'Daddy! Daddy look, Luisa made an airplane!'

Maritza yells with sparkly eyes as she comes running towards me, Luisa right behind her carrying her crooked airplane as if it's made from glass.

'Wow, you made that all alone?'

I praise both girls, ruffling Luisa's hair before picking up the piece of paper, and inspecting it thoroughly. I glance over the pointed nose towards Luisa seeing her squirm in place, shuffling her left foot into the grass while she nervously looks down.

'It looks amazing sweetheart. Should we go and see how well it flies?'

Both of them frantically nod their heads as I watch Tatiana sneak in on us from the side. She tries to look defiant like she's not interested in what we're doing even though it's the exact opposite. Typical. I think, smiling softly at how much she resembles her mother even if she's only three years old while I straighten out the airplane a little before I stand up from my seat and walk towards the grass lane at the side of our garden, making sure it won't be able to do a u-turn towards the pool. Something which happened last time around, granting me three teary girls in return. Louisa and Maritza close behind me while Tatiana flips from one tree to another, spying on us out of reach from both her sister's line of sight. I squat down to their level, their blue and green eyes watching me intently as I prop my arm up ready for take-off. Tatiana's brown eyes burn in my back as I start to count down.

'Five ... four ... three ... two
...one!'

I put some force behind my launch before I let go of the airplane. I'm glad the wind is on our side today since it makes for a good throw causing Maritza and Luisa to jump with excitement while Tatiana yelps.

'Wow! It's flying so high!'

She instantly clasps her hands over her mouth, her face beet red now that she gave herself away while her sisters turn to look at her.

'Tati! I thought you didn't want to play?'

'Yeah, you said my plane was ugly...'

Maritza asks knowingly followed by Louisa's pout. I sigh, already knowing where this conversation is headed while I stand up and walk over to where Luisa's airplane has landed.

'That's because you said I wasn't the oldest! I am the oldest!'

Tatiana sneers in her high-pitched voice while she crosses her arms. I swear to God, ever since they found out they didn't all come out of mommy's tummy at once there has been a raging war going about in this household. I think, shaking my head before I turn back at them to break it up. But Lexi beats me to the punch as she grumbles from the side.

'Can you girls cut it out! If I hear one more word about this you're not staying at Abuelo y Abuela for the next week, am I clear?'

The three of them nod their heads vigorously, already apologizing to one another before scattering away as if nothing happened. I take a moment to watch Lexi's figure in the sunset as I play with the piece of paper between my fingers before I stroll up to her.

'Jeez, we never should've told them! I knew this was going to happen.'

Lexi huffs, rubbing her belly while her hawklike gaze follows the girls roaming about waiting for them to trip up.

'Why? Did you and Bhek's have the same fight?'

I chuckle as I hug her from behind. She rolls her eyes, reluctantly admitting to the fact she did hold the same quarrel as I kiss her on the cheek.

'I'm so glad we're having a boy this time. As in singular.'

I snicker, placing my palms over her tummy. We both wanted another kid but were also really anxious to do so in case we would get another set of triplets.

'I think I would've lost my mind if it had been three more girls.'

Lexi jokes agreeing, placing her hands over mine. Even if they're the sweetest, they can also be a handful. I smile to myself, both of us watching our black curled minxes as they tumble over the grass in a fit of giggles.

'Tatiana sure lives up to her reputation.'

I snort, placing my chin on Lexi's shoulder. While searching for names at the time we came across their meanings too. Tatiana was assumedly the "fairy queen", and she sure as hell took that role a little too seriously. At times even I believed she was running the show. Lexi had warned me about it numerous times. How each one of them had me wrapped around their little fingers, but how could they not? They were a spitting image of their mother except for their raven hair. But even in that aspect, Lexi's rowdy side had taken over the older they'd gotten, blessing the girls with her wild untamable curls as well. By now I was glad Lexi held her foot down on some occasions, otherwise, I'd be completely whipped by now.

'Aren't they all? Living up to their names I mean...'

Lexi chuckles as she motions over to the bench to her side. I quickly guide her there, knowing her feet have been killing her because of the heatstroke. That, and the fact that she was close to delivering any day now.

'True. Although Tatiana takes the cake.'

I sigh, dragging her feet up on my lap. Places her flip-flops back on the floor before I rub my hands over her calf, working my way down to the arch of her foot massaging it slowly. She throws me a thankful smile, taking a deep breath before she looks back at the girls and murmurs.

