Page 324 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus
I’ve watcheda lotof birthing videos. That’s the only thing keeping me calm right now. I tried to get the guys to watch them with me, but only Miller made it through the first one. After that, he said he got the idea and passed on checking out anymore.
“She’s perfect,” Nik says. His voice quavers with emotion.
“I’m so proud of you,” Miller adds, pushing his way up to kiss Mel’s forehead.
“I love you, sweetheart,” Carver adds.
And because it’s all my brain can focus on, I simply say, “You’re still going to have to deliver the placenta.”
Melody snorts, giving me a tired smile. “I love you, Oli.”
I say a silent thank you to the universe for sending me a woman that understands that was my way of saying I love you.
“Have you decided on a name?” I ask once we’re settled into a private room.
I’m snuggled on the bed at Mel’s side, and I can’t stop myself from running my fingers over the baby’s soft hair as she... I don’t think she’s actually nursing since she’s conked out. I think she’s using Mel as a human pacifier at the moment.
The chunky little lady weighed in at eight pounds nine ounces, and she really needs a name.
“Should we open the baby name book that my mom sent and each pick a page randomly?” Carver asks, chuckling. “Then we can do it lottery style from there.”
“One of these days, I swear we’re going to see you on one of those television shows featuring the dumbest ways to die.” Nik laughs, gesturing to Mel. “Damn, gorgeous. That look is intimidating.”
“You really need to stop,” Miller says. He’s on Melody’s other side in one of the chairs, but he’s leaning mostly on the bed.
“They love tormenting me,” Mel says, stretching back. “I’m fond of Kendall, Linley, and Mallory.”
“Shall we vote?” Carver asks, winking at Mel.
“She just pushed out an almost nine-pound baby. I think that means she gets full naming rights,” Nik says.
Someone knocks on the door. All of our gazes fly to it. The nurses and several different doctors have been in and out. The pediatrician Mel picked checked in less than an hour ago though.
My jaw falls when Ben Hall pokes his head in the door.
Chapter Forty-Two
Melody
“Hey Mel,” Ben says, shoving up his shirt sleeve as he quietly comes into my hospital room.
My heart races, and I have the undeniable urge to whine. I don’t want him near me or Mallory.
Yes, fine. I picked a name weeks ago, but I needed to be sure it fit once she was born. Still the urge to beg Carver or Miller to kick him out is strong.
“She’s feeding the baby,” Nik growls, stepping in front of his path. “Turn around.”
“Do you want me to burp her?” Oliver offers.
“Yeah.” I groan, gently pulling her small mouth off my super sore boob.
God, I really hope they stop the dramatics. Both breasts feel swollen and extremely tender. My nipples have barely gotten a workout, but they’re miserable too. I’m only like four hours into nursing. I’ve heard it gets easier over time, and I’m hopeful because right now? I kind of feel like crying as my arm bumps my breast when I hand Mallory to Oliver.
“Hey, grunty girl,” Oliver says, beaming at her. “Oh yes, I know. Mom took the good stuff away.”
I yank up my hospital gown and glance at Ben. He’s got his back to us. Miller hops up and grabs a burp cloth from the baby cart, handing it to Oliver.
“Why don’t you and I check the cafeteria and see if we can find anything worth bringing back?” Carver asks Nik.
