When he came back, Mallory was slumped on a chair by the elevators. Her braid was limp, whisps of hair flying out in all directions. “They won’t let me go up until she’s been given a room.”
Beckett fell to his knees, taking Mallory’s shaking hands in his. “She’s going to be fine, and so are those babies.” Kissing each of her knuckles, he added, “And you were spectacular with her. You continue to amaze me.”
Mallory didn’t respond, just took even breaths as she tried to slow her own racing heart. “I know, but I’m still terrified.”
“She’s a Lawson-in-law. You’re a tough group.” He adjusted his glasses, which were askew and smudged from the last half hour of excitement. Mallory detected small fingerprints courtesy of their daughter.
“Thanks for the ride, speed racer.”
“Anything for Lawless and my future niece and nephew.”
Mallory scrunched her nose. “How do you know it’s one of each? Evan and CeCe aren’t telling us a thing.”
Beckett shrugged. “It’s obvious, isn’t it? They struggled for so long to get pregnant. I just feel like the universe should cooperate and give them one of each.”
“I can’t argue with that logic.” Mallory pulled Beckett into her arms, burrowing her face in the crook of his neck. She took in a pull of his comforting cedar scent and promised herself that everyone would be all right. It was Christmas, and their little family deserved a miracle.
Three hours later, Evan joined them in the waiting room. He simultaneously looked elated and exhausted; both Mallory and Beckett heaved a sigh of relief. “So? What’s the verdict?” Mallory asked, leaping from her seat.
Evan’s trademark grin lit up his face. “We’ve got a healthy sonanddaughter. Mommy’s doing fine.”
Beckett punched the air and whooped. “I knew it!”
Mallory pulled her brother into a firm hug, tears already cascading down her face. “Congratulations.”
“What are their names?” Beckett asked, joining the group hug.
Evan pulled back and wiped his eyes with his sleeves. “Charlie and Eva.” CeCe’s father’s name had been Charles, and Eva was a clear nod to her father.
“Perfect names,” Beckett said.
“For perfect babies,” Mallory added.
For a moment, the trio stood and sobbed in a mixture of joy and relief. “When can we see CeCe?” Mallory asked.
“You took the words right out of our mouths,” Max said, striding in with Ginny, Natalie, and Anthony right behind him.
Evan’s grin grew at the sight of his friends. “What are you doing here?” he asked as Max pulled him in for a hug. The two men had known each other for over a decade, yet Evan didn’t think he’d ever been so happy to see his boss and mentor. He leaned into the embrace and felt the solid reassurance of another father. If Max could handle fatherhood, so could he.
Natalie huffed. “Like you could keep us away.”
Ginny nodded, pulling Evan into a quick hug of her own. “As soon as we got everything cleaned up, we were too restless to wait.” She turned to Beckett and Mallory. “Maybelle is at my dad’s place with the rest of the kids. Mona still has her own car seat from her granddaughter, so everyone is safe and happy. Alice and James send their best. They took Chloe and Addison back to their place.”
Max grimaced. “Although I’m already afraid Henry ate your folks out of house and home.”
Anthony was incredulous. “I watched that kid eat half a ham just two hours ago.”
“Forget Zippy, I think Henry can beat any eating contest.”
Everyone laughed, falling into their usual rapport.
Suddenly Evan shook his head and laughed. “Holy crap, I’m a father. I gotta go.” Turning to Mallory, he asked, “Can you call Sophie and Emily? I called Mom and Dad on the elevator ride.”
Mallory shot a thumbs-up. “I’m on it. Will you text us when CeCe is ready for visitors?”
Evan grinned. “Absolutely.”
“Congratulations, Lawless,” Beckett said again, cuffing his friend on the shoulder.
