Reckless Regrets
Chapter 81

Morgan

Never in my life had I worked for something more than I did when I brought my daughter into the world. It was a grueling labor that took thirteen long hours and every ounce of energy that Kade and I could muster. I was already exhausted when my water broke in Cameron’s room, and the moment I heard Vanessa cry out, I passed out. No, I didn’t faint; I fell into the deepest sleep I’d ever experienced in my entire life. Once my eyes closed, my brain shut my whole body down, and that was it.

I woke up nine hours later, sore and confused until I focused on Kade and Cameron in the corner of the room, holding a small pink bundle.

“She has big eyes. And they’re two different colors, that’s so cool,” I heard Cameron say. My heart leaped, and I slowly pushed myself up. Did she really have my bi-colored eyes?

“Hi boys, how’s it going?” I asked.

“Mommy! Did you have a good nap? Daddy said I had to be really quiet so you could sleep.”

“I had a great nap, sweetie, but a k**s from you will make everything even better,” I replied.

Cameron gently passed Vanessa to Kade and ran over to give me a big k**s on the cheek. “Have you seen my little sister? She’s beautiful; she looks like you, just with funny eyes,” he announced.

“She’s perfect, Sugar. She’s your exact replica, and I’m not quite sure how I feel about it. On the one hand, I now have two gorgeous women to stare at for the rest of my life, but then again, I don’t know which of you is the prettiest; I’m torn,” Kade stated. He walked over and helped me sit up, then placed the baby on my arms.

“Wow, she’s like a chunky little doll,” I whispered. Vanessa had round cheeks, full pouty lips, and a perfect little nose. Her eyes, which did look pretty big, were closed and lined with a thick row of eyelashes. Her curls were the same glossy brown as mine and looked like silk. She really was perfect. I gently brushed my fingertip across her eyelid, making her eyes flutter open, and I was floored when I saw the color. She didn’t copy my eyes exactly. Instead, she had one hazel eye and one deep blue; a little bit of Kade snuck in after all.

“Hi Morgan, how are you feeling?” Dr. Bennett walked in and asked.

“I’m sore and strangely, still tired.”

“You pushed out a fourteen-pound baby, without the help of medications, you have every right to be sore and tired, sweetie. There was no ripping or excessive bleeding, so you’ll heal just fine in a few weeks. I need to do a quick exam to make sure everything is alright; then, I’d suggest trying to get the little lady to latch on for her first feeding before you get some more rest.”

“She hasn’t eaten yet? Oh, my God, I’m a terrible mother,” I cried out.

“Again, you just pushed out a fourteen-pound baby, in a thirteen-hour labor. You are not a terrible mother, and you know it; you’re just not invincible. She’s had a few ounces in the nursery, so she’s not starving, but Momma’s milk is always best,” Dr. Bennett assured me.

“Okay.”

I passed the baby back to Kade and laid back while the doctor moved through her exam. Cameron was on his tiptoes, trying to k**s Vanessa, and I could already tell that he would be the best big brother imaginable. His sister wasn’t even twelve hours old, and she already had his full undivided attention.

“You’re a little swollen, which is to be expected, but other than that, you’re in great shape. Take it easy for a few days, and take your time moving around, so you don’t aggravate the area. The pain will slowly ease up in a few days as well, but until it does, no baths, just warm showers. Okay?”

She must have been reading my mind because all I wanted at that moment was to sink down into a tub of boiling hot water to soak all the pain away. Childbirth was a dirty business that left you begging to feel fresh again. “Just showers, I can do that,” I finally replied.

The doctor then moved to Kade and quickly looked over the baby again before passing her back to me and left the room.

I looked around nervously for a moment, but Kade was a godsend; he passed me a nursing blanket that I draped over my shoulder before I maneuvered Vanessa around so she could latch on. I wasn’t shy about my body, but I didn’t think this was the best time to flash my boobs at Cameron.

“I thought babies ate milk, but there’s no milk under there, so what’s she eating?” the curious little guy asked.

“Well, Mommy can make milk too, but it’s not like the milk that you drink or pour on your cereal. This is special milk that’s just for Vanessa,” Kade said.

“You can make babies and milk? You’re a superhero, Mommy,” Cameron stated.

Damn freaking right, I was a superhero, what woman wasn’t? Especially after she’d become a mother.

“Thanks, sweet boy; I am pretty awesome, huh?” I asked.

“So awesome, like-,” Cameron imitated an explosion with his arms making me and Kade laugh. You could always count on him to give you a nice ego boost.

We sat and talked for a while, then had a quiet dinner together. Well, I had chicken broth, and the guys had steak, potatoes, and veggies. I really expected Cameron to pick over the t-bone that was hanging off his plate, but that kid was a wolf and did not play when it came to red meat. Kade proudly watched him scarf down his entire meal, then slump over in the corner in a deep sleep.