'Can't deny that... But Maritza is definitely the apple of your eye. She can do nothing wrong with you...'

She refers to the fact that she's supposed to be "the beloved". And it isn't just me who's in complete awe of her. She somehow always ends up titled as the "sweet child" who's never at fault. Whereas Luisa means "renowned warrior", which is also very much true. Even if she's softhearted, she won't back down from a fight even if she's only three years old. Whenever one of them gets in a fight, Luisa somehow ends up getting involved. No matter if one of her sisters is taking it too far with her, she would still try to fix whatever was going on between the fighting parties. Siding with the one she believes to be in the right. Just like Rebekah and Lexi the only thing they have in common are their looks. Apart from that, they all couldn't be more different.

'What about Luisa then? She sure as hell got your short fuse...'

I laugh at Lexi, earning a weak kick from her puffed feet. I quickly catch it back again, continuing to put pressure along the base of her foot as I whisper.

'Don't worry darling... You know I love you for it.'

Lexi gives me a sideways smile, quirking her eyebrow with a smile as Maritza jogs up to us. Completely out of breath she lays her head down on Lexi's stomach trying to regain her composure. With her hands, she cradles her mother's belly as well while she listens intently before she whispers.

'Mamá, when will our baby brother be here?'

'That's for him to decide, sweetie.'

Lexi answers with a smile, playing with a few of Maritza's curls as she continues to listen. Hopeful as if that would be enough to coax her little brother to show up when she whispers against her mother's belly, her voice filled with an innocence only a child can implement.

'Don't make me wait too long, okay? I wanna play with you...'

Her eyes suddenly grow wide as can be when she feels her little brother kick against her hand, making Lexi and I smile down at her. Another burst of energy surges through her at his silent answer and she quickly kisses Lexi above her belly button before she dashes back to her sister's screaming with excitement.

'Yay! Bebe just kicked inside mommy's tummy! He's going to be here soon!'

'...Imagine the disappointment if he decides to wait for another week or two.'

Lexi chuckles quietly as she brushes her palm over the place Maritza kissed. In the meantime, my hands are still busy trying to give her feet some release as I murmur.

'If he's smart he'll play into their hands at least a little. Dios Mio, I already feel bad for him at times... He's going to be the only boy amongst all this overwhelming girliness.'

Lexi barks a laugh at my remark, shifting in place as she tries to make herself somewhat comfortable even though nothing seems to work for her anymore.

'He'll do just fine... Luckily for him, there will be more than enough testosterone surrounding him beside his sisters.'

'True. And if the three of them resemble their mother and aunt even a little they'll become adorable little tomboys anyway.'

I smile, patting her feet. She looks at me from the corner of her eyes, both of them thinned to small slits although her curled lips betray her hostility. You know I'm right. I eye her, not a doubt in my mind those youngsters won't ever become your run-of-the-mill girly girls. They'll reak all kinds of havoc once they're older. She wobbles her head, unable to deny it as she pulls her feet back so she can scoot over to me.

'Jesus Christ, how is it possible I feel even bigger this time around while it's just one in there?'

Lexi groans, hollowing her back before she lays her head down on my shoulder. I kiss her head in return, placing my hand along the curve of her stomach as I whisper.

'If it's any consolation, I still think you're gorgeous...'

She smiles in return, placing a kiss along my jawline as her eyes shine with happiness and she shuffles even closer against me. A few locks of her hair are getting picked up by the soft breeze floating through the air making her sigh while she briefly closes her eyes. All the while our merry girls are still running around playing catch until Tatiana suddenly turns around and squeals.

'Bear! Come play with us!'

The old geezer slowly trots over to them, wagging his tail excitedly as can be while the three girls flock around him. Big smiles on their faces as they all pet his gruff pelt making Bear wiggle around in his spot as he barks with delight.

'Let's play hide and seek! Bear, you sit here and find us!'

Luisa jumps, the other two clapping along with the idea before scattering off. Unbelievable... I think stunned to silence as I watch Bear lazily sit down in the grass, his eyes following the girls as Maritza shouts.

'Mamá, you count to ten!'

Lexi huffs a sigh, already counting as she opens her eyes back up. Bear's attention shifts towards her while the girl's giggles slowly become softer the further they run away to find themselves a good hidingplace.

'...Ten! Ready or not, Bear is coming for you girls!'

She winks at me before she waves over to the old Stafford and murmurs.

