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Killion tossed up his hands, exasperated. “That’s what I said, too. Apparently, we’re the only two who think it’s a good idea, and the team is starting a therapy fund for when they’re bullied.”
“Oh no.” She laughed. “What do you want to bet all those aunts and uncles are still going to call them baby girl and little man too?”
“I’d put money on it.” He chuckled. “They just like to stir the pot.”
“We probably should give them proper names, though. We wouldn’t want them getting teased on the playground. They’re half O’Reilly and half Meyer –– it won’t end well.”
“It won’t end well for the kid who picks on them,” he corrected, puffing out his chest.
“That’s what I meant.” She snickered. “They’re bound to be scrappy. Couple of little fighters right there. I haven’t thought much about names, if I’m honest. I had a list, but none of them seem to fit. Do you have anything in mind?”
“I might. I’ve been thinking a lot about it, and like you said, they’re half O’Reilly and half Meyer. They’ll get my last name unless you’d rather they have both?”
“I’ve always planned on them being O’Reillys.” She smiled.
“Okay. I didn’t want to assume too much,” he admitted. “Since they have my last name, I thought we should honor the Meyer side too. Your full name is Rainy Jolie Rose.”
“My parents had a thing for really long names,” she teased.
“I like it, though. I was thinking Jolie Rose O’Reilly for our baby girl.”
“Oh, Killion, I love it. It suits her too.” Rainy looked at their daughter. “Right?”
“I thought so.” He shrugged. “Looks like her mama, fights like her too, but I see that O’Reilly streak in her. It’s the only name I thought of for her.”
“It’s perfect. Now I’m really curious about what you have in mind for him.”
“He has a lot of uncles. Looks like an O’Reilly, but I see the Meyer streak in him. I, uh, have a lot to tell you still. About the night you were rescued from Langley and again last night.” Killion cleared his throat, buying time as he tried to pull the right words together. “Your father’s been here. He’s the one who took Langley out and saved you and Ayelish. I’m sure of it. He’s the reason you two are alive –– the babies too.”
“Killion?” Rainy muttered through her emotions. “He… was here?”
Killion nodded. “I’m sure he was at the hospital too. Wit saw him first. He’d been there to see the babies, then checked in on you. Then last night. I don’t know what you remember or how much you want to remember, but he’s the one who cleared the way to the roof for us.”
“I was that close to him and didn’t even know it. Why hasn’t he been here? Why didn’t he come talk to me?”
“I don’t know why, darlin’. I do know he cares an awful lot, and he’s been in the background for an awful long time protecting everyone. I owe him… everything.” Killion turned away for a moment, the emotional exchange taking over. “He saved you all. More than once. My whole world, Rainy. I owe him everything for that.”
She nodded while a sob escaped her. The moment overwhelmed them both.
“We can get into the specifics about your dad later, but for now, I think the best way to thank him and honor him is name our little man for him. From the moment they were born and I knew I had a son, I knew that. Felt it even. If you don’t like it, I’ll understand, but I was thinking Meyer to honor your brothers because they’re a big part of why I have a family of my own too, and Cormack to honor your dad.”
“Meyer Cormack O’Reilly. I have no words,” she cried. “None. It’s perfect. Truly perfect. Not only does it suit him, but the meaning… Wait. Are you sure you don’t want your son named after you? I just assumed you would.”
“No. He already looks like me, and he’s as smart as a whip too.” Killion chuckled. “I can tell. They’re really smart. Having him as my son is enough. I struggle sometimes –– a lot of times –– to express my feelings, thanks… emotions. This is my way of doing that. What I can’t say with words, I can say this way.”
She nodded quickly. “Okay. I love it. Jolie and Meyer. They’re perfect.”
“And Rainy?” he hesitated once more as he tried to step outside of his comfort zone and relay to her something he’d been trying to put into words for some time. “I see you, darlin’. I really see you.”
Rainy leaned in to kiss him. It was sweet and short, but the simplicity of that kiss meant more than anything they’d shared before. With her forehead to his, they sat in silence and took in the moment before taking another kiss broken by the cries of Meyer Cormack O’Reilly, causing them to laugh.
Killion laughed. “Boy, you really are like your uncles.”
14
“There you are,” Ayelish said, entering the atrium with Ashlyn at her side. “We’ve been looking all over for you two.”
Killion was quick to his feet, noting the urgency and what sounded like concern lacing her words. “What is it?”
