by S Cinders
Katie frowned at him, “You are turning down Yale? When did you decide that?”
Colt reddened, “Last night, I just haven’t had a chance to speak with you about it.”
Katie went to argue but Mrs. A stopped her, “Colt, I checked into the family housing. If Katie wants to get her GED early, there are programs that help starting families. I know that it won’t be easy studying, especially with a new baby in the apartment.”
“You found a way that I could take her with me?” Colt was stunned.
Mrs. A nodded, “And there are a few community colleges if Katie wants to go after the baby is a few months older. I checked with the scholarship board. They don’t discriminate against families. You will still have a full-ride.”
“You had a full-ride scholarship you were going to give up?” Liam was incredulous. “Dude, that is the stupidest choice ever.”
Colt ignored Liam as he turned to Katie, “I know that the baby will only be a few weeks old. But, Katie this is our chance. Do you think that you could somehow find a way to come with me? I promise you, that I will always be there.”
“Except when he is in class,” Liam muttered rolling his eyes.
Katie flipped her brother off, before answering Colt. “Are you sure you want a fulltime family in college?”
Colt’s grin widened. “I will have a fulltime family no matter where I go to school. You are it for me, Katie-cat. So, will you come to Yale with me?”
EPILOUGE
Katie had been studying all day, she desperately wanted to get into Branford College. With all the universities that surrounded Yale, this was the one that interested her most. Taking the GED and graduating early had been the best option. And in her third trimester when she was completely miserable, she was grateful not to have been in high school. She shuddered at the thought of those crowded hallways and her big belly.
Gracie had been born two weeks after Liam and Colt had graduated. She was eight pounds and four ounces, nineteen inches long. Colt cried and Liam passed out. Thankfully Mrs. A had been there to hold her hand and encourage Katie through her long labor.
Once Gracie had made her appearance, there was no doubt that Mitch was the father. Her sweet red curls said it all.
Mitch’s parents were ashamed of how their son had behaved and wanted a chance to know Gracie. At first Katie struggled with this, but Mrs. A talked with her. She explained to Katie that it wouldn’t be a bad thing to have more people who love and support Gracie. Mitch’s parents were good people, and just wanted a chance to know their granddaughter.
Mitch was the absentee father that he said he would be. After getting drafted to the triple A leagues, Mitch decided that college wasn’t for him. There were talks about him going into the minors soon. Katie wished him all the luck, and didn’t feel an ounce of remorse when she didn’t hear from him again.
Colt took the full-ride scholarship to Yale with the contingency that Katie and Gracie come along. Yale was happy to have them all. Colt had started studying medicine, and planned to eventually be a neurosurgeon. Liam laughed that only Colt could say that and actually be serious standing in ripped jeans and flip flops.
Colt just gave his usual crooked smile, he was a genius, what could he say?
A faint cry came from the monitor in front of Katie, it looked like the princess what awake from her nap.
“Hey there,” Katie gathered up a very wet and irritated baby. “Goodness, let’s get you changed.”
The moment Gracie saw her mother she was all smiles. She was such a good baby. Katie cooed and sang to her as she put on a fresh diaper and onesie.
“Where are my girls?”
Katie’s laughed hearing the front door slam shut, “Looks like daddy is home from school.”
“We are in Gracie’s room,” Katie called a little louder so that she could be heard.
Colt appeared at the doorway. His bleached blond hair disheveled and his tight abs on display.
Katie’s eyes were glued to his chest, “Where is your shirt?”
Colt loved it when Katie couldn’t take her eyes off him, “I spilled something on it.”
He went over and took Gracie out of her arms, “How is my princess?”
Gracie giggled and laughed at her Colt, reaching out her little hands and trying to grab his nose.
“I am the luckiest daddy in the world,” he kissed her cheek softly.
Katie loved watching them together. As much as Gracie loved her, she clearly was smitten with Colt. Gracie was a daddy’s girl all the way.