'Where are they? Go find them, boy.'

He yelps a bark in response, immediately springing to his feet before skipping through the garden in search of the girls.

'That dog is something else...'

I mutter quietly, still amazed by how smart he truly is. It's almost like he's stalling. I snort seeing him walk a few circles around a bush before sticking his nose underneath, licking at Maritza's feet making her giggle.

'Hihi, B-Bear! Alright, you found me!'

She sputters trying to make her way out from between the leaves as Bear continues to lapse his tongue all over her. Once she has finally made her way out, rubbing over his head as she sits down in the grass to catch her breath he gives another victorious bark before continuing his search for the other girls.

'Just admit it, Blackwell. I trained him well.'

Néomy chuckles from behind us, watching as Bear lazily maneuvers through the garden popping his head behind the shed. Wagging his tail, barking excitedly at his second discovery. Louisa. She quickly comes out from behind, giving Bear a tight hug. A merry laugh rumbles from her throat as she too gets a sloppy kiss before he gets back in the game sniffing around to find Tatiana.

'He reminds me of that dog who thinks she's a nanny in one of those Disney movies.'

I chuckle, not entirely sure which one it was again since the girls force me to watch Frozen and Encanto on repeat since those are their favorite. Both Lexi and Néomy laugh in response, Lexi nodding her head as she says in agreeance.

'Mhm, you mean Nana from Peter Pan. You're right, haha... Maybe he was laying in a corner somewhere when the girls watched it and he got some ideas.'

'Yeah, that's the one.'

I smile, remembering the scene now more vividly. Humored by the thought of Bear wearing a little maid's cap on his head until my head is suddenly jerked backward by my hair. Néomy's glare trained on me as she grumbles.

'Don't you dare use my dog as your personal dress-up doll.'

'Wasn't planning on it, although it would make for quite a sight.'

I snort, jerking myself away from her as Lexi giggles beside me. Buzzkill. A solemn sigh leaves Néomy's lips, the fight quickly leaving her as she leans back against the bench beside us, her eyes still following Bear who's already on the other side of the garden, nudging his head against Tatiana, to move her from behind a plant. Barking gruffly in triumph now he has found all three of them as Néomy mumbles quietly.

'He's getting old, I don't even know where he finds the strength to play with the girls anymore...'

'How old is he anyway? Nine, ten, or something?'

I take a guess. She smiles, her eyes still glued on the ragged gray pelt while she shakes her head and mumbles.

'Sixteen.'

'Sixteen?! That's what, about seventy-something in dog years?!'

I yell astonished. I had no idea dogs like that could even reach such an age... I think to myself as Néomy tilts her head, a solemn look in her eyes as she mutters.

'For his size about seventy-four. And with all he's gone through over the years, I have no clue how he's still standing and breathing... I don't know how much longer he'll be like that...'

Her smile is both gentle and sad before she shakes her head and pushes herself away from the bench as she utters.

'Anyway, I should be glad he's still in such high spirits at his age and I'm sure he cherishes each moment with those three, he's gotten really attached to them.'

'And they adore him.'

Lexi smiles as she straightens up, dragging herself off the bench with a grunt before she turns to the both of us and says.

'I'm going to whip up some dinner.'

'Are you sure you're up for it, beautiful?'

I ask slightly worried, but she easily brushes me off and waves over to Néomy as she says.

'I've gotta move and do something otherwise I'm going stir-crazy, Nomes can help me with the heavy lifting. You watch the girls, alright?'

I give her a nod after Néomy ensures me she's keeping an eye on her knowing all too well how she gets. Taking things easy never was her favorite part of pregnancy... I sigh as the two of them saunter off, Lexi wobbling as she grumbles something underneath her breath in frustration. Even though the first time was a lot worse since she even got bedridden near the end, even now not being able to hop around and do stuff was aggravating her to no extent. Maybe even more so because this time around she had three daughters in her care whereas there were none during her first pregnancy.

I watch the girls play with Bear for another half an hour until he lays down in a corner on the grass. Martiza sitting at his side softly rubbing his back as fatigue starts to take a hold of him and his eyes drift shut with her petting him. The sun now hanging lower in the sky as the soft breeze around us picks up a little.

'Daddy, I'm going to ask mommy for a drink.'

