me as soon as he walks out the door. “I’m sorry I forced you into marrying me before the baby was born…”

“Stop, Micah. You didn’t force me. I’ve wanted to marry you since the day I found out I was having your baby. I love you so much and I’m honored to be your wife and the mother of your child. The timing was off, but it was perfect. Now you’re stuck with Lyric and Gunnar Monroe.” How did I get so lucky?

“I’m not stuck with the two of you, Beauty. I choose both of you. Today, tomorrow, and forever.” Our kiss is cut short when Doctor Taylor enters the room.

“You’re right, Lyric. Gunnar’s a fighter and he’s holding his own. He’s four pounds two ounces, his lungs are clear, and all the nurses are already in love with him. If you promise me you’ll get some rest, then you can meet your son.” I have tons of questions but we’re both so emotional we find solace in each other. It’s some comfort to know he’s getting the best care possible.

As soon as Lyric falls asleep, I sneak out of her room. Leaning on the wall, I slide all the way down until my ass hits the floor. With my arms wrapped around my knees, I let all of my pent-up emotions free. Not giving a flying fuck who walks by or sees me losing my shit. This is my only chance to let it out because when I walk back into that room, I need to be strong for my wife and my son.

My son. I fucking knew it was a boy!

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