44. Wes

Chapter forty-four

Wes

I ’m on top of the fucking world. Layne’s pregnant and work hasn’t been complete dog shit. What more could a man ask for?

On today’s docket of shit to do, I have to meet up with my uncle to help get that little girl Evie situated with her new family. My uncle was able to get her mother to give up her rights, with the promise of avoiding jail time. Then after that I have to hustle back home because Layne has a midwife she is considering for the baby, coming by the loft for an interview. It caught me off guard when Layne mentioned having the baby at home. But the nerd that I am, I’m all in after doing the research on my own.

Anything to make her happy.

My uncle’s waiting for me in his chambers and when I walk in, the sound of shoes thumping against the tile flooring and a little body barreling into me catches me off guard. “Hey princess! Nice to see you too.” I pat the top of her head as she wraps her arms around my middle. I crouch down to her level. “Didn’t I promise you’d be safe? You happy where you are now?”

“They’re the best, thank you!” She smiles up at me. Evie hugs me again before she runs back over to the couch in front of the big window. The prospective parents sit in front of my uncle’s desk in two armchairs.

I make my way over and stand beside my uncle behind his desk. He’s sifting through paperwork, mumbling to himself. When he finds what he’s looking for, he looks up at the couple. “This here is my nephew,” he points up at me. “He’s the one who got Evelyn out of the home. He wanted to be here to make sure ya are the perfect fit for her.”

The man and woman both smile at me. From the looks of them, they look like nice, normal people. I wasn’t able to dig up anything on them when Uncle Robert told me he placed Evie with them, so unless they’re closet freaks, they’re good to go. “I just wanted to put a face to who she will be with. If I catch wind of trouble, I will remove her and deal with you myself.”

Uncle Robert uses the back of his hand to whack me in the stomach. “Wes, for Christ’s sake.”

Evie snickers from the couch, and I give her a raised eyebrow. She giggles again. I shoot her a playful glare and motion with two fingers from my eyes to pointing at her, signaling that I’ll be watching her. She sticks her tongue out at me and looks back down at the handheld gaming console in her hands.

I suppress a laugh as I turn my attention back to the couple. “But I’m sure everything will be fine,” I assure them, trying to lighten the mood. “Evie is resilient and adaptable. She’s been through a lot, but she’s a tough kid.” The couple nods, their smiles still intact.

Uncle Robert clears his throat and straightens his posture. “Now, let’s go over the details,” he says, his tone business-like. “Evie’s schedule, her preferences, any medical conditions we should be aware of now that she’s seen a doctor?” The couple starts discussing their plans and routines, and I take mental notes, knowing that I’ll need to keep an eye on things.

The conversation continues to progress, going over all the things expected of the parents. I can’t help but feel a sense of relief. Evie will finally have a stable and loving home. After all the hardships she’s endured, she deserves nothing less.

Uncle Robert concludes the meeting, and I walk over to Evie, taking a seat beside her on the couch. “You excited, princess?” I ask, ruffling her hair playfully. She grins at me, her eyes shining with anticipation.

“Yeah, Wes! I can’t wait to start a new life with them! Thanks again, cat burglar.” She nudges me with her elbow.

I smile back at her, my heart swelling with pride. Despite the challenges we’ve faced, I’m grateful that I was able to be there for Evie. Seeing her hopeful and happy now, I’m confident I made the right choice in getting her out of there that night. Even with Bannister now gone, who knows what her biological mother would have allowed to feed her habit?

I prepare to leave the office, but not before I give Evie one last hug and whisper, “Remember, I’m just a phone call away. If anything goes wrong, I’ll be there for you.” She nods, understanding the unspoken promise. I hand her a card that has my cell phone number and Layne’s. “If you can’t get ahold of me, this is my wife. Call her and she’ll help, too.”

Evie nods, getting up to leave with her new parents. Her new life awaits, and I am grateful to have played a part.

“Wes,” my uncle pulls my attention back to him, motioning for me to sit down. I nod and head to the chair in front of his desk.

“You have another case already?” I lower myself into one of the chairs.

“No. I wanted to let you know your cousin has arrived, unexpectedly, in the country and is eager to meet up with ya.” He glances up at me .

“Gavin’s in town.” I let out a sigh, running my hand down my face. Gavin can be a handful. Even though he is only a few months younger than I am, he acts like a fucking teenager still.

