Page 100 of Treasure and Tarot

“Huh.” He got a sympathetic look. “It could take way longer.”

“Devon said he’d been in labor for a bit.”

Gent clapped him on the arm, smiled at him. “Why aren’t you back there with him, then?”

“They’re getting him all cleaned up and getting the bed ready and everything. We were in the bathing room.” This birthing center was so cool. He was grateful for it.

“Oh, that’s cool. I?—”

“Colton! Colton, I need you!”

“Coming, love!” He ran for it, knowing Gent would check in and see what was needed. His friend was a good man. He slid into the birthing room. “I’m here.”

“He’s progressing quickly. Second babies, you know. He’s almost ready to push.” Devon smiled at him. “He’s not a patient man, is he?”

“No. No, and he can be stubborn.” He winked at Devon. “But I’m ready too. I want to meet her.”

“Yes. Our second baby girl. I want her to look just like Abby.” Sebastian was starting to pant again.

“Yeah? You don’t want her to have your eyes?” he asked, sitting by Sebastian to grab his hand.

“No. No, I love your eyes. I love—” Sebastian groaned. “She’s coming, Colton. She’s coming!”

“She is,” Devon agreed. “Get in there and support him, Colton. We need to push now. Breathe, Sebastian.”

Colton slid in behind Sebastian as he curled up and forward, supporting his lower back. “I got you, baby. This time, I got you.”

“Uh-huh. Got me. Love you.” Sebastian bared his teeth and pulled up his knees. “Please!”

“Come on, baby. Breathe. Devon says you have to breathe.”

“Uhhnnnnn!” Sebastian stopped pushing to pant, then curled up again, groaning.

“One or two more pushes, man. That’s all. You can do this.” Devon’s tone was sure, steady, and Sebastian nodded for them.

“One or two. I can do that.”

“You can.” And please let it be soon. Seeing Sebastian in such pain was killing him. He wanted his love to be able to rest.

“He’s strong. Last time took forever, right, Sebastian?”

“Shut up, Devon.”

Devon chuckled, but Colton agreed. Now was not the time to reminisce about all that.

Sebastian panted a few times, and then gasped, curling up, entire body going stiff and hard.

“That’s it! Here she comes, Sebastian. She’s ready to arrive. Look at that girl.” Devon sounded proud more than anything, and Colton was hellacious relieved.

“You can do it, love. This is it. This is our girl, our Dani.”

“Ours. Help me!” Sebastian screamed, and he held on, and in a moment that seemed to take forever, his baby girl was in Devon’s hands.

“There. There you are, baby. You’re all right.” Sebastian had to be all right. Colton eased him back, letting Sebastian collapse on him.

“Is she all right? Is she healthy?” Sebastian’s eyes were frantic, searching their baby out.

“What do you think, Papa?” Devon swiped their girl’s nose and mouth, then did something that made her draw a breath and cry for all she was worth. She looked red, and weird, and so perfect.

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