“How are we today, mom and dad? Ready to welcome this little one into the world?” Her peaceful demeanor puts me at ease.
“She’s crowning, Dr. Hood.” Heather’s voice remains calm.
“Then I made it just in time.”
“Crowning?”
“We can see the top of the baby’s head. And what a head full of hair.” She chuckles.
“Here comes another one,” Skylar wails as she curls up, bearing down.
“One big push now, Skylar. You're almost done. Once the shoulders are out, the hardest part will be over. Count it out. One, two…”
I place my arm behind her back for support as Skylar wraps her hands around her knees until her knuckles whiten. Her beautiful face draws into a grimace, teeth bared as she focuses on delivering our child.
Our child.
In a little while, I will hold the physical embodiment of our love for each other.
“Good, Skylar, good. Keep pushing. Almost there.” Heather encourages. Skylar's face flushes beet red and the scream that breaks free sends chills down my spine as my stomach drops. I’d give anything to save her from this pain. She slumps next to me and the most beautiful sounds explode in the room as our baby lets out a cry.
“Congratulations. You have a beautiful baby boy. He’s a big one too with a healthy set of lungs. Dad, would you like to cut the cord?” Dr. Hood beams up at me from between my wife's splayed legs. Skylar leans back and gives me a watery smile.
“Go on,” She encourages
My hand trembles as Heather hands me the scissors and shows me where to cut.
“Will it hurt him?” My voice warbles.
“No, he'll never even know,” she assures me.
After a brief hesitation, I place the scissors and close my eyes. I snap them closed, and it's done. Heather scoops him up and takes him across the room and places him on the scale and checks him over. She then wraps him up in a white blanket before she places him on Skylar's chest. As tears track down her cheeks, Skylar traces her finger down the side of his. His head turns toward her finger, his dark eyes blink open.
“Eight pounds, six ounces. Twenty-one inches long. His Apgar score is a nine. He looks great.” She smiles at us.
“You did it, Sky,” I say my voice full of wonder.
“I can’t believe he's really here. I know I've complained about being pregnant. But now, I’m scared to death I'll do something wrong.”
“You’ll be great. Just look how good Colby is turning out.” I chuckle thinking about our five-year-old son.
“But he was never this little.” She coos down at our son.
“We’re in this together. Let me get pictures.” I pull out my phone and take several pictures of my wife holding him.
“All right, Mom and Dad, it’s time to get him cleaned up and checked over. We’ll have him back in two shakes of a lamb’s tail,” Heather states as she takes him from Skylar’s arms.
Fifteen minutes later, she returns to the room pushing the isolet into the room. “We’re back,” she sing-songs, “all cleaned up and smelling good. I know that you want to breastfeed, Skylar, but I brought a few bottles of formula just in case. The lactation consultant should be here within the hour. Try to get some rest while you can.”
“Thank you, Heather.”
“I’m just glad you’re here under happier circumstances this time,” she whispers as she exits the room. She had remembered Skylar from before when she had had her miscarriage.
“When do we want to call everyone?” I ask as she blinks sleepily.
“Call my parents. It will take them a few hours to get here. I’ll take a nap, shower, then talk to the lactation nurse before we call the rest.”
“Call Vi and Jay too. Just ask them to wait awhile before they head up here.”
“How about I text everyone to be here at four? That way we can make the announcement at the same time. It’ll give your parents plenty of time.”
“That sounds like a good plan,” she yawns.
“Sleep, baby.” Her eyes close before the words are out of my mouth.
Hours later, our friends and family gather in the room. Derek and Kristen with their almost two-year-old fraternal twins, Ethan and Andrea. After their first miscarriage, Kristen suffered two more and had given up on ever having children. It was a pleasant surprise when she became pregnant with the twins and carried them nearly to term.
Isaac and Camryn with their daughter, Delaney. Camryn cradles her swollen belly as she is due in the next two months with baby number two. Isaac is still strutting around like a damn peacock.