“Aye, he is. His mother called me to let me know. The little shite couldn’t call me himself. I’m just giving ya a head up in case he tries to pull some shite. Like last time.” He gives me an apologetic look.

Yeah, I know what that look is for. I swear to God I can still smell the vomit from Gavin puking all over me after I had to haul his ass out of the bar. Not doing that again.

“Well, I guess I’ll have to deal with him if he shows up.” I laugh. Uncle Robert looks at me, suspicion on his face. “Aw don’t worry. I won’t hurt a hair on your wee boy’s head.” I get up and turn to leave.

“Unless he hits on my wife.” I swing back around. “Then all bets are off and I’ll kick his ass.”

Walking out of the room, I feel a mix of emotions. Relief, hope, and a tinge of irritation. But deep down, I know that I’ve done my part, and that Evie is in excellent hands. My cousin, I’ll deal with him if he even bothers to come around. I check my watch and mumble “fuck” under my breath, hauling ass out of the building. I don’t want to be late for our first meeting with the midwife.

Layne’s been feeling like shit because of all the early pregnancy hormones. One minute she is totally fine and the next she is sprinting to the bathroom to throw up. After I was able to convince her to at least go to the doctor to have the pregnancy confirmed with a blood test, it felt more real to her. On the way home, she kept saying, “We’re having a baby. ”

I honestly can’t believe it myself. It’s a dream come true. A dream I never knew I wanted until she was in my life.

I pull onto the property in front of the bay doors and kill the engine. Layne’s truck is parked off to the far side and a small SUV is parked right near the door. I get out and head inside. I hear some laughter as I head upstairs, then Layne’s voice. “That must be my husband. Wes?”

“Yep, it’s just me.” I smile at her as I step into the loft. Layne gets up and walks over to me. “This is the Midwife I was telling you about, Emmy.”

I set my keys on the table and take off my jacket, hanging it up on the wall. The woman sitting on the couch has a notebook, staring right at me. I approach the woman on the couch, extending my hand for a handshake. “Hi, I’m Wes,” I introduce myself.

The midwife smiles warmly and shakes my hand. “Nice to meet you, Wes. I’m glad that I can be here to support Layne throughout her pregnancy journey,” she replies. “And you, as you come into your role as a father.”

A father. Fuck, that still gives me chills. I’m gonna be a dad.

We all settle back into the living room area. I take a seat in the armchair as Emmy opens her notebook and begins asking Layne about her medical history and any concerns she may have. Layne shares her experiences with the pregnancy symptoms, the ups and downs of her emotions, and her desire for a natural birth here at home.

Emmy listens attentively, jotting down notes and offering reassuring words. She discusses the importance of prenatal care, nutrition, and exercise to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Layne and I soak in every word, feeling grateful to have Emmy’s expertise and support.

Throughout the conversation, Layne and I steal glances at each other, overwhelmed with happiness and anticipation. The reality of becoming parents slowly sinks in as we discuss birth plans, birthing options, and the various stages of pregnancy .

As the interview ends, Emmy assures us she will be there for us every step of the way. She hands us some informational pamphlets and schedules the next appointment for Layne’s check-up.

“Now we only do checks every four to six weeks in the beginning, but as you progress, they’ll become more frequent. I can also recommend some amazing books for new parents if you’re both interested?”

Layne nods excitedly, looking at me. The love and light that is shining through her eyes is enigmatic. I have never seen her like this. “I would love that. We’re both big readers.”

“Great! Sounds like this baby is going to have the best parents.” She hands me a list of books and then rises. “Well, I’m going to head out. My number is on the paperwork if you need me or have questions. We can discuss how you want to handle billing and all that at the next appointment. See you guys in six weeks.”

I walk Emmy out and then after she leaves; I head back up and find Layne in the kitchen. She has a glass of ice water, slowly taking sips of it. I come behind her and wrap my arms around her middle, resting my chin in the crook of her shoulder and neck. “Emmy was nice, baby. I think she is a good fit.”

Layne puts the glass down and spins around to face me. “You think so?”

I mumble in agreement as our lips connect, savoring the moment. Layne freezes. I open my eyes to look at her and she looks like she’s going to be sick. She pushes me back and runs to the bathroom.

Well, gotta hand it to my kid. Barely even in existence and already cockblocking me.