Page 132 of Waiting for Redemption

Taylor

Call me, I’m on my break and I want to hear her scream when she finds out.

I dial Taylor’s number, turning the volume down so no one hears it ringing before sliding the phone back into my pocket.

“So, listen. Tank and I have something to tell you.” I look up at Tank, who can’t hold back his smile, then back down at Hendrix before pulling the ultrasound from my pocket.

“You’re going to be a big brother.” Shane slaps Max’s arm with such forcemyarm is stinging.

“We’re gonna have a baby like Cece?” He gasps excitedly.

“We are. How do you feel about that?” I ask, my heart thumping wildly as I wait for his response.

“ALRIGHT!” he yells, squeezing me tight around my waist before looking up at Tank.

“I’m gonna squeeze you so hard when you’re feeling better, Dad.” He points at Tank, making him laugh.

“Sounds like a plan, buddy.” I finally look up at Shane who looks like she’s been holding her breath since the wordsbig brothercame out of my mouth.

“Breathe, Shane,” I say, making a loud andlongsqueal come from her tiny body.

“OH MY GOD!” She runs over to wrap me in her arms. “Congratulations, mama,” she whispers as my arms wrap around her as well.

“Congratulations, man,” Max says to Tank, fist-bumping him since their usual handshake and hug combo would probably put Tank on his knees right now, which is a visual I wouldn’t mind atall.

“Thanks, brother.”

“Wait, who else knows?” Shane asks, unable to wipe the huge smile from her face.

“Just Taylor and Tucker… Oh, shi–oot,” I say, pulling my phone from my pocket.

“Hello?”

“I thought for a minute there she had passed out. Thanks for letting me feel present for the moment. See you guys later,” she says, making me laugh.

“Anytime. Talk to you later.” I slide my phone back into my pocket to give Shane my full attention again.

“She wanted to hear the scream,” I explain, making Shane roll her eyes.

“Why am I not surprised?”

“Let’s go, Honey. I’m ready to take a shower and lay in my own bed.”

We gather Hendrix’s things, say our goodbyes, and load Mav into my car. Thank God for friends who drop your vehicle off so you don’t have to Uber home from the hospital. The whole ride home Hendrix talks about all the things he’ll do with his sibling if it’s a brother, and all the ways he’ll protect her if it’s a sister, while Tank’s free hand stays on my stomach.

“Would it be okay with you if we reschedule our beach trip for spring break or the beginning of summer? I just want to be fully healed so Hendrix and I can play in the water while you relax and take care of this little one,” Tank suggests, making the dream I had while passed out in the hospital come rushing back to me.

“Sure, sounds like a plan.” I smile in agreement.

“So…when are we getting fried rice? My bathroom is still clean.” Tank and I both stifle a laugh as we pull into our driveway.

“Okay, okay. But I’m having it delivered this time,” I insist, squeezing Tank’s hand before pulling out my phone to place the order.

No way am I letting him out of my sight for the next… ever probably.

* * *

CHRISTMAS DAY

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