“I haven’t started anything for dinner, I was just getting ready to feed Gracie.”
Colt’s eyes darkened, he loved when Katie breast feed the baby. Katie would always blush when he watched so intently. She kept telling him that it was natural and not sexy.
Colt begged to differ. And showed her otherwise when Gracie was tucked to sleep.
“I can order a pizza, don’t worry about fixing anything. Did you hear from Liam today?”
Liam had been pretty shaken up over breaking things off with Heidi. She went to Virginia Tech and Liam went to UMD. Their long-distance relationship had fizzled. Liam had taken it hard, wishing he had gone with Heidi instead of choosing a school so far away.
Katie shook her head, “I haven’t all day, and I’ve had my phone on me. I spoke with Brianna earlier though. She really has a thing for Liam. If he ever gets past this breakup I think she would be perfect for him.”
“She’s at UMD as well, isn’t she?” Colt replied.
“Yes, and the girl has is bad. I hope he pulls his head out before she gets snapped up.”
Colt laughed, “You can’t tell Liam that.”
Katie grinned, “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
The pizza was delivered right after Katie had finished nursing Gracie. They laid her on a blanket on the floor and sat beside the coffee table eating their pepperoni and sausage. When they were, full Colt pulled Katie into his lap and began kissing her neck.
“You are the hottest mom, I have ever seen.”
Katie giggled, “Thank you, I think?”
Colt growled softly in her ear before taking the lobe and worrying with his tongue. This got to Katie every time, and she felt a rush of pleasure shoot straight to her core. Turning she saw that he was already hard for her.
Colt mashed his lips against hers. Loving the feel of Katie in his arms and in his life. He had no idea how he had gotten so lucky, but he was going to hold on for all he was worth. Their kiss escalated and Colt was just removing Katie’s shirt when Gracie started to fuss.
Katie groaned in his kiss, but slowly backed away. When she picked up Gracie all the tears stopped and she grinned at her mother.
“You little sneak,” Katie laughed, “You just wanted some attention.”
Colt ginned, “I like her tactics, I’m not going to lie. But Gracie love, you are going to have to share your mommy with me.”
Katie brought Gracie over and sank back into Colt’s lap.
“Katie-cat?” Colt asked hesitantly.
Katie tilted her head so that she could see him, “Yeah.”
“I love you,” Colt kissed her lips softly. “And I can’t live without you and Gracie.”
Katie smiled, “I love you too, and I am afraid you are stuck with us.”
Colt reached behind him and pulled out a little black box. “I am glad you said that, because Katie I don’t ever want to be without you. Will you marry me?”
Katie almost dropped Gracie. It was a good thing that Colt was there steadying her arm. Colt took Gracie in his strong arms. “What do you say, Katie-cat? Will you be mine?”
Katie threw her arms around Colt and Gracie, “Always, Colt… Always!”
BONUS CHAPTER
Katie couldn’t get comfortable. Being thirty-eight weeks pregnant, she felt she resembled a small manatee. Deciding that she couldn’t lie down for a moment longer, Katie looked at the clock. It was a quarter past three in the morning. With the
ever-increasing twinges in her back she knew that sleep would not be coming soon.
Forcing her swollen body to sit up, she swung her feet over the side of the bed.
“Katie-cat?” Colt’s groggy voice beside her caused her to pause for a moment.
“Go back to sleep,” She whispered back to him.
Colt blinked a few times before shoving up into a sitting position, “What’s the problem, sweetheart?”
Katie grimaced, “My back is hurting, the baby is kicking, and I can’t find a comfortable position to lay in. I think I am just going to get up and watch some television.”
“I can rub your back for you,” Colt smiled and Katie felt her heart clench.
He was such a good boyfriend. Not only did he still tell her she was beautiful every day, but he rubbed her back and feet more than any person should ever have to. He and Liam had graduated two weeks ago. They had a big party at the house, and celebrated Katie getting her GED at the same time, even though she had earned it a few months prior.