Tatiana announces, quickly losing interest in playing around now that Bear has gotten tired. Her dark curls bounce up and down as she stalks toward the door. Luisa is the only one still running around, picking back up the paper airplane she made earlier and tossing it a few times until Bear's head suddenly darts up. His sudden movement spooks Maritza making her back up in response. Bear barks his entire demeanor on alert as he scrambles on all fours and Tatiana comes running outside.

'Papá! Papá, help! There's something wrong with mamá!'

She yelps as she darts toward me. Bear and the girls already running towards us as I too rush to my feet, bending down to Tatiana's height and placing my hand over her shoulder to calm her uneven breathing as I ask.

'Tati, calm down and tell me what's going on.'

She nods her head, panic still visible in her eyes as she tries her best to unwind before she continues.

'Mommy is breathing really funny and she ...peed herself!'

She almost snickers the last part, the other two giggling as well making me shake my head with a laugh as I tell them already guiding them inside.

'Mamá didn't wee on herself... Your baby brother decided to make true on his promise to Maritza.'

The three look at me questionably, my speed increasing with every word until I'm almost jogging through the living room. Maritza's eyes begin to sparkle as she realizes first what I'm talking about when she asks excitedly.

'Does that mean our baby brother is coming?!'

She yelps her tiny fists trembling, thrilled with the idea of finally meeting her brother as I bend around the corner into the kitchen. My eyes are instantly glued on Lexi who's bent over, her hands gripping the edge of the counter as she whips her head toward us. Her heavy breathing and forced smile give me the verification I'm right and I quickly dash to her side as I mumble to the girls.

'Yep, your brother is done waiting around.'

The girls scream with enthusiasm, causing Lexi to chuckle through her ragged breathing as I stroke her back and ask.

'Where's Néomy? I thought she was with you?'

The words come out harsher than I intended them to, but Lexi pays it no mind as she waves over to the basement door. I bark for her to get her ass back here, Bear pacing around restlessly as the girls dance with glee around us.

'How bad is it?'

I ask worriedly, still stroking her back as I pry her hands loose from the countertop. She grimaces, looking down at the pool of transparent liquid on the floor as she mutters through clenched teeth.

'It's no fun. I guess the girls are going to stay earlier at grandma~ahhh's!'

She yelps, her eyes wide as another contraction hits her without notion. Her hands clutching onto me as I softly use my loose hand to rub underneath her belly while she tries to focus on steadying her breathing.

'NOMES! GET YOUR ASS UP HERE RIGHT NOW!'

I shout, knowing that using her nickname will get her attention in one way or the other. It's going to be alright, baby... I shush Lexi, kissing her temple as I already hear Néomy stomping up the stairs. Her eyes are livid when she slams the door back open, ready to kill. However, the dangerous gleam in her eyes immediately dims down the second she sees Lexi huffing beside me and she throws an apologetic look as she yells.

'I'm gone for two minutes and you decide to go into labor?!'

'It's not something you plan out down to the second on your calendar with a damn circle around it.'

Lexi snaps back, still having trouble controlling her breathing until her contraction finally settles down. Her words are enough to make me and Néomy get into work mode, both of us nodding as we exchange a few glances and I motion to her as she does to me.

'You take the girls to my mother.'

'And you take the bag stationed in the hallway and take her to the hospital.'

She immediately starts to round up the girls, Bear moving like a shepherd making sure Lexi and I can shuffle through as Néomy says.

'I'll let the others know and we'll be there as soon as we can.'

I nod at her, Lexi throwing her a crooked smile as well while Tatiana stomps her foot onto the ground and grumbles.

'Why can't we be there?!'

'Yeah, I wanna see too!'

Luisa mocks agreeing with her, making the three of us shake our heads as I tell them just before we reach the kitchen door.

'We already explained why ladies. Now behave and listen to your auntie Néomy, she'll take you to Abuelo y Abuela. You can come as soon as he's here, I promise.'

The three of them sigh, agreeing nonetheless as we kiss them goodbye saying "I love you" before heading towards the door. I quickly grab the bag holding the stuff Lexi prepared to take to the hospital along with our two leather jackets and my car keys before walking back to Lexi, guiding her towards the car until she suddenly halts in her step and says.

'Matt! We can't go in your car, why aren't we taking the family wagon?'

'Because Néomy needs it to bring the girls to my mother. What's wrong with my car?'

I ask, already opening the door for her and gesturing for her to get in. She looks down embarrassed, her cheeks ablaze as she fidgets with her clothes and mumbles almost inaudible.

