It was the day before New Year's Eve. Adam sat on the bed and folded laundry. Roman worked to pack things into boxes to clear the room for the renovations.
"Are you sure it is alright to move in with Shawn and Hunter? I'm sure it will be safe to stay here." Adam asked for the fifth time that hour.
Roman stopped what he was doing. "Adam Joseph, if you ask me that one more time... Yes, it is fine, Shawn wants us there, so does Hunter. It will not be safe for you here, especially with your pregnancy allergies. All those fumes will dangerous for you and Baby Reigns. I thought you were looking forward to spending time with Shawn and Hunter." He looked at Adam with concern.
Adam looked at Roman. "I guess I'm worried about being in their way. No, that's not exactly true. I don't want... oh hell... How is Shawn going to feel about being around a pregnant person? Roman, I don't want to make Shawn feel bad. Does that make any sense?" He finally spit out what was bothering him. He didn't ever want to hurt Shawn.
Roman smiled. Now it made sense. "You are so sweet and soft hearted, darling. Shawn knows you're pregnant. It's not going to bother him. Besides he's gonna have a baby to take care of soon, remember? I think he's hoping to give you some parenting help. It's going to be fine, I promise. Now, come on, we have more packing, especially the living room." He gave Adam a kiss and went back to work.
On New Year's Eve day, Roman and Adam arrived at the Helmsley's, ready to move in for two weeks. They each had two suitcases.
Adam loved the Helmsley's house. It was a two story Colonial style house of red brick. What made it even nicer were the huge front and back yards. The house sat on a corner lot in the more affluent, north side of Chicago.
Roman parked in the side yard, where Hunter had made an additional parking area out of railroad ties and gravel. It was where Shawn parked his jeep he took on hunting and camping trips.
Shawn had watched the couple pull in. He opened the garage so they could come in the back door that entered into the kitchen. Shawn took Adam's bags. "Welcome, home." He gave Adam a smile and motioned for Adam to follow him. They went upstairs.
Hunter greeted Roman and took one of Roman's bags. They followed after Shawn and Adam.
Shawn had decorated the home with Colonial American style furniture, and of course it fit the house perfectly. Right down to the spinning wheel in the formal sitting room.
Shawn led Adam to a large guest room with an en suite bathroom. The windows looked out over the beautiful backyard, and Shawn's prize flower garden with a small water feature.
The bed was maple and had four, tall spindle posters. Thankfully, it was king sized. There was a matching dresser, chest of drawers and two bed side tables. At the foot of the bed was a wonderful, Colonial American quilt trunk. All the wood was polished like glass.
There was also a warm and cozy sitting area in the bedroom with two library chairs, coffee and end tables that faced a small fire place.
Shawn put Adam's suitcase on the floor next to the dresser. "Make yourselves at home. I am so glad you're here. I was worried about you being around all those renovations. When you're settled I want to show you the nursery. It won't be long now. Gunner is so excited about his sister. Shawn had a constant smile on his face.
Adam's fears vanished. Shawn was too excited and happy to be upset. Now he could relax and enjoy his time here, with Shawn, Hunter and Gunner.
"Thank you for letting us stay. You're home is so warm and inviting. I can't wait to see the nursery. Speaking of Gunner, you are very brave to host a teenager party." Adam laughed as he put his and Roman's shower kits in the bathroom.
Shawn chuckled. "Well, they are going to be down in the basement. Hunter rented a pool table and some pinball games. He also insisted on catering, so I got lucky. All we have to do is chaperon, without being... overbearing. That's why I especially wanted you, Seth and Heath here. You three will relate better, I hope you don't mind."
"I don't mind at all, Shawn. I'm glad to do anything I can to help you. We can go over your rules when the others get here." Adam grinned as Roman and Hunter came into the room.
"... thats a great table. I hope you and I can get a few matches in." Roman spoke with excitement as he and Hunter entered the room.
