"Our secret getaway." He winked as he picked Stephen up. His wink still does things to my stomach.
"I can leave?" I asked in excitement. Last time I had to be kept overnight because Stephen was a drainer, but Sapphire already seemed to be quiet, her eyes blinking up at me. I was surprised she hadn't started crying again like Stephen did when he was a baby.
The nurse looked behind me nervously and I groaned. Darius, of course.
"There will be someone to come check up on you once you got home."
The nurse gently picked up Sapphire, and I struggled to get up.
"There are clothes in here," Darius said as he handed me the bag. I walked behind the curtain. My legs felt sore but the pain was bearable. I pulled out a long loose dress. I couldn't wait to get out of the hospital gown.
Slipping on the soft cotton material, I walked back and reached for Stephen.
"I think you should take it easy," Darius leaned back, greedily keeping his kids to himself.
"It's not as bad as the first time." It wasn't the first time I couldn’t even get out of bed, but this time I felt more active, the adrenaline still rushing in my body. Darius grunted but handed me Stephen. I smiled, feeling his soft body against mine.
"Did you miss, mummy?" I tickled his stomach and he laughed, throwing his head back.
"Come on."
The nurse carried Sapphire, just to be safe, knowing me and stairs, and Darius took Stephen as soon as we arrived at the stairs, saying he was safer with him. But we all knew those two were inseparable.
I held onto the railing as I took my time getting down to the underground car park and saw Jesse, bandaged, waiting for us.
"Aww, I'm so sorry, Jesse." I rushed toward him and he held up a hand.
"It's okay, Ivory. It doesn’t hurt." But the way his voice sounded strained and the fact that he was passed out through all my labour, it hurt.
"I have a surprise for you," Darius told me.
I closed the door, taking Stephen from him while the nurse handed him his daughter, his eyes full of awe as he held her.
"For me or her?" I asked, buckling up.
"For all of us."
What was it? "A dog?"
Darius raised an eyebrow as he looked at me. "Are you still not over that?"
I scoffed. "A person can never be over a dog, Dairy. Be wise and buy me one and that'll stop Adrian from eating our food."
I didn't feel bad for leaving the rest behind. I just wanted to go home and cuddle with my new family.
Darius smiled as he absently shook his head, his attention diverting to the bundle wrapped in light green blanket.
"You're joking," I whispered as I looked up. Darius's arm came around my waist and kissed my forehead as he pulled me into him.
"No."
"It's beautiful."
"I know."
I took a step forward, pushing the gate out of my way and walking up to the doorway. A new house. It was much smaller than our old one, which I was glad about. It looked more family perfect.
"Is there a dog inside?" I asked, shifting Stephen to my other hip. Darius rolled his eyes, leaning over and opening the door. "Welcome home."
And home it was. The house was perfect. Small, cosy and perfect for raising a family.
It wasn't long before the door burst open and Adrian stormed in.
"I cannot believe you left us there!"
Darius and I sat on the couch, Stephen fast asleep on my lap and Darius holding Sapphire. The man refused to let her go. Greedy.
I looked up from his shoulder and then huffed, leaning back down mesmerised by two small waving hands.
"Did you name it after me?"
"Sapphire," said Darius as Adrian knelt on the floor, poking her stomach gently.
"Fine. It's a pretty name, but I still think Adrian was better." Judging by the look in his eye, I knew he was joking.
"You know her name is Sapphire Quartz now?"
"Obviously, Adrian," I said, rolling my eyes.
"No, but Sapphire Quartz, it’s like gem and a gem, you know?"
He had a point, and somehow that name was beautiful.
"Did you even park the car?" boomed another voice and I smiled. "And close the door. I swear I am raising two kids," Rose snapped in an angry voice as she walked in, but her eyes gave her away. She looked amused as she carried her son, two-year-old Austin.
"Aww, isn't she just beautiful? What did you name her?"
"Adrian," said Adrian proudly and I flicked his shoulder. "Sapphire."
Rose sat down on the floor, kneeling beside Darius. "She's gorgeous."
"All I see is wrinkles," Adrian grunted, earning another slap from Rose.
"Shut up."
"You shut up."
"No, make me."
"I swear. Why did I even -"
Darius and I looked at each other as their bickering continued.
"Annoying?" he suggested, seeing my face.
I shook my head. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
I pulled on his collar, bringing his lips to meet mine.
Here is a sample from another story you may enjoy:
ONE
Anna