Jason and Mallory stand proudly to the side, their three-month-old daughter, Laurel, sleeping peacefully in her daddy’s strong arms.
Skylar’s parents, along with Vi and Jay, stand toward the back as Colby gingerly walks toward the bed. I pick him up, so he can get a good look at his new baby brother. Skylar shifts the swaddled bundle to face Colby.
“He’s so small,” he says with wonder.
“All babies are, Colby. He’ll get bigger. And he’ll need his big brother to help him,” Skylar declares.
“I’ll be the best big brother ever,” he states with conviction.
“I’m sure you will. Now let’s introduce him to everyone,” I whisper. Picking up my youngest son, I turn to the room.
“Everyone, I would like you to meet Jacob Reece Ingles.”
The End
Crashing Down Playlist
Stone Sour – Bother, Say You’ll Haunt Me
Zakk Wylde – Damage is Done
Theory of a Deadman – Savages
Pop Evil – Next Life
Mallory Know – Giving It Up
I Prevail – Alone Nothing More – Here’s To The Heartache, Just Say When (Version 2.0)
Adam Lambert – Nirvana
Syntax – Bliss
Royal Bliss – Drink My Stupid Away, Devils & Angels, I Was Drunk
Emphatic – Don’t Forget Me
Blacktop Mojo – Underneath, Open Road
Arson City – Too Close
Art of Dying – I Will Follow, Get Thru This, Sorry, I Will Be There, Everything
New Medicine – Fire Up The Night
Blacktop Mojo – Underneath, Open Road
Arson City – Too Close
Art of Dying – I Will Follow, Get Thru This, Sorry, I Will Be There, Everything
Emphatic – Don’t Forget Me
Otherwise – Burn Away – III Reprise
Caitlyn Smith – Starfire
Adele – I Miss You
Jet Black Stare – I’m Breathing
Elle King – Make You Smile
Also by Samantha Conley
Silver Tongued Devils Series
Down in Flames
Break Me Down
Down on My Knees
Crashing Down
* * *
Whiskey Bend Series
* * *
(Titles subject to change)
Finding Your Way Home – Fall 2018
Long Time Coming
Inked in Faith
Calloway Construction Series
Adam
Liam
Evan
Noah
Zane
Turn the page for a Sneak Peak at first three books in series
Down In Flames
Kristen
Something startles me awake. Maybe the plane hit some turbulence. I never thought I would fall asleep on a plane, but I’ve been working my ass off lately to be able to get a four-day weekend to fly up to Minneapolis to see Brett and the guys. I haven't seen Brett in six months, and Skype and texts just aren't cutting it anymore. I haven’t even gotten to talk to him in the past four days, with the band on tour, and me working 12-hour shifts at the hospital. If I ever decide to work five straight, 12-hour days again, someone needs to shoot me for stupidity. At least I’m not stuck in economy class and have a little room in my seat to stretch out, all thanks to the band’s manager, Bria
n. I’m glad that he’s helping me surprise Brett. The only thing that sucks is that my flight was delayed due to mechanical difficulties, so we took off nearly two hours late. That means I won’t get to see Brett before the concert, and I’ll more than likely miss the concert altogether. I’d texted Brian about the delay, and he said he would have a car at the airport to pick me up to take me to the venue or the hotel the band is staying at. We’ll get to stay in Minneapolis for three days before the band must leave for the next leg of their tour.
I sit here and think back to the beginning, when I met Brett and the guys for the first time. Brett and I dating, spending as much time together as we could between our schedules. I was always working at the hospital, while he worked construction for Derek’s uncle at Calloway Construction. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s been a roller coaster five years. It all fell into place when Brian Jefferies walked into the bar one weekend. Brian had only listened to the band play a couple of songs before he decided he wanted to represent them. Brian got them on satellite radio, and they became the hottest thing on the radio overnight. They started playing at different bars, opening for other bands, and gathered a huge following. Now they were on their second headlining tour with the release of their second album. Brian had them traveling all over the place promoting the new album. After Minneapolis, the guys are heading to Europe for the last leg of the tour. Man, I wish I could go with them, but with work and school, there’s no way. Maybe after I finish my current semester I could fly over for a week or two. Lord knows I have enough vacation time.