"We'll have it for a week. I've always wanted one but... someone doesn't play, so it would just be a large piece of furniture." Hunter cast an exasperated look at Shawn.
"I know, dear. I am a bad, horrible husband. I know what would happen. You'd drag Gunner down to play pool all the time. He has homework to do. I am not waisting all that space. I have no objections to you renting one once in a while. Now, speaking of, where is Gunner?" Shawn explained with a kiss to Hunter's lips when he finished.
Hunter returned Shawn's kiss. "I know, you're right. He is in the basement, picking out music. He's burning a CD. He is so happy, Shawn. He told me he's never had a party before. Gunner is such a good kid, despite... well... the way he was raised." His voice was soft and a bit sad.
Shawn nodded. "He is a good kid. Come on, let's let these two unpack. Roman, Adam, please, treat being here like you are in your own home." Shawn pulled Hunter out of the guest bedroom.
Both Roman and Adam chuckled a bit. "I'll say one thing, those two love each other, very much. I hope that we are that much in love twenty years from now." Adam's voice held a wistful tone.
Roman took Adam into his arms. "I know we will be, even more so than we are now. Remember, I love you more today than yesterday, but not half as much as tomorrow. So just think, how that will grow in twenty years." He gave Adam a soft, sweet kiss.
Adam smiled. "You're so romantic, Roman. You melt my heart. I do love you, Lieutenant." He returned Roman's kiss.
The couple did make themselves at home. They unpacked their bags and talked happily as they worked. It started to snow, just as they finished and went downstairs.
"One good thing. All the kids live in the neighborhood. The boys are going to sleep in the basement and the girls will be in the living room. Hunter, you and Roman can put the mattresses down later. Beth Phoenix and Natalie Neidhart will be here to chaperon them. I think the parents were more willing to allow an overnight party, when they knew the house would be full of cops." Shawn stood at the kitchen counter with a check list and pen in hand.
"We only have two spare mattresses, is that enough?" Hunter asked thoughtfully.
"Should be fine. There's six girls, three to a bed. If anyone objects, we have a couple of sleeping bags. Beth and Nattie will sleep on the couch. Hunter, you and Dean are staying with the boys." Shawn made a mark on his list.
"I don't mind doing that, Hunt. No need for you to sleep down there." Roman offered thoughtfully. "Adam and Seth could stay together." Roman added a second thought.
"We'll see, Roman. Remember, Adam is in a delicate condition, he might need you. By the way Adam, you be careful. I don't want rowdy teens putting you in danger. Yes I know, I am being ridiculous. Humor an old man. I just want you and Baby Reigns safe." Shawn gave Adam a smile and went over and hugged him.
Adam hugged Shawn in return. "Tell you what, as grandpa in waiting, you are the only one allowed to fuss over me like that. Well, Hunter can too. Show me the nurs..." Adam was interrupted when Seth, Heath, Dean and Jason arrived.
Hunter and the new arrivals went upstairs with their own bags. Shawn and Adam also went upstairs to look at Baby Calaway's nursery.
Shawn opened a door that was right across the hall from the Helmsley's master bedroom. Adam gasped, the room was gorgeous. The first thing Adam noticed was how light and airy the room was.
The walls were a pretty, very pale pastel yellow, almost white, but not quite. Darker yellow curtains with a pattern of small, cute rabbits hung at the windows. The crib, layette, changing table and dresser were all white. The bedding of the crib matched the drapes. The headboard and foot-board of the cradle both had large decals of a rabbit. The bunny had a soft yellow ribbon around its neck, and was smiling. It had big blue eyes with long lashes, it was adorable. The last thing was a white rocking chair by the window.
"Oh Shawn, it's beautiful. She is going to love this room. Didn't Gunner make another cradle?" Adam looked around the pretty room as he spoke. He loved Baby Reigns' nursery, but this one was just as nice.
