Page 132 of One Reckless Night

“Of course,” Amelia said, smiling at them. “Come in, come in.”

They stepped into the room together. I couldn’t help but notice the way Clair was holding Shawn’s hand. Shawn looked pale, like he’d just run a marathon, but he was smiling.

“Congratulations,” Clair said as she looked at the baby. “He’s beautiful.”

“Thanks,” Amelia said, her voice filled with pride.

Shawn nodded, his expression softening as he looked at the baby. “He really is. How are you feeling, Amelia?”

“Tired,” she admitted, laughing softly. “But good. Really good.”

I couldn’t help but notice Shawn’s hand. There were definite claw marks. I couldn’t resist teasing him.

“Dude, is that blood? Brave man for trying to hold her hand mid-contraction.”

He winced but chuckled. “I think I need a splint.”

Amelia tried to look apologetic but was too happy to pull it off. “Sorry, Shawn. I didn’t mean to give you battle scars.”

“If that’s the price of admission, I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” he said.

“So,” Clair said, peering at us both with a knowing smile. “Anything else you want to share?”

Amelia held up her hand to show off the ring.

Clair nearly squealed. “I knew it! I knew there was no way he could help himself.”

Shawn grinned. “Congrats, guys.”

Amelia laughed, resting her head on my shoulder. “Definitely not how we planned our night. But honestly, what could be better?”

Claire and Shawn stayed for a while, chatting with us and cooing over the baby. I couldn’t help but notice how different Shawn seemed—more relaxed, more open. It was clear that something had shifted between him and Clair. I was happy for them. They deserved this. And it was about damn time. I’d give Shawn shit about it later.

After they left, Amelia and I turned our attention back to our son. We still hadn’t decided on a name. I knew we needed to figure it out soon.

“What do you think?” I asked, looking down at him. “Any ideas?”

Amelia smiled, her expression thoughtful. “I was thinking… maybe Ethan?”

I nodded, testing the name in my mind. “Ethan Welch. I like it.”

She smiled. “Me too.”

As we sat there, basking in the glow of our new little family, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen and saw that it was Michael. I hesitated for a moment, then answered.

“Hey,” I said, my voice soft to keep from disturbing the baby.

“Hey,” Michael replied. “How’s everything? How’s Amelia?”

“Everything’s good,” I said, smiling down at Amelia and Ethan. “Amelia’s amazing, and… we have a son.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and then Michael let out a whistle. “Wow. Congratulations, Jared. That’s incredible. What’s his name?”

“Ethan.”

“Congratulations. You’re a daddy.”

“Thanks,” I said, my voice rough with emotion. “It’s been a wild night.”