Sometimes, I wonder what the hell I was thinking, going back to school for my master’s degree, but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. My dream is to be a pediatric nurse practitioner. I love working with kids, and I love my job at the children’s hospital.
I glance down and stare at the big rock sitting on my left ring finger, as the glow of the overhead light makes it sparkle. Brett proposed to me at Jake’s Bar before this tour started four months ago. I’m just so excited, thinking about our future together. I can’t wait to see him tonight.
I’m pulled from my thoughts as the pilot announces our landing, so I gather my stuff and get ready to get off this tin can. I’m glad I only packed my carry-on, so I won’t have to wait at the baggage claim. I shoot off a quick text to Brian to let him know I landed, and he suggests I go to the hotel and wait for Brett. He’s given the driver the key to the room, which is great for me. It’ll give me time to freshen up before Brett arrives.
I don’t have to wait long before the driver pulls up and whisks me away to the hotel. Pulling up, I feel out of place. I dress for comfort when I fly, so I’m in a T-shirt, jeans, and flip-flops. I can see the doorman giving me a weird look as I get the key from the driver and he gives my carry-on to the bellhop that comes to the car, then off we go to the elevator. We get to the room and the bellhop puts my bag inside the door as I look around the room. Holy moly, this place is nice. Way too rich for my blood. The bellhop clears his throat and I realize he’s waiting for a tip. I dig in my pocket, but only pull out a couple of ones. “I’m so sorry,” I tell him. “It’s all the cash I have on me.
“Thank you,” he says formally and leaves the room.
Great. He probably thinks I’m cheap, but I never carry cash. Maybe I need to start.
Brian texts me to let me know that Brett should be at the hotel within the hour. I head to the bathroom to freshen up and change clothes. I brought one of the slinky dresses that Brett likes to surprise him, then I sit and wait.
I’m sitting in the chair when I hear someone outside the door, so I turn off the TV, ready to surprise him. I can hear him say something, then some female giggles. I pause. Maybe it’s not him. I mean, why would there be a girl with him? I hear fumbling with the door, like the key won’t work, but finally, the door opens and Brett walks in with his lips attached to some barely dressed blonde. Following them through the door is an even less dressed brunette with her hands all over his ass. I can hear her talking about all the things she wants to do to him. I’m completely frozen from shock.
The brunette starts to pull his shirt off and he only detaches his lips from the blonde so the shirt can go over his head. He looks at the brunette and says, “Strip and get on the bed.” She eagerly complies. He turns back to the blonde and says, “Take my dick out and suck it like a good girl.” The blonde can’t get her hands on his belt fast enough.
How long am I going to sit here and watch this? They’re so caught up in what they’re doing, they don’t even see me. I feel like I’m in a nightmare. I watch as the blonde takes his dick into her mouth. Brett groans and sways on his feet. He just keeps staring at the ceiling and moaning. I glance at the brunette and she’s buck naked with one hand on her tit and one on her pussy. Brett pulls the blonde off his dick and tells her to get on the bed too.
“Daddy,” the brunette moans. “I’ve got some more blow for us. I want you to snort it off my pussy.” She has a dreamy look on her face and it dawns on me that they’re all high as kites.
I can’t watch anymore. I spy my carry-on by the door, so I stand and make my way toward it. As I open the door, I hear one of the girls ask “Who’s that?” I glance back to see Brett look at me— look through me.
“That’s nobody,” he says.
Nobody. My heart shatters into a million pieces. I never knew my heart could hurt so badly.
I think I’m in shock. I don’t even notice my surroundings. I head out the door and quickly throw on some clothes from my bag in the hallway. Once I’m dressed, I take the elevator down and make my way through the lobby to the sidewalk. The doorman asks if I need anything.