“How about I put her in her crib, then take Cameron up to the bed, and I’ll be right back,” Kade told me.

“That sounds good. Move it over here so I can reach her if she needs me,” I advised.

Kade rolled the small bassinet next to the head of my bed, then gently placed our daughter inside. Once he was satisfied that she was perfectly positioned and safe, he kissed me on the forehead, then picked up Cameron and carried him out of the room.

I decided that I’d close my eyes for the few minutes Kade would be gone, just to give them a break and, once again, fell into that deep, unyielding sleep that took no prisoners. I was out like a light before the door to the room was completely closed.

***

Kade

I’d never questioned it before, but I would never in my life make the mistake of thinking that Morgan was weak in any way. Through utter exhaustion and pain that I couldn’t even begin to imagine, she kept her focus and never gave up. But when she passed out once Vanessa was born, I immediately panicked and thought the worst. It took Dr. Bennett, who calmly checked the machines, to realize that Morgan wasn’t hurt or in any danger; she was just asleep.

This allowed me a little uninterrupted time with my daughter. I say “a little” because Taylor, Alaia, and Aires all had to have their turn with the baby, then my dad and sisters arrived and wanted to see her as well. In the nine hours that Morgan was asleep, I maybe had thirty minutes alone with Vanessa. But they were a perfect thirty minutes, and I knew that she had me wrapped around her little finger the moment she took her first breath.

“Hey, Kade, how is she doing?” Taylor popped her head in the room and asked.

“Which ‘she’? Both are beautiful, healthy, and knocked out if that helps,” I replied.

“I was talking about Morgan, but I’m happy to hear that little ‘Nessa is good too.” Taylor walked over to the bassinet and leaned down to give the baby a quick peck then slowly shuffled over to sit next to me.

“You’re not supposed to be leaning over like that, are you?” I asked as I helped her onto the couch.

“Please don’t tell the guys. I couldn’t help it, and it wasn’t until I was already the majority of the way there that I realized what I was doing. I don’t want to be placed on punishment because I kissed my niece.”

Since she was carrying twins, her belly was already sticking out pretty far, and with her small frame, it put a lot of strain on her body. Taylor’s balance was terrible, and after falling twice, she was banned from bending or leaning without someone supporting her.

“I won’t bring it up, but if anything happens, I’m going to sing like a canary,” I admitted.

Taylor laughed then leaned her head on my shoulder. “I guess I’ll have to accept that. Vanessa’s so beautiful, Kade. And those eyes of hers are stunning. I was so happy to see them; it’s like you get that old part of Morgan you used to love so much back.”

Full disclosure, I cried when Vanessa and I first locked eyes. I was expecting her eyes to either be full hazel or full blue, but when I realized that she had both colors, it was a jolt straight to my heart, and the only thing I could do was hold her close and shed a few tears. I’d missed Morgan’s bi-colored eyes so much, but I’d never tell her because she was so happy to be a fully shifting bear. And now, I had them back but in an even more unique way. We’d been so blessed.

“I guess you’re not the only one with a kid with cool eyes now, huh?” I joked.

“I guess not. Alright, I’m going to head to bed and leave you and your ladies to have a quiet night together. I’ll bring Cameron by in the morning if you want,” Taylor offered.

“First of all, you’re not walking anywhere by yourself. That bending over left you dizzy, I saw it, and I’m not getting my a*s kicked for letting you wander off alone. Second, yes, please bring Cam. Morgan will be looking forward to seeing him.”

I stood up and helped Taylor to her feet before she held onto my arm, and we slowly walked to Tyson’s house. It was a beautiful, crystal clear night, and the sky was full of stars.

“I’d like to think your mom is up there, with my parents, Marisol and Nate, and they’re all looking down at the incredible things we’re accomplishing. Your mother would be so proud of the man, husband, and father you’ve become,” Taylor told me.

“I hope so. Everything I do now is to make my girls proud, and she’ll always be my original girl.”

I dropped Taylor off, and Tyson knew what was up without either of us saying anything to him. He thanked me then gave Taylor a stern look before picking her up and carrying her to bed. If only these women knew how they affected us, if only they could recognize the fact that we may be strong dominant males, but we were less than nothing without them. We’d always worry about their safety, and we’d forever do absolutely everything in our power to make sure they were healthy and happy.

As quickly as I could, I returned to Morgan’s room, curled into the bed behind her, and inhaled her sweet apple pie scent. She was home for me, her and our children, and as I drifted off to sleep, I vowed to never be reckless again, in any aspect of my life. But with all the drama of my past, I no longer regretted any of it, because every single choice led me to this very place, and no place on earth would ever be sweeter.