Page 66 of Bossy Grump's Secret

The time I’ve spent with my parents since Ava came into my life has been meaningful and fruitful. Talks about her subsequently led to discussions about us, which helped draw us closer as a family. If this is how it is, then Ava might be the best thing that has ever happened to me.

The car arrives just as we tie the last balloon. I told Ava we were having a family dinner like the last time, and she came in, unaware of the surprise. Even Lily is in on the plan; in fact, she is the one who helps us lure Ava into the garden and keeps her distracted enough not to notice the decorations off to one side. When she finally does, all of us yell and scream.

“Surprise!” That startles her sufficiently for us to call this a successful surprise party.

"Dylan! Oh, my God! Did you plan this!?" She melts into my arms in embarrassment. The place isn't packed but contains enough family and well-wishers for a festive event. Even her parents are here.

“Nope. It was all Mom’s idea.” I get out of her field of view to give her a proper sighting.

“Good evening, ma’am. Th…thank you, so much…I…” Ava stutters, but Mom pulls her into her arms instead. The site is indeed beautiful.

“Ava, darling, this is more than just congratulations on birthing a baby and adding to the population of both families. It's also an apology." Mom releases Ava, who is swollen with love. I caress her belly as she listens.

"I haven't been your best person, and there's no way for me to tell you I'm sorry I am." She looks at Ava's stomach and processes my mother’s following words. "There's nothing more beautiful to me than seeing my son happy… and if you’re his happiness, then you’re my happiness as well.” She nods.

"Thank you so much, Mrs. Belf…."

“Ah, shh, shh…call me, Mom, darling. You're my daughter now." She smiles, and they hug again. Longer this time, and it subtly annoys me.

This is when I should have my girlfriend all to myself!

It seems I’m the only one that loses in this scenario because they steal away to have a girly talk with the rest of the ladies, leaving us men - and, surprisingly, Lily - staring awkwardly at each other.

“So…” she starts off. “Anybody want to play pool? I have my wager,” she offers and blinks.

It is no surprise later why she offered when she beat all the men…twice.

Ava

"I'm going to count down to three." The nurse tells me when the buildup of pain nearly splits me.

"Are you ready?"

I cry out in response. Is anyone ever ready for this?

The pain started like period cramps, but then there was a dial, and someone kept increasing the intensity little by little until I could only scream in response to what everyone was saying. But Dylan is here...and so is his mother. As long as there are no complications, the doctor will allow them to stay, which I'm hoping is the end of the labor. Till then, I'm a banshee.

"Okay, baby. You've got this. Come on, Candy..." Dylan motivates me.

"Aahhhhhh!"

"You're going to make it through this, okay. I have two, and I can tell you it wasn't easy, but here they are...and here I am," his mother coaxes.

"Aaahhhhhhhhh!" Any time the pain hits, I scream horror, pain, and furious frustration.

Just come out, you...baby!

"Hear me, I'mma need you to push, Ava. Are you with me?" The obstetrician shakes my face to ensure I comprehend what he's saying. I nod vigorously and still myself as the next contraction hits, preparing for the big one.

"Here... we'll hold your hand," Dylan suggests. "Mom, let's hold her hands."

Mrs. Belfrost seems uneasy but agrees, nonetheless. My silence keeps up for the following two contractions while the doctor counts down.

"Two...three!" I squeeze with all my might in perfect timing with a contraction, but the pain blinds me. It combines stretching and searing as the baby slides slowly out of my tense walls. A wail, tears from my throat, and the throats of the two people holding my hands.

"Almost there..I can see the head!" The doctor stretches my opening to give the baby more room to come out. I'm grateful.

At that moment, with my energy depleted by at least eighty per cent, I force the baby out in one last push... not even having the strength for a powerful wail but still keeping my death grip on the hands of my motivators.

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