“Yes, you can. Come on, love,” he urged.
“Make this go away,” I begged, and he laughed softly. Vulcan stroked the hair away from my face.
“Jody, I believe in you,” he whispered.
My stomach rippled as another contraction hit.
“Push, now!” the midwife called, and I shoved down. Something slipped from me, and I cried out in surprise.
“A boy!” the midwife cooed a few moments later. She turned as I slumped back into Vulcan’s arms.
“One more,” he murmured, and I shook my head.
“No, I’m protesting.”
“You can’t go on strike, love. You need to deliver our daughter.”
Vulcan’s words were laced with laughter, and they warmed me.
Fifteen minutes later, my daughter came screaming into the world, and both Vulcan and I chuckled tiredly. Labour had lasted twenty hours, and luckily, I’d never have to experience this agony again. The midwife and doctor tidied me up downbelow, putting in sixteen stitches. Peeing would be a nightmare. I was wheeled back to a private room as Vulcan stayed with the babies. He’d be along soon enough, and knowing my family was safe, I closed my eyes.
???
I opened my eyes as I heard voices. Standing by the hospital window was Vulcan, holding a baby. I guessed it was my daughter, judging by the pink cap. Vulcan was singing in Danish, and I started burning this memory into my brain.
Vulcan was a decent guy, better than what I deserved. He’d been a loyal friend the moment I arrived in Denmark and had been introduced to Konan’s brothers. Luckily, most spoke some English, but Aster and I promptly set about learning the language. Unlike the MCs I knew back home, most of these guys had day jobs, though the club owned some property and a couple of businesses.
Konan and Vulcan were extremely tight. Closer than even blood brothers. Konan was an enforcer, while Vulcan was their sergeant-at-arms.
I was deep in grief when I arrived here. It had taken a month to expedite my passport, and Vulcan and Konan had helped Aster and me fast-track work visas. Aster and Konan were getting married in three months, and I was overjoyed for them. Aster had found her man. Even while I mourned my loss, I was able to be happy. Aster deserved Konan.
Slowly, Vulcan wriggled his way into my life and became a close friend. He wanted more, and I’d kept putting him off. Magic had remained very much a strong presence. But Vulcan refused to give in to a ghost. After we’d known each other for twelve weeks, Vulcan admitted he’d fallen in love but wouldwait until I was ready. Until then, he’d attended all doctor’s appointments and was my emergency contact.
A month ago, I’d agreed to let Vulcan take me on a date. We were both nervous, neither of us wanting to spoil our friendship, but we’d had a good time. While Vulcan was a handsome man, he didn’t give me the immediate shivers that Magic had. But I was attracted nonetheless, although it felt like I was being unfaithful to Magic. That was something I’d wrestled with, even seeking therapy for. I struggled to grasp how the man I’d stood by when he was locked up for two years could turn so suddenly.
In the end, I came to understand that it was nothing I’d done. Communication had broken down between us. Magic and I had been at different stages of our lives. My intentions were long term, and his weren’t. I continued to love Magic, although it was tinged with grief and sadness now. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d ever stop loving Magic. Sadly, I’d believed he’d been my soulmate.
Vulcan had given me the strength to move on. And four weeks ago, I felt ready to date. It was shocking how easily Vulcan and I had settled into a routine. Vulcan had admitted that he’d fallen the moment he saw me. I’d teased him about how rough I’d looked back then, and Vulcan had stated I’d been beautiful.
I’d been worried that pregnancy might deter him, but it ended up cementing things for him. Vulcan couldn’t have children due to a childhood accident, so my pregnancy seemed like a gift from God. Even so, I remained wary despite Vulcan suggesting I name him as father and put him down on the birth certificate.
“What are you thinking,skat (darling)?” Vulcan asked. I gazed at him, noting how comfortable he was holding the baby and how content and happy he looked. Vulcan may not be my soulmate, but I knew I’d fall in love with him, eventually.
“Honey, I’ll marry you.”
Vulcan’s face lit up in a brilliant smile. “You will?”
“Yes. I’m falling for you.”
“And the other guy?” Vulcan asked, his light dimming a little.
“Magic will always be the man I loved first, but he’s notwho I’ll love last.”
Vulcan nodded and walked over with the baby. “They want to know if you have chosen names.”
“Yes. Our son is...
“Our son,” Vulcan interrupted, savouring the sound of that. He placed the girl in my arms while he picked up our son. “Go on.”
