The ride to Kilo’s parents’ house was loud and full of energy. I sat in the backseat with Liberty while Kilo drove. She asked a million questions—how many people would there be, if her baby brother would cry a lot, and if she could help change diapers?
“Let’s hold off on the diapers, baby,” I said with a laugh.
Kilo caught my eyes through the rearview mirror, and it was in that moment I saw the love that had never left.
Mrs. Shaunie had the house decorated beautifully. Baby blue balloons, white linen, and custom signs that read ‘Welcome Baby Teddy’ were everywhere. The smell of baked mac and cheese and lemon cake filled the air.
As soon as we walked in, Liberty’s eyes widened.
“This all for him?”
I nodded. “It is.”
“Wow,” she whispered.
The whole family was already there, and his mama was front and center, arms wide open.
“There’s my babies,” she said, pulling me into a hug. “Look at my grandbaby. You look so pretty,” she complimented.
“Thank you, Gigi.”
“You look just like your daddy,” she smiled.
Buck swooped in after. “Wassup, shorty.”
Liberty ran into his arms like she’d known him forever, when he was just at the house. He spun her around, making her laugh.
***
The shower went better than I expected. My mom was there, fussing over everything. My cousin Harlow came in place of Saint and Eve. Eve had just given birth a few weeks ago and was still recovering. Harlow made sure I stayed hydrated and had plenty of pictures.
We played games, opened gifts, and took a hundred photos. Liberty sat next to me the whole time, announcing who the gifts were from, like she was hosting a game show.
Then, right as I was opening a box of baby clothes, I felt a sharp pain that caused me to freeze in place.
“Mel?” Kilo said, leaning forward.
I looked at him, then at Nic, who was already standing.
“My water just broke.”
“Oh, shit,” he uttered. “Shit. Uhm, Ma!”
Everyone sprang into action. Kasha grabbed my purse. While Buck was yelling for the keys, Sophi was ushering the kids into the back room. Harlow jumped into action, helping with the kids. Kilo didn’t even panic. He just scooped me up and told me to breathe.
“Let’s go,” he said calmly, carrying me toward the truck.
I clutched his arm, heart pounding.
Sophi volunteered to stay behind with the kids, and Harlow stayed with her. Nic rode with Buck. Stacks and Kasha followed in his car.
The hospital wasn’t far, but the contractions were coming quick. Kilo held my hand the entire time, never letting go.
Hours later… after screaming, pushing, and a lot of pain—I gave birth to our son… Theodore Ky’Shaun DeLuca. He was healthy and looked just like his damn daddy. The moment they laid him on my chest, I cried like a baby.
Kilo kissed my forehead. “You did it, baby. You did good.”
But before the moment could settle, two police officers stepped into the room.