"Oh, yes, it's in our bedroom. It's just like yours, only he painted it white to match all this. Adam, I'm so... finally, a baby in this room. I know she won't really be mine... but to just... have a baby... I can't wait... I've waited... so long..." When Shawn's voice broke he looked at Adam. Tears shone in the beautiful turquoise eyes.
Adam wasn't sure if the tears were happy or sad; perhaps both. "I... I'm sorry, Shawn... oh my mouth... I'm sorry... I'm sorry..." Adam did exactly what he didn't want to ever do. His big mouth had hurt Shawn, he was sure of it.
Shawn hugged Adam. "No, Adam, it's alright. It's... you learn to go on... you dig down to your toes and go on. Now, I can say, what ever the reason, I wasn't meant to have children. It was hard to accept, damn hard. I will also say this, I wouldn't have made it without Hunter. I found a renewed strength in God. He has a reason for everything, we may never understand it, but that's what faith is. Adam, do you believe in Jesus?" Shawn finally asked. He never pushed religion, but he was curious.
Adam sighed. "I really... don't know, Shawn. I believe there is someone up there, looking out for us, or else I am sure I'd be dead by now. I do know I want Baby Reigns to be christened, but the child will decide for itself when it's old enough... I hate saying "it" for the baby..." Adam changed the subject, religion made him nervous.
Shawn got the hint. He and Adam left the nursery and headed back downstairs. "You and Roman really don't want to know if the baby is a boy or girl?" Shawn asked as they got back to the kitchen.
Adam sat on one of the barstools. The kitchen was separated from the dining room by a breakfast bar. There were stools on either side. Shawn sat on the other side and faced the hazel eyed man.
Adam shook his head. "No, we really don't. I just hate saying "it". But, we don't want to say he or she, get used to it then be disappointed." Adam explained as the others came into the kitchen. Adam hugged Heath and Seth. Heath looked tired and it was a long way to midnight.
"Heath, are you alright?" Adam asked his best friend with a worried gleam in his eyes.
Heath looked at Jason with an odd expression on his face. Jason returned the look with a slight nod. Heath grinned brightly.
"I'm fine. It's just that with last minute wedding plans, morning sickness, and school, I am a little tired. I'm gonna take a nap before the party starts." Heath explained. He waited for the reaction.
Adam nodded. "I know what you mean. I have more classes this term because of taking them on-line, but still it's tiring. Wait... wait... Heath... did you say? Are you? When?!" Adam hugged Heath as he realized what Heath had said.
Six mouths fell open as Jason beamed like the proudest man on earth. He pulled Heath up against him protectively. Heath rested his head on Jason's shoulder.
"Yeah, I am. Sometime in July. Guess who forgot to get their shot? Oh guys, I'm... we're so happy. Baby Reigns is going to have a cousin to play with. Oh Adam, who would have thought... Seth, you and Dean are next." Heath gave Seth a wink. His eyes danced with joy.
Seth shook his head. "Nooo, I had my shot. I am happy for you, Heath. Congratulations." He kissed Heath on the cheek and gave Jason a pat on the back.
Everyone swarmed around Jason and Heath. Hugs, kisses and handshakes were give with lots of congratulations. Jason held Heath close and just trembled with pride. Heath smiled and let a blush dust his cheeks.
All the excitement brought Gunner up from the basement. Adam told him about Baby Reso. "Well, looks like I have another cradle to make. Maybe I will just open a cradle shop." Gunner laughed and gave Heath a hug. He then went back down to the basement. He wanted to finish the CD for the party.
Jason took his pregnant fiancé up to their guest room to take a nap. Heath really was tired, his morning sickness had started with a vengeance.
Shawn had put on a pot of coffee. The subject was Baby Reso. Jason sighed happily. "I can't believe it. He's gonna be a great little mother. We found out three weeks ago, but hoped to get the wedding over before we told..." Jason paused his explanation and chuckled. "Shoulda known it wouldn't work. He's bad with the morning sickness, Doctor Ross said it comes hard like that sometimes. He told Heath to rest when he felt tired, but otherwise they are fine and healthy. So, Dean, that leaves you two." Jason gave his fellow Detective a wink.
