Chapter Forty Nine

Stephen

My wife and I have just welcomed our third child into the world. It should be the happiest time of our lives. But instead, we've just learned that the decoy we sent to retrieve the evidence Chad claimed to have has been killed.

Trinity - I can't believe this. That man died because of us!

Stephen - No, babe! Because of Chad! Even when I gave him a chance to walk away, he still tried to mess with us. I don't want you worrying about this right now. We'll deal with it tomorrow.

Trinity - But -

Stephen - No, baby, no buts. You just gave birth to our son. All I want to focus on right now is you and our baby.

I watch as tears start to fall from my wife's eyes.

Stephen - Baby, please.

Trinity - I'm sorry, darling. I'm just so overwhelmed right now. I'm happy because we have our beautiful baby boy, but I'm also devastated, Stephen. I thought we could finally put all this behind us.

Stephen - Baby, look at me.

I gently cup my wife's beautiful face in my hands.

Stephen - I will do everything in my power to keep you and our children safe. You never have to worry about that.

Trinity - Oh, Stephen. When will all this end?

I sit down with her, pulling her close to my chest.

Stephen - Shhhh, it's okay, my love. Let's focus on the good we have right here with us. And I'd love to have a name for our son before his siblings and our family meet him tomorrow.

Trinity - Babe, can we give him your middle name as well? I want both of them to have it, not just one.

Stephen - I love you for even asking that. Of course, I'd love for my sons to carry on my name.

Trinity - So, do you have any names in mind, babe?

Stephen - Well, you liked Aidan last time, babe. Do you still want to use that?

Trinity - I don't mind it, but did you have anything in mind? I'm not sure about Aidan Luciano, so I'm open to suggestions, babe.

Stephen - What about Sebastian?

Trinity - Hmmm, no. It makes me think of a lobster.

Stephen - Haha, you've been watching too many kids' movies, babe.

Trinity - Tell me about it. What about Zachary?

Stephen - Hmmm, like Aidan, I'm not liking how it goes with Luciano.

Stephen - What about Brayden?

Trinity - I like that, babe. Or I was just thinking Callum.

Stephen - I like Callum, but I don't like that people would shorten it to Cal.

Stephen - Jayden, Jay for short.

Trinity - I like that.

Stephen - Jayden Luciano Gotti?

Trinity - Jayden Luciano Gotti.

I climb back into bed with my wife as we dress our little pea pod.

Stephen - You've blessed me with some beautiful babies, doll.

Trinity - Yeah, well, don't go getting any ideas, mister.

Stephen - Honestly, I definitely want another baby in our future, but right now I just want to enjoy what we have, and be able to have my wife back to myself every now and then.

We put our baby boy back in his crib and I climb back into bed with his mother, wrapping her in my arms.

Stephen - I love you, wifey.

Trinity - I love you, husband.

Stephen - Get some rest, baby. I'll be right here.

I softly kiss her forehead as we both close our eyes.

After such a long night, we both fall asleep until around three in the morning when Jayden wakes up. I carefully pick up my crying son.

Stephen - Shhh, baby boy. Your daddy's got you. Don't cry, daddy's always going to love and protect you.

I turn back to the bed and see my doll laying there, watching me with tears of pure love in her eyes. I lean over and kiss her softly as I pass her our newest pea pod.

I watch in awe as my wife helps our son to her breast, guiding him to the nutrients he needs. There's something so amazing about watching my wife, the mother of my children, in a moment like this. Caring for and protecting our son like the goddess she is. I find myself mesmerized by her all over again.

She feeds our baby boy and rubs his back, soothing him back to sleep before we lay back down.

The next time baby boy wakes us up for a feed, we decide to get up as the sun has already risen. We're sitting as a family on the bed when Dr. Cater comes in.

Dr. Cater - Good morning, Gotti family. How is everyone today?

Trinity - As good as one can be, thanks.

Dr. Cater - Good to hear. I just wanted to check in before I do my rounds. The nurses should be in to do some tests shortly and if they all come back okay, then I am fine for you to be discharged this morning, Trinity.

Trinity - That's wonderful, thank you, Dr. Carter. I'm looking forward to getting home to my own bed.

Dr. Cater - Well, if I don't see you later today, I'll see you at the check-up.

Trinity - Only a check-up next time?

Stephen - Haha, we'll see.

Dr. Cater - Well, congratulations again, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to call me.

Stephen - Thank you again, Dr. Cater.

The nurses come and do their checks and soon we're discharged to head home. I send a quick text to Clint and Mia to let them know.

Stephen - Ready to take our pea pod home, momma?

Trinity - Like you wouldn't believe, babe.

We make it to the car without any incidents and soon start the drive home. Within five minutes, I look over to Trinity and she's fast asleep. I reach over and place my hand in my wife's lap, and her hand soon finds its way to mine.

We get home and Trinity and Jayden head up to our room so she can feed him. I go to check on them about half an hour later to find them both asleep. I take Jayden and put him in his crib and help my wife into bed, tucking her in.

Stephen - I love you, Doll. Sweet dreams.

I give her a gentle kiss, then shut the curtains and pull our bedroom door half shut so she can get some rest.

I head downstairs and I'm making myself a coffee when I hear my baby tornadoes come barreling through the door with their cousin, and Clint and Mia strolling behind.

Mia - Congratulations, babe. I'm so happy for you guys.

Stephen - Thanks, darling. Pop up and have a look if you like. Trin is fast asleep.

Clint - Congrats, bro. So, what's our newest nephew's name?

Stephen - Jayden.

Mia - Beautiful. I'm just going to sneak a quick peek, promise not to wake them.

Stephen - Go for it, babe. No stress at all.

Mia leans over and we give each other a quick kiss on the cheek before she picks up Livy.

Mia - Livy, do you want to come with Aunty Mia to see the new baby?

Olivia - Yay, baby!

I smile at my daughter as she starts playing with Mia's hair, just like she does with her momma.

Clint said, “Alright, man, take a seat. I’ll whip up some coffee and I’ve got a joint. I can see it in your eyes.”

Stephen asked, “See what?”

Clint replied, “I’ll catch you up on what we’ve found out about Union Station. Then you can stop obsessing over it and focus on your family.”

Stephen said, “Thanks, man. I need you to tell the guys in Barcelona that Chad can’t know that neither of us went to that locker. Actually, I want him to believe it was us.”

Clint asked, “Why’s that, man?”

Stephen replied, “Because I want to be the one to see his face when he sees my ghost.”