AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“How are you going to get that to the hospital on the back of a motorcycle?” Reese asked.
“You figure it out,” Josie said and gave the container to Reese.
“Thanks. And thank you, Aunt Athena.”
“I want to see that baby,” she said, waving a finger. “Club rules. All babies come to Aunt Athena for extra care and loving. Lord knows you all need it in this life you live.”
“I promise, Steph will come by with April,” Reese said.
They all hugged and said goodbye. Aunt Athena made sure to give Josie an extra ten kisses and did her best to convince her to turn Reese into an honest man. But Aunt Athena already knew how the rules went. It wasn’t about engagement rings and wedding rings and all that bullshit. It was about riding the wild curves of life.
They got to the hospital and went to relieve two prospects of their shift as they waited outside April’s room.
Steph was in there, holding the tiny newborn.
“Hey, look who it is,” Steph whispered. “It’s Aunt Josie and Uncle Reese.”
“Uncle Reese,” Reese said. “Makes me sound old.”
“Makes you sound sexy,” Josie said.
“Well then… Uncle Reese it is,” he said. “Can I hold my little girl?”
“All yours,” Steph said. “I’m going to go and get a coffee. Anyone else want one?”
“No thanks,” Reese said. “Just the baby.”
He carefully slipped his hands under little April and took her from Steph.
The baby was so tiny in his hands. It twisted his heart to look at her. The first thing he always thought about was Lasz. Lasz would probably stand there with a dumb grin on his face as he held the baby, telling her stories about his life and the things he wanted in her life.
Which meant that Reese would have to do the same thing.
“Little April,” he whispered. “It’s good to see you again. You’re getting bigger and stronger. You’ll be going home soon. You’re lucky because Aunt Josie was nice enough to give you and your mother her apartment to live in. Which means Aunt Josie lives with me now. I’m not sure I like that yet.”
“Really?” Josie asked. “You didn’t mind this morning in the shower…”
“Little ears,” Reese said with a grin. He looked down at April and her tiny eyes started to open. “Hey, she’s awake.”
Her eyes were a rich amber color.
“Oh, look at her,” Josie said. “Hey, little girl.”
Reese swallowed hard. “I’m here, April. I’m always going to be here. You won’t have a normal family, but you’ll have the best family in the world. No matter what. I promise you that.” Reese looked at Josie. “I promise you that too, sweetheart.”
“Look at you. You’re getting all mushy over a baby.”
“Yeah, maybe I am. Damn.”
April started to stretch her tiny arms and let out a cry. Reese found himself gently walking around the room until Steph came back. By then, April was crying and looking for her mother.
“Okay, little April,” Reese said. “I love you with all my heart and soul. Be good for your mother. And you’ll be home soon enough.”
Reese kissed April’s small head and slowly passed her back to Steph.
“She’s probably hungry,” Steph said. “Which is good. They want her to eat as much as possible to get big.”
“We’ll give you some privacy,” Reese said.
