Thicker Than Blood

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

***Thirty-Nine Weeks***

Sitting around the house, the guys have not let me have a minute alone. Juice is at work and so is Dad but Kip is here with me. I guess it is his shift with me for the day. "Kip, can you do me a favor?" I asked. "Sure Sis. What's up?" he asked. "Carlos is due anytime and I have finally have my overnight bag and Carlos' diaper bag packed. Can you put them in the trunk of the car please?" I asked. "Sure. I'll take them now." he tells me and heads out the door with the bags. Juice has already buckled the carrier into the car so that is already done and ready to go. I walk into the kitchen and standing at the counter when I double over in pain. I had been having contractions all morning but they have been about a half hour apart. Kip walks in as I am doubled over. "Shit! Roli! Are you okay?" he asked. "Kip, I am fine. Just a contraction. They are still a half hour apart. I have been monitoring them." I tell him. "Do I need to call Juice? What about the hospital?" he asked me, clearly freaking out. "Kip, take a breath. I don't have to go to the hospital until they are about five minutes apart." I tell him. He starts to calm down but now he really won't leave my side.

A couple of hours later, I am standing in the kitchen making a sandwich and all of a sudden my water breaks. "Kip!" I yell. He comes running in, "Roli? What's wrong?" he asked. "Call Juice and let's head to the ER. My water just broke." I told him, smiling. Kip helps me to the car and gets in the driver's side. Handing me his phone, I call Juice. "Sack. What's up?" Juice asked as he answered. "Hey baby. Uh, can you and dad meet us at St. Thomas?" I asked, smiling. "Really? It's time?" he asked and I can hear my dad in the background asking if I am okay. "Yeah baby. My water broke." I tell him. "We are on the way. I love you." he says before the call ends. I look over at Kip and he is smiling ear to ear. "Ready to meet your nephew?" I asked and he says "Hell yeah."

Eight hours later, we are sitting in my hospital room, holding out little boy. "He looks just like you Juice." I tell him. He has Juice's eyes, skin tone and chin but has my ears and nose. He is perfect. "Thank you, Roli." Juice tells me. "For what? Baby, we did this together." I tell him. He smiled and kissed me softly. "I have been thinking about something lately." I tell Juice. "What's that babe?" he asked. "You know we have that money now right? Well, I was thinking about starting my own business at home so that I can be there with Carlos." I tell him. "What kind of business are you thinking about?" he asked. "You know those handmade items that I make? I was thinking about making a website and selling them online. I could work on items while Carlos sleeps and sell them online and still be able to be there for him." I tell him. "That sounds like a great idea babe. But let's get him home and get you healed and then we will see what we need to do to make that happen if that is what you want." he tells me. "Thank you babe. I love you so much." I tell him. "Will you lay with us?" I asked him. Scooting over, he climbs in the bed with us and takes my phone and take the first ever family photo.

A few days later, we were released from the hospital and walking into the front door of the house. Seeing everyone sitting there, made me smile to see all of the people I care about waiting on us. As we walked in the door, Dad takes Carlos from his carrier and is holding him. After a little bit, he starts getting passed around to everyone and finally Kip is holding him. Kip is sitting next to me so I can hear what he is telling my son. "Hey Carlos. I'm your Uncle Kip. I'm not the brightest at times but one thing I can promise is that I will always have your back." I couldn't help but tear up hearing this. "Kip, you are a very bright guy. Plus, you are a soldier. That makes you even more special. I love you brother." I tell him. "I love you too sissy." he says and looks back down at his new nephew.