'Because... You know...'

'What?'

I question, truly not understanding what she's going on about until it suddenly registers. I lean back against the car, humor evident in my voice as I answer her.

'Because you're soaked.'

'Matt!'

She squeals in return, her cheeks even redder as she glares at me from the corner of her eyes. A faint hint of anxiety is evident in there, resembling my own tension since we've both never been in this situation before. With her first pregnancy, she didn't make it full term and the doctors decided to do a C-section before we even got to this point, so even though we already have three kids this is a first.

'You make it sound even worse!'

Lexi grumbles as I shake my head laughingly, walking over to my trunk. You say that like you haven't been drenched before... I quickly pop it open, placing the bag inside while searching around for a bag or a piece of plastic as I say.

'It sounds rather tempting if you ask me.'

'Matt, ah-argh!'

She swears as another contraction hits her and she grips the doorframe to keep herself steady. The second I find something usable I slam the hood shut before dashing back over to her to help her straighten herself as I tell her with a smile.

'Honestly, beautiful... Do you think I'm worried about that right now? Both the car or sex? Besides, I've got leather seats. But if it makes you feel better, here, I've got something to go underneath... Satisfied?'

I smile, kissing her temple before putting the piece of plastic on her seat and guiding her inside. She gives me half a smile back, still too occupied with her irregular breathing as I make my way to the driverside and slip inside.

'You're kidding, right? You've always got sex on your mind.'

She bites out through clenched teeth even though there's no anger behind her words and I can't help but throw her a coy smirk as I fire up the engine and say.

'True... Most of the time anyway. Can you blame me with such a gorgeous wife? And it isn't like you ever had a problem with it.'

She rolls her eyes, leaning her head back against the chair as I quickly head off the driveway and towards the hospital. After a while Lexi turns to me, her fingers playing with the fabric covering her belly as she murmurs.

'It's really happening ...number four.'

I clasp her hand in mine as soon as we're on the main road. Kissing the palm of her hand and holding it tightly as I brush my fingers along her skin as I tell her determinedly.

'Don't worry, darling. We're going to be just fine...'

'Easy for you to say! Damn...'

She cusses, gripping my hand more tightly when another wave flushes over her. I continue to brush my fingers alongside hers, to let her know it's alright as I whisper while putting my foot down on the gas.

'I love you too, sweetheart.'

***

Once we decided we'd try for a second one, or fourth, depending on how you look at it. Lexi immediately informed the doctors she wanted to give birth naturally if it turned out to be one this time around. I'm pretty sure she's regretting it now... I wince, as she claws at my arm. Her eyes are ablaze as she turns her anger toward the nurse and swears

'What do you mean it's too late for an epidural?! Ah-ghh! It's barely been an h-hour since my water b-broke!'

'Sorry hon, but you're almost completely dilated already. This little feller is determined to come out quick.'

The nurse apologizes, although there is no hint of remorse in her eyes whatsoever making Lexi even more infuriated as she hisses between ragged breaths.

'Call me "hon" one more time... Dammit! Th-That's what my manager c-calls me and~ Ah-Aahhh!'

She glares over to the nurse in warning, unable to finish her sentence as her contractions seem to speed up at a rapid tempo. I hate not being able to do anything... I grumble silently as her nails dig even harder into my skin, desperate for something to hold onto as she turns her attention to me and huffs.

'Matty, I can't do this! It's too sudden, I'm not ready~ Urghh!'

'Shhh... Just breathe... You're the strongest woman I know. We've been through so much shit together, this will be over before you know it.'

She nods her head. A pained grimace still on her face as she mimics my puffs, struggling for breath. That's it. I smile gently as I notice her grip on my hand loosening a little, glad I ended up going with her to those Lamaze classes she'd been going on about. The nurses continue to run around, setting things in order while Lexi's eyes are still fixed on mine and she sighs.

'Thanks, Matty... I wouldn't know what to do, mhm, without you~ Ahhh!'

I kiss her hand, not caring if she scratches it to pieces in the process as her face twists in pain once again. I let the fingers of my loose hand track over her jawline as I whisper sweet nothings to her until her eyes suddenly grow wide and she vividly shakes her head while she yelps.

'O-Oh God! A-Argh! I~ I can't ...stop!'

One of the nurses immediately takes this as her cue, sliding her chair between Lexi's legs. She nods at the other nurse next to her before looking over to Lexi as she says.