"Nope. Like Seth said, he gets his shot. We don't want kids right now. I'm really happy for both of you, don't get me wrong, hell we will even babysit, any time. I love kids, as does Seth, but it's not what we want right now. Does that make us bad?" Dean looked from Jason to Roman with an arched brow.
Roman replied. "Not at all, makes you smart. There is nothing wrong with not wanting kids. Maybe if more people were as thoughtful about it, there wouldn't be so many kids on the streets..."
The conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Detectives Beth Phoenix and Natalie Neidhart. Greetings were once again exchanged. They were thrilled to hear about Heath and couldn't wait to see him later.
Shawn took the girls upstairs to the smallest guest room. It would be a place where they could change and relax, but they would seep in the living room with the teenage girls.
It wasn't long before Adam caved in to Roman's wishes and went upstairs to rest before the party. Adam thought Roman was being over protective, but he fell asleep in minutes. Sometimes Roman did know best.
The party was set to start at six. The catering service arrived at five. At first Shawn had thought catering would be a waste of money, but now he was glad they had done it. Especially when he saw the amount of food, after all teenagers were eating machines on legs.
Gunner had picked the food, he stuck to the basics. Sliders, hot dogs, pizza and the things to go with it, french fries, onion rings, baked beans, potato salad and Marconi and cheese. There was also any possible topping and condiment they could want.
Hunter showed the caterers where to set up in the basement. When he came back upstairs Gunner was with him. The boy glowed with excitement.
Gunner looked at his foster parents with absolute adoration. "I just want to thank you again for letting me have this party. I love you both. " He gave his stand in parents a hug. Shawn and Hunter returned the hug with warm hearts.
"We're happy to do it, son. We want you to be able to do the things you missed out on, just be a regular kid. Just promise me one thing, try not to tear up my basement too much." Shawn tousled Gunner's hair.
"We won't, I promise. I hope the snow won't stop the fireworks later." Gunner looked out at the lightly falling snow. It wasn't heavy but it was constant.
"Don't worry about it. I am sure it will be alright. Jason, Dean and I are experts at fireworks." Roman gave Gunner a wink and pat on the shoulder.
Gunner whooped when the front doorbell rang. His first guest had arrived. In all there would be twelve boys and six girls. Most of them were Gunner's football teammates and cheerleaders. One boy, Sam Austin, was from Gunner's wood shop class, and was Gunner's best friend.
After all the guests had arrived, everyone gathered in the basement. Adam and Heath who were now rested and refreshed were also there.
Hunter had the attention of all the teenagers. "First of all, welcome. I hope you all enjoy yourselves. I will keep this brief. There are just five rules. No drinking alcohol, no drugs including cigarettes, no fighting, no sex, and no rap music!" Hunter was serious as he looked at the kids in his care. However, he gave a laughing wink with his last rule.
The kids laughed and agreed to obey the rules. "Well, get your party started. We will be upstairs: but we will pop and out at random times. We want you children to … sorry, kids, to enjoy yourselves. So have fun and eat up!" Shawn added his words.
Hunter led all the adults upstairs. Catering had left food for them as well. Shawn found a radio station that played classic rock and roll. There was no reason why they couldn't have fun as well.
Hunter grabbed Shawn by the waist and began to dance him around the dining room. The other couples soon joined them. They had a wonderful time.
The adults had the same food as the kids. Adam took a sudden craving to cheeseburger sliders. Roman finally made him stop after ten sliders and a plate of onion rings. Adam pouted like a child.
"Baby, remember what Doc said. Some weight gain is good, but not all in one night. Tell you what, eat some fruit and salad and you can have three more sliders before midnight. I will even save them for you." Roman spoke privately to Adam as to not embarrass his boy.
