Addicted After All(114)

My dad butts in, “It’s strong until a kid calls him Maxi Pad.”

“Says the man who named me Loren,” I retort.

My dad faces me and counters, “It’s about rising above your name. I’m not complaining about Maximoff. I think it’ll be a testament to his character how he reacts to it.”

I don’t want his name to be a f*cking test.

But I’m not letting our parents talk us out of something we chose together. Something we truly love. I hate that they have to taint it with their opinions anyway. But there’s a place inside of me that’s grateful for having people who care. For better or for worse, that’s what family is for, right?

Lily’s grip tightens on my hand, and she lets out a staggered breath before sinking back into the pillows. A couple nurses push through the doors and check her vitals. “I think she’s about ready.” One of the nurses leaves to retrieve the doctor. “We should clear out the room, a two-person limit during delivery.”

I step off the bed.

“Don’t go!” Lily clasps my one hand with two of hers.

I edge closer to her. “I wasn’t going to, love.” I kiss her nose lightly and she exhales a large breath. Everyone stands to exit the suite.

Greg buttons his suit jacket and nods to Lily, “We’ll see you afterwards. You’ll do great.”

“Thanks, Dad.” Lily looks high off the encouragement, or maybe it’s the drugs. Either way, I’m realizing this is turning out to be a good memory, for both of us.

Samantha even acknowledges Lily with a smile, no words. But right now, I think it’s better that way. The room is dwindling in seconds. My dad toasts us with his coffee like he has some giant glass of bourbon in his hand, and then he leaves with Lily’s parents.

Ryke squeezes my shoulder, and Daisy gives her sister a side-hug.

“Hey,” Ryke says, and I meet his brown eyes, more flecked with hazel than usual. “I’m here for you.” He’s the first person I’d go to if I ever felt overwhelmed. By now, he knows that.

I nod. It’s all I can do, emotions starting to constrict my lungs. Somehow, though, I choke out, “Thanks.”

He pats my shoulder before heading through the door with his girlfriend.

Connor slips his phone in his black slacks and nears the edge of the bed. Nurses begin to mill around the room. The doctor isn’t here yet, but reality is still hitting me full force. “Don’t blink,” he says in a smooth voice. “It’ll happen faster than you realize.” He winks at me before he departs with a confident stride.

Don’t blink.

My stomach is in knots.

“Rose?” Lily whips her head around the room, trying to find her older sister. Her eyes start to well with tears, thinking Rose left without saying anything.

I’m about to go find her, but she suddenly appears, walking out of the bathroom. “I’m right here, stop crying.” She fixes her glossy hair with her fingers. “I didn’t want to use the public toilets.”

I wipe Lily’s cheeks with my thumb.

Rose gives her a look. “We made a pact, no tears.”

“That sounds like something a demon would say,” I tell her.

She sets her hands on her hips, and Lily cuts her off, “Daisy and I rejected that pact. You were vetoed.”

I laugh, no f*cking way. That almost never happens.

Rose purses her lips. “Thank you for the reminder. You may cry then.” She’s fooling herself if she thinks she’s not going to shed a tear when she sees Lily holding her son. Even if Rose isn’t the softest person, when it comes to her sisters, she can turn into a puddle.

Lily lets out a long breath. “Can you give me a quick tip?”

“Don’t be scared.”

“In case something happens to me,” Lily says—I shoot her the sharpest look. She holds her hands in defense and adds, “I just would like a hug.”

I tell Lily, “Nothing is going to happen to you.” I can’t entertain the idea without losing oxygen, my eyes burning. Two nurses and a doctor stand in the room. We’re in a hospital. Nothing is going to go wrong.

“IknowIknow,” she says quickly. She lets go of my hand and spreads her arms out at Rose.

Her older sister looks like she was just asked to climb a ladder and clean the drain pipes. But she leans down and gives a stiff couple of pats to Lily’s shoulder. “I love you,” Rose whispers before she steps away. When she stands up, she brushes her fingers below one eye.