'It's time to push, ho~'

She stops herself before finishing, almost cowering underneath Lexi's glare as she hisses through her teeth.

'I s-swear, if I could get out of this thing~ Ah-ahhh! I would k-kick you! Urgh!'

'Most women curse at their spouse ...not the nurse trying to help them.'

The nurse mutters under her breath, her hands already busy with her work. I suppress the urge to laugh, deciding it's probably best if I distract Lexi before she does something that makes the nurse hightail out of the room. I don't know what it is with those two, but she works on her nerves from the moment we entered the hospital. I sigh as I sit down on the edge of the bed facing Lexi, holding both of her hands clasped between mine as I murmur in a low voice beckoning for her to focus on me instead.

'Just hold onto me, alright? A few more minutes and it'll be over...'

Her eyes shine thankfully, although she isn't able to phrase it as the nurse ushers her to push. I kiss her hands as she clings to me for dear life, an animalistic scream rumbling from her throat before she gasps for air.

'Good work. I can see his little head already.'

The nurse says and I can't help myself from looking down. My face contorting for Lexi's account, my mind still unable to comprehend how a baby's head will fit through her tight opening. And here you were complaining I was big... I think, laughing to myself. Lexi scratches my hands to draw my attention back to her and the dark look in her eyes tells me she knows exactly what I was thinking, I can't help but raise my shoulders as I mutter innocently.

'Your words, not mine. Besides, you were the one demanding a natural birth...'

'I changed my mi~aaaah~nd!'

She yelps, her words cut short as another wave of force rolls over her. Too late for that, beautiful. I think as sweat coats her skin and the nurse's words get blurred into oblivion since I can only focus on Lexi, my heart twisting in pain seeing her like this as I try my best to soothe her in between. The second her contraction stops she slumps down against the mattress, her eyes rolling back from exhaustion as she breaths heavily and whinges.

'I c-can't~ N-No more~'

'Common' darling... I know you're tired but it's too late to change your mind now.'

I smile gently as I glance back between her legs to see his head is already halfway out. The nurse nods as well, knowing it'll probably only take one more push before I turn back to Lexi. She looks at me barely even having the strength to keep her eyes open, but all I can do is smile adoringly as I whisper almost teasingly.

'He has a full head of hair...'

'Wh-Which color?'

She asks, her eyes springing back into focus. You'll be stoked to hear this... I grin, thinking back to all the conversations we had envisioning what he'd look like. A part of me hoped he would be blonde like his mother if only so I had at least one child that resembled her sun-touched locks. Lexi wished for all of them to be black-haired-beauties, as she'd call it, their heritage shining through without a doubt and I can't help but smile with fondness as I tell her.

'Raven.'

Tears instantly start to well in her eyes and as if that was the encouragement she needed to hear her muscles immediately start to contract. The muscles in her hands tremble from the force behind them while I hold them tightly to me, her eyes boring into mine as she screams during her final push.

'That's it, baby... Hang in for a little longer.'

'Ahhh-aaah! Gah-ah...'

She yelps. Her limbs go from tight and constricted to a puddle of depletion, drained and weak from fatigue as a sharp cry suddenly rings in the room. The sound causes both of us to choke up as our eyes instantly turn toward the noise, a strange sensation rolling over me once again. It's a different feeling than when the girls got born, but identical at the same time... An indescribable love that makes your heart pump more rapidly than you imagine it ever could as it chokes your windpipes together also. With the girls it made me feel overwhelmingly protective, but now laying my eyes on my son for the first time? Pride. That's probably the best way to explain it, it's also the only one I can identify with right now, besides love, due to the turmoil raging through my bones. Néomy would probably argue it's due to the fact we've produced an heir to my family's name and all that kind of nonsense, but I couldn't tell her if that's the reason or not.

'H-He's ...perfect.'

Lexi breathes as I struggle to find words, tears streaming down my face as I glance down at the little handsome feller laying in the nurse's arms. Damn right he's perfect. I beam as the other nurse grabs a pair of clipper from the side, holding them out to me as she asks with a smile.

'Does the father want to do the honors and cut the umbilical cord?'

I blink a few times, willing my tears down. Hoping to clear my vision as I stare at the scissors before taking them. My hands tremble like an idiot as the nurse shows me where and how to cut. It's a strange sensation, much thicker than I expected. I think, not sure if that's the right way to describe it as I snap the cord in two. The sound almost makes me squint my eyes, as I recoil slightly afraid it might hurt either of them in some way before I hand the shear back to the nurse. Drawing a breath I wasn't even aware I was holding. My eyes are still glued to the spot until Lexi's breathless laughter draws me out of my stupor and I ask.

