Family and Faith

Chapter 7

The evening light filtered gently through the curtains, bathing the room in a soft glow as Dom lay in bed, trying to focus on the comfort of the blankets and the steady presence of Brian beside him. It was supposed to be a quiet moment, a chance to relax, but suddenly, Dom’s face tightened as a new and unfamiliar sensation washed over him. His eyes widened as a strange pressure began building, deep and insistent.

“What’s going on?” Dom asked, his voice tinged with both confusion and concern. He reached out to Brian, who was instantly alert, his warm, steadying hand already on Dom’s shoulder. Before either could fully process the change, Dom gasped as a sudden rush of warmth spread beneath him. His breath hitched. “Oh my God, Brian… I think my water just broke.”

Brian’s eyes met Dom’s, filled with determination yet softened with love. “It’s okay, sweetheart. We’re going to get through this,” he said, his voice calm and reassuring. “Just focus on me, all right? Breathe.” As Dom’s breathing grew more ragged, Brian rubbed his back in gentle circles, a simple yet powerful gesture that spoke of years of trust and unspoken support.

Without wasting a moment, Brian called out to the rest of their pack. “Mia! Letty! We need some help in here!” His voice was clear, not panicked, signaling the beginning of what would be an all-hands-on-deck situation.

Mia rushed into the room first, her usual calm demeanor firmly in place. “Dom, honey, let’s get you cleaned up,” she said, grabbing fresh linens from a nearby drawer. There was something comforting in the way she moved—efficient, sure, and steady, like she had been through countless family crises and knew exactly how to handle this one.

Jesse followed right behind her, towel in hand, ready to assist. “Don’t worry, Dom. We’ve got this under control,” he said, offering a reassuring smile as he knelt by the bed, helping Mia switch out the damp sheets. The pack always knew how to come together, each member instinctively falling into their role, like the close-knit family they had become over the years.

As they worked, Dom’s heart swelled with a mix of gratitude and vulnerability. “Thank you,” he whispered, his voice wavering slightly as another contraction gripped him. The pain was sharp and sudden, causing him to curl inward. He clutched Brian’s hand, squeezing tight as he tried to steady his breathing.

“You’re doing great, Dom,” Letty said softly, moving to sit on the edge of the bed, her eyes filled with that no-nonsense love she was known for. “We’re all right here with you, every step of the way.”

Dom took a shaky breath, nodding even as he winced with the next contraction. The pressure was growing, like a wave he had to ride out, yet knowing his pack was there, surrounding him with love, made it just a little bit easier to bear. “It hurts,” he managed to say, his voice breaking, tears pooling in his eyes.

“I know, baby, I know,” Brian murmured, his forehead resting gently against Dom’s. “But you’re so strong. Just keep breathing through it. We’ve got you.” The love in Brian’s voice was like a lifeline, grounding Dom even as his body trembled with pain.

Leon, Vince, and the rest of the pack hung back slightly, giving Dom space while still being close enough to help at a moment’s notice. They exchanged quiet, supportive looks, their silent presence a testament to the unbreakable bonds they had forged together. It was moments like these that reminded them all what it meant to be a family—not just by blood, but by choice, by shared experiences, and by a love that went deeper than words.

As Mia finished with the bed, she gave Dom’s hand a gentle squeeze. “You’re doing so well, Dom. Just focus on what’s coming—the beautiful baby that’s on the way,” she said, her eyes twinkling with pride.

Dom swallowed hard, his gaze flicking between the familiar faces around him. “Is this really happening?” he asked, his voice soft and uncertain, almost as if he couldn’t quite believe it.

“Yes, it is,” Brian confirmed, his eyes filled with that same unwavering love that had seen them through so much already. “You’re about to meet our little one, Dom. You’ve got this. We’re all here with you.”

A fresh wave of determination filled Dom as he nodded, clutching Brian’s hand even tighter. There was something profoundly reassuring in knowing that his pack was right there beside him, ready to help him welcome this new life into the world. As another contraction hit, Dom leaned into the pain, letting it wash over him, his breath coming in deep, controlled bursts.

“You’re doing amazing,” Jesse encouraged, standing by with a towel, ready to assist wherever needed. “We’re so proud of you, Dom.”

“I’m proud of you too,” Brian whispered, pressing a kiss to Dom’s temple, his touch warm and steady. “You’re bringing our baby into the world, and there’s nothing more beautiful than that.”

With those words echoing in his mind, Dom felt a renewed strength. He could do this—not just for himself, but for Brian, for their pack, and for the precious little life that was about to join their family. Surrounded by the people he loved most, he knew he wasn’t alone.

“Okay,” Dom said, breathing deeply, his voice more confident now. “I’m ready.”

And with that, the room seemed to fill with a quiet yet powerful energy—a mix of love, hope, and the promise of new beginnings. This was their family, standing strong together, ready to welcome whatever came next.