“A cab,” I say, and he waves one down.
“Where to, Miss?”
“The airport.” I feel like I’m moving in slow motion and I can’t think. Before I know it, I’m at the airport. Thank God I can use my debit card to pay for the cab fare. I move to the ticket agent, and I’m so out of it, I don’t even hear her speaking to me, not until she reaches over the counter and touches my shoulder.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I need to get back to Dallas as soon as possible.” I know she can see that something’s wrong and takes pity on me. I hand her my ticket and she starts working on her computer. Luckily, there’s a flight leaving in an hour and they have a few open seats in economy. I take it and head to the gate.
Finally, I’m on the plane and headed home. But what is home anymore?
Break Me Down
Mallory - The Next Month
On Friday, the office I work at closes early, so I head home to get ready for my date with Todd. He’s been persistent about taking me out since the night we met, and I finally gave in, because why not? It’s not like he’s a bad looking guy, and he seemed interesting enough. Plus, I haven’t been out with anyone in as long as I can remember, so it will be good to just get out and get to know someone new.
Getting in my car, I head out on the freeway toward my apartment. Kristen won’t be home for a while since she’s working today, which means I’ll get the apartment to myself. I’m darting through rush hour traffic when my dad calls. I hit the Bluetooth button and answer.
“Hey, Daddy.”
“Hi, pumpkin. How was work?”
“Same stuff, different day. Nothing cool has come into the office lately,” I say, and he chuckles, knowing my fascination with Dr. Pimple Popper—hence why I work in a dermatology office.
“Maybe you’ll get something next week. How you can watch that stuff, I’ll never know. Must have gotten it from your mother,” he chuckles over the line, “Anyway, I was calling to see if you wanted to come over for dinner tonight.”
“I would, but I actually have a date.”
“A date, huh? Anyone special?”
“Just a guy I met at a bar the other night. I don’t know if he’s going to be special or not. We’ll have to see.”
“Okay, pumpkin. Tomorrow night? I’ll make your favorite. And be careful
, please. You don’t know this guy,” he says, and I roll my eyes.
“I will. I’m meeting him at the theater, so I won’t be dependent on him.”
“Good. Love you, Mal.”
“Love you too, Dad.” We hang up, and I pull into the parking lot of my apartment building. Since my mom died three years ago, my dad has been my rock. We get together two to three times a month to have dinner and talk on the phone almost daily. I wish he would start dating again so he wouldn’t be lonely, but Mom was the love of his life and he says no one can hold a candle to her.
Unlocking the door, the nerves are kicking in. I haven’t been on a date in a long time. School took up too much time. Butterflies fill me at the thought of holding hands and the first goodnight kiss. Deciding I need to relax a little, I head straight to the bathroom to start a bubble bath, strip off my clothes, gather my hair on top of my head, and climb in. The smell of jasmine and vanilla wafts up as I pour the oil into the bath. Grabbing my phone, I pull up my iTunes, find Black Label Society’s “Hangover Music,” and settle in for a nice long soak.
The water significantly cooler and my fingers and toes pruney, I grab a towel, dry myself off, and move onto finding something to wear. Looking through my closet, I sigh before shuffling through the hangers, not knowing what to wear, or having any real interest in anything I’m finding. We’re only going to the movies, so it needs to be casual, but not too casual. Coming across a teal peasant top, I snatch it down, grab a white pair of Capri pants to match, and get started on my hair and makeup. Twenty minutes later, and satisfied with the final product, I grab my purse and head out the door.
As soon as I pull into the theater parking lot, my phone dings with a text. I rummage around in my purse, finding it at the bottom, and look at the screen, finding a text from Todd making sure I haven’t forgotten. My eyes immediately move to the clock in the dash, and I shake my head. Two minutes late. Glancing around, I notice him leaning against the light post, his light-colored button-up shirt rolled to his elbows and dark wash jeans snug around his thighs. A smile crosses my lips as I dump my phone back into my purse and make my way over to him.
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