Adam nodded. "I know, you're right, but Baby Reigns liked them. And no, we are not naming the baby, Slider Reigns." His pout turned into a laugh. He knew it was because Roman loved him and the baby.
Every time a couple of the adults went downstairs, they found the kids having fun. The pool table and pinball machines were always being used. Some danced, others talked, ate or played video games. Gunner wore a constant smile, it was a good party.
Around eleven thirty, Hunter, Roman. Jason and Dean went out in the backyard to set up the fireworks the Helmsley's had purchased. Hunter was able to get a special permit to allow the backyard display.
Shawn had prepared places on the patio for Adam and Heath to sit with warm electric blankets. The kids gathered in the yard and the rest of adults stayed on the brick patio. It had stopped snowing, at least for the moment.
Shawn led the countdown to midnight. "... six, five, four, three, two, one...Happy New Year!" He shouted.
The fireworks lit up the sky over the Helmsley's house in beautiful showers of colorful sparks. The crowed oohed, ahh'd and cheered loudly. Shawn was glad they had a huge corner lot.
The only thing that slightly bugged Adam, was that because Roman was down at the end of the yard, to help with the fireworks, he didn't get a midnight kiss. It was something Adam had always dreamed about. But, it wasn't that big of a deal, there was always next year.
The fireworks lasted about twenty minutes. All in all the party had cost the Helmsley's a chunk of money. However, when Shawn saw the happy spark in Gunner's eyes, he would have paid a million dollars.
When the fireworks ended, the kids went back down to the basement, but not before Gunner hugged and kissed his foster parents.
Adam, Shawn, Seth and Heath all got their New Year's kisses. Beth kissed Natalie on the cheek with a wink. Everybody needed to start the new year with a kiss didn't they?
The adults continued their celebration as well. Shawn brought out an old game of Twister. Adam was content to be the judge and spin the wheel. He called out the color of the hand or foot. Everyone laughed when the pile of humanity finally fell on top of Hunter. They hadn't laughed so much in a long time.
Finally at three, Shawn made the girls come up stairs to sleep in the living room. No one really objected, even teenagers got tired, eventually.
Dean and Seth slept downstairs with the boys. Shawn had promised the girls parents that they would be safe, and he kept his promise. Beth and Natalie slept on the couch. No boys would dare to cross either of the female Detectives.
By four in the morning, the Helmsley house was quiet as sleep took over. When he fell asleep, Gunner had a huge smile on his face.
Shawn was up first the next morning. He quietly went down to the kitchen. He mixed up two large boxes of pancake batter. He'd borrowed a huge electric griddle from the church. He was going to let the kids cook their own pancakes. He figured it was the easiest thing. Next Shawn sliced five, two pound rolls of sausage, and began to fry the thin patties. He put a pot of maple syrup on to warm slowly. Lastly he made coffee.
Shawn hoped four gallons of milk and three gallons of orange juice would be enough. He set out stacks of paper plates and cups, along with plastic silverware. Hunter had insisted, he wanted the mess of clean up as easy as possible on himself and his beloved husband.
The smell of frying sausage began to wake the basement full of hungry boys. While the smell of freshly brewed coffee began to wake the adults.
The girls were up first and hit the two bathrooms like a violent windstorm. No way would the boys catch them without makeup or freshly styled hair. The girls were also fully dressed. It made Beth and Nattie laugh.
Poor Heath rinsed his mouth out. His morning sickness didn't care that he was a guest in someone else's home. Jason was right there with him. He kept Heath's ginger colored hair out of the way and gently rubbed Heath's back.
Adam threw the covers up over his head, he was not a morning person, even though it was nearly noon. Roman emerged from the shower and smiled. Adam looked adorable with just the top of his blond head sticking out of the covers.
"Baby, you really need to get up, can't be rude. Smell the pancakes and sausage" Roman teased as he pulled back the covers. He laughed when Adam followed the flow of the bed covers.