Mitch had been noticeably absent. The falling out with him had caused quite a stir around school. Katie hated the gossip, and never did come out and tell people that he was the father. But enough people could put two and two together to make Mitch’s life uncomfortable. He was no longer the party king that he once had been. Rumor had it that he was headed to the big time. Katie honestly could have cared less.
Katie leaned into Colt, his arms automatically wrapping around her. “I am so huge, I don’t see how I can do two more weeks of this.”
Colt smiled against her hair, “I don’t think we have any choice, do we?”
Katie grumbled against his chest. Something about stubborn babies being a pain in the ass—literally.
He laughed, “I am sorry, Katie, I wish I could make it better.”
Katie usually answered with a response of how being with him always made it better. But this morning she was just plain miserable. Pulling out of his arms, she went to stand. As soon as she was on her feet a gush of liquid came from between her thighs.
“Whoa,” Colt bolted up, “Maybe you won’t be waiting two more weeks.”
Katie’s turned wild eyes on him, “COLT! I am having a baby.”
Colt tried to stop his lips from forming a smile, he knew that it wouldn’t help. “That is usually what happens when you are pregnant.”
“Stop being a smartass and go get Liam! Call your mom!” A sharp pain ceased her back, catching her breath.
The terror and anguish in her eyes eradicated and humor that Colt had been feeling. He ran to Liam’s door and started pounding on it.
“What the fu… Colt? What is going on?” Liam’s hair was sticking up in all different directions.
“Katie is having her baby, we have to go to the hospital,” Colt blurted out before turning and running back to Katie.
She had gone into the bathroom and changed out of her wet pajama bottoms, putting on fresh underwear and a pad to catch any additional amniotic fluid that might still be up there.
“We are going to get in the car, everything is going to be fine,” Colt felt like life was speeding all around him in fast forward. For the first time, he felt real fear. People died in childbirth. Sure, it wasn’t something that happened often, but every crazy horrible scenario was running through his mind.
“Colt,” Katie tried to stop him as he ushered her down the hallway.
“We can talk in the car,” Colt replied.
Katie grinned, “Colt, wait a moment, I really need to talk to you.”
“I love you too, Katie-cat, more than you will ever know. But this is not the time or the place. Let’s get into the car.”
“Colt!” Katie tried to get him to listen.
He leaned over and kissed her hard on the mouth, temporarily making her forget the important information that she wanted to impart. Another sharp pain sliced through her and she broke the kiss to cry out.
Colt’s color fled, Liam appeared at the doorway of the garage. Frowning he called out, “Colt, you can’t go to the hospital in your damn boxers. Put some pants on, man.”
Colt looked down and saw his blue and red plaid boxers.
“I did try to tell you,” Katie added, “But for the record, I love you too.”
“We don’t have time for the love connection,” Liam rolled his eyes.
Colt swore and raced back in the house, coming back a few moments later in wrinkled jeans and a t-shirt.
Katie was really starting to feel an immense amount of pressure. “We need to go, right now!”
Colt jumped into the back and Liam backed out of the drive.
“Shit, I didn’t call my mom,” Colt pulled out his phone and started calling. It took three times to wake her up. Once Mrs. A realized what was going on she told them to drive safely and she would meet them at the hospital.
Liam drove like a bat out of hell. Katie sat groaning and praying her back wouldn’t break, the contractions were about seven minutes apart. She felt nauseous and was white knuckle gripping the car door.
As they flew into the maternity ward of the hospital, an attendant came out with a wheelchair. Colt helped Katie out of the car and into the chair while Liam parked the car. It was a frenzy trying to convey the information to the hospital staff. Colt couldn’t remember a damn thing and Katie started throwing up.
Dr. Williams was paged and they took Katie to labor and delivery. A doctor came in to give her an epidural and the next thing she knew she was asked to roll onto her side and hug her knees. All semblances of modesty were thrown out the window. Her hospital gown hadn’t been tied and her breasts kept giving a peep show that Colt couldn’t ignore.
