Page 26 of Paradox
“I guess. I’m just so tired. Hey, Dr. E.”
“Good morning, beautiful. How’s motherhood so far?”
“Oh, baby Jesus. I have so many different emotions bubbling inside me I don’t know what to do. Is that normal, to feel happy, sad, angry, and scared at the same time?”
“It is. You might feel like that for a while as you adjust to your new life. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always call me. And let that one”—I jerk my head at Gage—“help you out. You can put him in charge of the diaper changes.”
Raven giggles, nodding as she turns to Gage. “You hear that? Doctor’s orders.”
“The doctor’s an asshole. I wouldn’t put much stock into what he says.” He grins through the words, but I know he won’t leave Raven’s side. I doubt if he’s left the hospital since she’s been here.
The door opens and the nurse enters, wheeling the twins in. “Feeding time,” she announces, her voice bubbly.
Gage is immediately at her side, picking up the baby dressed in pink and cradling her in his arms.
“Hey, princess,” he coos.
I get Chaos, bringing him over to his mother. Holding him in my arms makes me long for the next four months to be over. I can’t wait for my baby girl to get here. Chaos begins to fuss and I hand him over, watching Raven prepare to feed him. The nurse helps her while Gage sits in a chair by the bed, whispering to his daughter. I take in the scene, happy that this will be me and my family soon. It’s what I’ve always wanted—a wife, kids. It’s time I stopped pussyfooting around the issue. I need to get that ring on Ellen’s finger.
I say my goodbyes, leaving the hospital to head to my office. On the way, I call Nita and ask her to watch Mikey tonight. I also call The Brook, where we had our first date, and thankfully they’re able to squeeze me in because of a last-minute cancellation. After telling the woman on the phone my plans, she transfers me to the manager, who helps me set everything up. My final and most important call is to Ellen.
“Hey, babe,” she answers.
“I’m taking you out tonight.”
“Is that so?” I can hear the smile in her voice.
“It is. I already talked to Nita and she’s going to watch Mikey. I made reservations. All you have to do is get all dolled up.”
“Mmm… I like it when my man takes charge.”
“Is that so?” I echo her earlier words.
She giggles, the sound warming my heart. “It is. I know just the outfit to wear.”
“Can’t wait to see it, beautiful. Be ready by eight.”
“Okay. See you later.”
“Later, babe.”
Tapping my fingers on the steering wheel, I whistle on my way to work. As I pass by the cemetery, I check my watch. I still have thirty minutes before I need to be in the office, so I decide to pay Eddie a visit. I doubt I’ve been here since the day he was buried. The first thing I notice about his grave is the fresh flowers. I know Ellen still comes here, but I don’t know how often.
“Hey, brother. Bet you’re surprised to see me, huh? Then again, maybe not. You can probably guess why I’m here.”
I rub the back of my neck, nervous for an unknown reason. I didn’t even feel like this when I told Chopper I took his daughter on a date.
Taking a deep breath, I continue, “I love her, man, and I couldn’t love Mikey more if he was mine. I’ll take care of them, I promise.” Moving closer, I lay a hand on the headstone. “I’m going to ask her to marry me… tonight. I just… I guess I just want you to know they’re safe with me.” Sighing, I take a step back. “Well, that’s all I wanted to say. Sleep in peace, brother.”
I walk away, my shoulders feeling lighter. Now I need to get through today without losing my mind. By tonight, I’ll be an engaged man.
Bring it on.
CHAPTER 7
RAGE
***Gage***