When Adam's feet were off the edge of the bed, he gave up. "Okay, okay. What do you think Baby Reigns, dad won't let us sleep. Such a mean old dad. Just remember, Baby Reigns, daddy loves you best." Adam mumbled as he sat up and rubbed his eyes. His blond hair was everywhere, and they hadn't even had sex.
Adam got up and stumbled into a hot, refreshing shower. By the time he'd finished his grooming, he was wide eyed and bushy tailed. He left his damp hair down in a long pony tail. His hair now fell past the middle of his back, and Roman loved it. Adam vowed to never cut it short.
By the time Roman, Adam, Heath and Jason got downstairs, all the kids were happily eating their breakfast. Some at the dining room table, some at the bar and the rest on TV trays Shawn had set up. There was a large round card table with folding chairs for the adults between the kitchen and dining room.
Seth and Dean were at the table eating. Adam and Heath joined them while Roman and Jason made pancakes for them. Heath still looked a little green around the gills.
"You'll be okay, Heath. It won't last forever. I am glad I didn't get bad morning sickness." Adam's voice was filled with sympathy as he poured a cup of juice for Heath.
"Ugh, it's awful. Yes, you were very lucky. Adam, are you really okay about not knowing if it's a boy or a girl?" Heath was curious, he and Jason hadn't made up their minds about knowing their baby's sex yet.
Adam swallowed his sip of juice. "Yes, we are. It's a pain in some ways. Not knowing what to buy, but we decided clothes don't really matter for a newborn, onesies are onesies. I just hate calling the baby "it", but the idea of not knowing is exciting. Babies were born for thousands of years without their parents knowing the sex. I've read where the doctor said it's a boy or a girl, and the parents planned names and everything, and when the baby was born, it was the opposite sex. That would be awful. All we want is a healthy baby, boy or girl doesn't matter." Adam finished just as Roman and Jason sat down with each two plates of pancakes,
"Adam is right. Healthy is all that matters." Roman stated firmly with with a huge bite of food.
Just as Shawn finally came with his plate of food, his cell phone rang. "I'll go up where it's quiet." He laughed as he ran upstairs and answered his phone. After all, it was rather noisy with the radio and teenage chatter.
Some were still eating, when a few minutes later, the first parent arrived to pick up. The snow had started again and parents didn't want their kids walking in the icy wind.
An hour later, only Sam Austin remained. He was going to stay the rest of the weekend, as his parents, Steve and Debra were out of town. Shawn and Hunter had insisted on Sam staying instead of missing the party. The Austin's were grateful.
Gunner and Sam did all the clean up after breakfast. They bagged up all the trash from both the basement and kitchen. There were four huge bags. Dean and Hunter carried them to the far end of the backyard where the trash cans were located. There was an alley behind the house that the trash company used that ran the length of the block.
Adam and the others felt a little guilty to just sit there and sip coffee while the boys worked at washing the dishes. When Adam offered to help, Gunner refused.
Adam felt a little chilled, he kissed Roman and went upstairs to their bedroom. In the hallway he paused, Adam thought heard some kind of odd noise. When he didn't hear it again he went into his and Roman's bedroom.
The blond changed from a tee shirt into his Chicago Bears sweatshirt. I had been a Christmas gift from the Helmsley's. Adam and Roman had gotten matching sweatshirts and there was also one for Baby Reigns. Adam couldn't wait to take a family picture of them wearing the matching shirts.
When Adam finished his business in the bathroom, he started to go back downstairs, he paused. Adam listened carefully, he heard the noise again. This time it sounded like a muffled sob. He turned, come to think of it, Shawn had never come back downstairs after going up to answer his phone.
Adam went down the hall, he expected to find Shawn in his bedroom, but the room was empty and the bathroom door was open. Adam spun around when he heard the muffled sob again. It had come from the nursery. Adam tentatively opened the door. His eyes flew wide open.