The doctor brought out a huge needle and suddenly life slowed down again.
Katie felt the effects almost immediately. The pain was suddenly manageable, the Zofran had hit her system so she was no longer throwing up. She took a deep breath and looked at Colt.
“That is so much better,” She smiled dreamily. “Oh, Liam, when did you get here?”
Liam shot a questioning glanced over to Colt, “I have been here the last half hour, Bug.”
Katie nodded, “Oh, that is nice. I am really sleepy.”
Dr. Williams walked in, “Let’s check the progress, shall we?”
Flipping her gown up, Dr. Williams assessed the situation, “Well, it looks like you are dilated to a seven.”
“So, the baby will be coming soon?” Katie asked eagerly.
Dr. Williams fixed her gown and smiled kindly, “She could be here in the next hour, or she could be coming in twenty-four hours.”
“Twenty-four?” Katie wailed.
“Not to worry, we don’t let our mother’s go more than twenty-four hours after their water has broken. So, you will have your baby here before this time tomorrow. For right now we are going to let mother nature do her thing. You will be monitored as will your baby. We will know right away if the baby is in destress.”
“What am I supposed to do in the meantime?” Katie asked.
“Try and rest, it is very early in the morning. And goodness knows after the little one is here you won’t be getting much sleep.”
Katie nodded, “Thank you, Dr. Williams.”
Mrs. A arrived shortly after Dr. Williams left. They turned the lights down low and Katie did her best to rest. Slipping in and out of consciousness, the next few hours rolled by.
Dr. Williams came in every few hours as Katie progressed slowly. It was long agonizing hours, but finally at one thirty in the afternoon Dr. Williams said she was dilated to a ten and ready to push.
“I can’t do this anymore,” Katie sobbed.
“Sweetheart, you are doing great,” Mrs. A brushed Katie’s sweaty hair back from her face. “I know that you have been working so hard and we are so proud of you.”
“You are amazing,” Colt leaned over and kissed her forehead.
Katie squeezed their hands hard as another contraction washed over her.
“All righ
t Katie, I need you to push hard this time. I can see the head.” Dr. Williams encouraged.
Liam had been hanging back, there were some things a brother didn’t want to see.
Katie screamed as she pushed as hard as she could.
“The baby is coming!” Colt beamed at her, “You are doing so well!”
“One more push, Katie, you can do this,” Dr. Williams gave her another count of ten and then demanded that she push.
Suddenly, Katie felt the pressure push through.
“Her head is out, we just need the shoulders, you are doing beautifully.”
Katie nodded at Dr. Williams and pushed again. A loud wail broke through the room, the baby was finally here. Then off to the side a loud crack as Liam’s head smacked the tile floor.
“What? Oh, damn it! Nurse!!” Dr. Williams yelled out. Taking the baby and wrapping her in a blanket Dr. Williams placed Katie’s newborn on her chest. “I’d like you to meet your momma, little one. And be the first to wish you a happy birthday.”
Katie looked at Colt who unashamedly had tears rolling down his cheeks. “She’s really here.”
Colt nodded, “She is beautiful. What are you going to name her?”
Katie wrinkled her brow and looked down at the precious bundle that had been placed in her arms. The small amount of hair on her head was red and curly. Her eyes were closed and her lips were pursed. Katie had never seen anything more beautiful in her life. “Grace,” Katie whispered. “Because of her I have been given another chance. She is my saving Grace.”
Colt placed one hand over Katie’s arm holding the baby. He and leaned over to kiss Grace softly, and then he kissed Katie just as tenderly. “I couldn’t think of anything more perfect than that.”
Keep reading for an excerpt from Hunter & Holt
CHAPTER 1 - SAM
I knew that having a small bladder was going to bite me in the ass one day. I just didn't think it would get me and the hottest guy at Jay Middleton University evicted from our dorm.
I place full blame on my roommates break up with the cock-sucker, Mike. You see, it went down like this.