Page 114 of All My Broken Pieces

Andrew was right, their gift was normal, maybe even a little boring. Not that I’d say it out loud.

I tip my cup back to find it’s empty. Pushing to my feet, I mumble to Arriana that I’ll be right back before venturing into the kitchen for a refill. I’m lost in thought, the earlier inspiration having struck and my mind now weaving together another plot bunny that my current works in progress are side eyeing.

I’ll never get used to the fact that I write for a living. That people actually pay money to read words I’ve written, stories I’ve dreamed up, and worlds I’ve created.

The sounds of laughter wafts over to me from the living area and I can’t contain the smile in response. I look over the drink selection, my mind replaying all the moments that led to this one. Some good, some bad, but each piece, no matter how broken, made up the puzzle of our lives.

As I move to refill my glass, I nearly drop it into the punch bowl at the sound of a pained cry behind me. I quickly set down my empty drink and dart into the room. Looking around, I try to find what happened. My eyes widen as they land on Ava. Her face is contorted in pain, a small puddle pooled beneath her on the floor. I glance at Killian, finding him kneeling beside her, his hand gripped by Ava’s.

“Andrew.” He barks. I shift my gaze to Andrew and watch as he flies around the room, gathering supplies like they’ve rehearsed this a hundred times.

“What’s wrong with Mommy?” Oliver’s voice pulls my focus away. I look to find him perched on Arriana’s lap, curled up in her arms, fear on his face.

“Shhh.” Arriana soothes, brushing back his hair. “Nothing’s wrong,hombrecito.” Turning her gaze to mine, a wide smile spreads on her face as she says, “You’re about to be a big brother.”

If I ever wanted to have kids of my own, that desire has entirely disappeared after what I just witnessed.

When Ava pleaded with me to stay with her during her labor, there was no way I could say no. Now I’m going to have nightmares of her screaming and body contorted in agony.

Why she wouldn’t just take the meds they offered was beyond me, but she had apparently been adamant during all their planning that this time she was going to experienceeverything.

I thought Killian was going to have a coronary as he white-knuckled beside her, never leaving her side. The agony she felt reflected on his own face. “Please, just let them take away some of the pain.” He had pleaded with her, only getting a vicious glare in return. He didn’t try again.

No matter how horrifically terrible the experience was, the moments after? They made it all worth it.

“She’s beautiful.” I breathe, peering down at the tiny child, amazed that any human could be so small.

Ava looks up at me, a soft smile on her face. “She is, isn’t she?” Looking back down, she gently rubs her thumb on her daughter’s face. “Absolutely perfect.”

There’s a quiet moment before Killian reenters the room with everyone else in tow. A wave of congratulations sounds as each person steps up to see the beautiful being the two created.

Arms wrap around my waist. I lean back against Arriana as she rests her chin on my shoulder. My heart is so full it feels it might burst. “Hey, baby.” She whispers, tightening her hold.

“Hey.” I sigh, relaxing in her embrace.

“So, what are ya going to name her?” Andrew’s question peaks my interest.

Ava glances at Killian before smiling down at their daughter once more. “Lilliana.” She murmurs, the love in her expression nearly enough to break my heart.

I look around the room, a sense of awe filling me that this is my reality. That after all the heartache, struggle, and pain we have all endured. We’re here, surrounded by love.

Turning my head, I seek out Arriana’s lips, needing to let out some of this overwhelming joy. As she presses hers to mine, I find one thought repeats in my mind.

We found it after all.

Our happy ending.

THE END