Shawn sat in the rocking chair and clutched the pillow from the crib to his chest. Shawn's shoulder's shook as he sobbed. Something was dreadfully wrong. He felt this was more for Hunter to handle. Adam quietly backed out of the room and silently closed the door.
Adam hurried down the stairs. He didn't see anyone but Seth and Heath in the living room. Adam then heard laughter from the basement; of course, the pool table. Adam went downstairs.
Roman could tell something was wrong the moment he saw Adam's face. He walked over to Adam, pool cue in hand. "Baby?" He asked with anxious worry in his eyes.
"I need Hunter." Adam replied with a nod to the Chief of Detectives. Hunter was showing Gunner how to make a rail shot.
Roman nodded and went to his boss. He waited for Hunter to finish then spoke softly. Hunter nodded and went to where Adam stood at the food of the stairs. Adam went up the stairs, Hunter followed.
Adam didn't mince his words. "I was upstairs... look, Shawn is in the nursery, sobbing his heart out. I just left and came to find you."
Hunter nodded and went upstairs. "Thanks, Adam." He spoke over his shoulder as he hurried up the stairs.
Adam went back down to the basement. He needed to tell Roman. He was sure his man would be worried. Adam went to where Roman stood and explained in a whisper. Roman's face clouded with worry. There was nothing they could do but wait.
On the way upstairs, Hunter chided himself. He should have checked on Shawn. It wasn't unusual; as a Chief of Police, for Shawn to be on the phone for an hour or more at a time, but still, he should have checked. He'd just been too damn anxious to get some time in on the pool table.
Hunter stopped outside the nursery, he heard the muffled sobs Adam had told him about. He opened the door, stepped in and closed the door behind him. He walked over to where Shawn sat in the rocking chair, and knelt at Shawn's feet.
Hunter gently placed his hands on Shawn's thigh's. "Shawn, sweetheart, what's wrong?" His amber eyes were filled with worry, his lips in a grim line.
Shawn's turquoise eyes blinked, when they did, more tears spilled down Shawn's cheeks and into his stubbly beard. When he looked at Hunter, fresh sobs passed over his lips. His grip on the small baby pillow tightened.
Hunter reached up and brushed the tears away with his thumb. "Sweetheart, talk to me, please. I love you, I'm here for you." His voice was soft and full of love.
Shawn sniffed. "Oh Hunt... Glenn... lost the baby..." He could barely speak the words. Sobs wracked his body anew.
Hunter's heart sank to his toes. He'd been looking forward to having the baby in the house. No where near Shawn's level, but still. "Can you tell me what happened?" As far as Hunter knew, every with Glenn had been good. The doctor at the prison was extremely competent.
Shawn sniffed... he reached over and grabbed a tissue from the box on the table next to the rocking chair. He wiped his eyes then blew his nose.
"It.. was the doctor on the phone. Glenn went into labor... it was a couple of weeks early, but everything was going fine... the baby was... still born... they tried... for two hours to... revive her... Doctor is.. confused... said baby was alive and healthy when labor started... but … something... she's just... gone... my baby... gone... Why Hunter? Why? Am I… cursed? Oh Hunter..." Shawn fell into his husband's arms and sobbed even harder than before.
Hunter held Shawn close. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart. What must Glenn be feeling... we need to go to Joliet... He is going to need support." Hunter needed Shawn to realize, while it was extremely sad, it was Glenn and Mark's loss; not theirs.
Shawn knew in his head Hunter was right, but he couldn't change how he felt. "I said... we'd come... this afternoon... my little girl... sweet angel..." Shawn's voice was broken with pain and heartache.
Hunter nodded, he then had another sudden thought. "Oh Shawnnie, how are we ever going to tell Gunner? This is going to crush him. He's waited fifteen years for a baby sister..." His words faded.
Shawn trembled with grief at Hunter's words. How were they going to tell Gunner.
The New Year was off to a horrible start; was this the way it was going to be the whole year? Only fate knew for sure, and she kept her cards close to her chest.