Chapter 64

JUSTIN

Mikey and Stevo stopped in their tracks as soon as they walked in. Justin was sprawled out, asleep and snoring on the couch, completely out. An almost-full glass of scotch was on the table.

“Well, it doesn’t look like he slept with anyone,” Stevo said, trying not to laugh.

“No stripper would get near him as loud as he is snoring!” Mikey laughed, and they went over and woke him up.

“What do you fuckers want?” Justin groaned as he opened his eyes.

“Well, asshole, everyone is trying to get a hold of you,” Mikey said.

Justin groaned. “I can’t do any more work tonight, guys, I’m toast. Avery is pissed off at me and we had a fight. I gotta make it right with her.”

“Well, that’s why we are here. Avery is in labor, Prez, and needs you,” Mikey snapped.

“Shit! Seriously?” Justin yelled and jumped up.

“Yep, Cole is at the hospital with her, and let me tell you, Justin, she is really upset. She thinks you hate her and are out fucking around on her,” Mikey explained.

“Oh fuck! No, I love her, not hate her! God, we had a fight this morning. I was exhausted and she wasn’t feeling good. It was a shit feeling and I have to make it up to her!” Justin exclaimed.

“Then stop fucking talking and let’s go,” Stevo advised.

The three men all but ran out and drove to the hospital with plenty of speed. They parked and ran in with Mikey showing him where the room was.

Justin walked in to see his wife breathing through a contraction with Cole and looking miserable.

“Baby,” Justin called to her, and she looked up and started crying again when he moved toward the bed.

Cole moved away. The three men slipped out of the room quietly to give them privacy.

“I’m so sorry, baby! I didn’t mean any of it. I love you and I’m so sorry,” Justin said, pouring out his soul.

“I’m sorry too. I don’t hate you, Justin, I never will,” Avery sobbed into his chest.

“I would never cheat on you. I love you too much, and you are stuck with me for a long time,” Justin promised, and kissed her temple.

Before any more could be said, Avery had another contraction and Justin helped her breathe through it, rubbing her back.

“Just think, baby, only hours more to go,” Justin joked and kissed her lips softly.

She smacked his chest. “That’s not funny! I already told them I want drugs as soon as I can have them—cold meds and pain meds.”

Justin chuckled. “Got it... I love you, Avery Mariner.”

“I love you too, Justin Mariner,” Avery replied.

“Now let’s have a baby.” Justin smiled and kissed her one more time.

***

Nine hours later, Justin was holding his son, Mason Cole Mariner, in his arms for the first time and wasn’t ashamed if anyone saw him cry.

He had a beautiful, perfect little boy, a gorgeous little girl, and the most amazing, sexy, and incredible wife on the planet.

He kissed his wife, who was exhausted and ready for a nap, then gave the nurse the baby. She was going to take him to the nursery and clean him up.

And he had to deliver the news to the large group in the waiting room.

It was almost midnight, and he knew that everyone needed to go home. He walked out after kissing Avery, who was almost asleep, and went to the waiting room.

He saw the large group sitting around, and his daughter was doing a puzzle to stay awake. She had almost given up.

“Justin!” his dad said when he saw him enter. “Well?”

“Well, Mason was born about twenty minutes ago,” he said, and everyone cheered and came over to hug him.

“I have a brother?” Lexi asked excitedly.

“Sure do. Should we walk down to the nursery to see him?” Justin grinned, and she squealed, “Yes!”

The MC group followed behind and looked at the little one Justin was pointing out.

“He really is beautiful, Justin. Congratulations,” Cash said, and everyone agreed.

“Thank you. You guys go home, get some sleep. I am out for the next two weeks, so unless you are bringing food, presents, or diapers, don’t contact me,” Justin said, making everyone laugh.

They all hugged him and took off, with Dylan carrying a very drowsy Lexi. He made his way back to the room and sat in the recliner next to Avery, held her hand, and fell asleep, happy and content.

***

Justin walked into the clubhouse holding Mason’s hand as he walked next to him. The little boy was eighteen months old and the sweetest little thing. He had a sunny disposition and an easy smile.

Everyone loved him and he lightened the mood in any room he entered. Justin just hoped that he did as well on the flight to England as he did at home.

He couldn’t believe that he had promised Lexi a trip to see The Queen when she turned eight, and they were leaving in twelve hours to fulfill the promise.

“Mason!” the guys in the clubhouse called out, and he waved, making everyone laugh. Sally came over and picked him up, taking him to the table that Mikey and Gabi were at.

Mason loved Sally and followed her everywhere as soon as he could walk. And with Mikey making her his old lady, she was around a lot.

Justin still couldn’t believe they were together, as crazy as they both were, but they made it work.

“Watch him, will ya? I need to check on Avery, she wasn’t feeling too well this morning,” Justin asked the small group, and they agreed.

He walked down the hallway to his office to find Avery on the bathroom floor, vomiting into the toilet.

“Baby! Are you okay?” Justin asked, rushing to her side.

Breathing hard, Avery looked at him. “Peachy.”

Justin chuckled. “Seriously, what’s up? Flying sick isn’t really the best thing, baby.”

Avery sat back on the floor. “Yeah, I’m okay. Here, look at this.” She handed him something off the counter.

Justin looked and his jaw dropped. “Are you serious?”

“Yep. You knocked me up again, you asshole,” Avery told him.

“Baby!” Justin exclaimed, and pulled her in for a hug. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too. Now let me up so I can brush my teeth. I’ve got a ton to do before we leave tonight.”

“I know,” Justin said, helping her up. “When do you want to tell everyone?”

Avery shrugged. “Probably when we get back. I can tell Tina and Gio when they meet us at the hotel. Luca and Matteo snooze, they lose. We’ll tell Dylan when he drops us off at the airport.”

“Sounds like a good plan,” Justin replied before kissing her temple again. “Boy or girl this time?”

“I’m good with either, although I do love my baby boy,” Avery replied.

“We do make good boys, don’t we?” Justin chuckled, hoping this was a boy too.

He didn’t know if he could survive another Lexi. He loved her with all his heart, but she was already so independent and strong-willed.

He was definitely going to go gray soon, and hoped he looked as good as his old man did with the silver fox thing going on.

He rolled his eyes at his own thoughts—god, he was such an idiot sometimes. But he did love his life.