'What?'

'Y-You should've ... seen your ... f-face.'

I lift my eyebrow, not sure what she's referring making her laugh even louder although she quickly catches herself. Her body is not fond of the idea as she grimaces through her snickering.

'You looked so ...serious.'

I laugh too, now understanding what she's getting at. I must've looked like a total moron... I think mockingly, not in the mood for bickering as I bend over to her and kiss her head before I whisper.

'I'm so fucking proud of you...'

'I'm fucking proud of me too... Jeez, that hurt like a bitch.'

She smirks, relieved it is over as she leans back her eyes following the nurse. I scoot over next to her, both of us watching as she does a check-up on our little son. As soon as she's done cleaning him up she wraps him in a blanket before placing him in Lexi's arms as she says.

'Congratulations both of you... You've got a six-pound and eight ounces healthy little boy.'

All either of us can do is smile hopelessly as we both gaze down at our boy completely mesmerized. How can something so little make you feel so incredibly happy? I wonder as I fight another wave of happy tears pulling the two of them closely against me, unintentionally disturbing his peaceful slumber making him slowly open his eyes. My world comes to a complete standstill, once again, as he sleepily looks up at the both of us with his ocean blue eyes. The light intensity inside of them steals my breath away. A perfect mix of both of us... I smile, placing my quivering hand on his little body, even if he seems almost twice the size the girls were, as the nurse asks for his name and Lexi announces her voice filled with emotion and pride.

'Ramón... Ramón Blackwell.'

'Ramón, the protector.'

I add kissing her temple before placing a little kiss on top of his head, remembering how the two of us reacted when we first came across the name while we were scouring the internet. It seemed fitting since he was going to be the first boy amongst three girls. Lexi's eyes shine with glee as her fingers caress his soft skin and she leans her head against my shoulder while she whispers.

'You're the brother who has to watch over his three sisters... They can't wait to meet you, you know...'

'Yes, you've got your work cut out for you buddy... But don't worry papá and mamá will always be there for you if you need us.'

I smile, certain his sisters will give him a run for his money when they all hit puberty. Although I'm pretty sure you'll also break some hearts along the way...

'You did good, beautiful... He's a real stud.'

I smirk at Lexi who can only nod in agreement, kissing Ramón's cheek as tears continue to glisten in the corners of her eyes. You're the most beautiful mom ever... I think as I brush my finger over the bandana wrapped around her head before taking it off. With her first pregnancy, she'd suffered a lot of hair loss. My mother called it a natural thing when having girls, saying that they take their mother's beauty away during pregnancy. We didn't even have to mention to her that she was having girls... The bloody woman guessed it on her own before we even had the chance to tell her. Even after they were born her hair seemed to stay thinner than it did before. Lexi didn't mind it because she said it was easier to maintain like this, although I had to admit I missed that rowdiness it had a little. This time around it didn't seem to change her features too much though. In fact, she didn't have most of the complications she had last time. No hair loss, morning sickness, weird cravings ...nothing. Except for her swollen feet and aching back, although the latter was even worse when she was pregnant with the triplets. She even had made her wish of going through natural labor, even if I'm not sure she would make that choice in hindsight... I snort, her angry escapade seems like a distant memory if you look at her now. Lexi, as usual, seems to know what I'm thinking as she murmurs while her eyes never leave Ramón.

'I know what you're cooking up in there but in my defense, that woman was working on my nerves calling me "hon". Not even you're allowed to call me that!'

'In her defense, she had no idea of knowing that. Now did she?'

I retort with a laugh, kissing the two of them before I hop on my feet. My actions draw Lexi's attention away from the little bundle of joy folded in her arms as she looks up at me and asks.

'Where are you going?'

'There are a couple of people that are probably still waiting anxiously in the waiting room for news. Don't you think he would like to meet his aunts and uncles while I ring my mom?'

I tell her with a smile, having trouble parting from either of them even if I know I'll be back in a few minutes. She seems to recognize my turmoil, huffing a sweet laugh as she nods and says.

'Alright, don't be gone for too long though. Who knows what I might do to the nurse?'

She jokes making the other nurse who's still in the room glance at her from the corner of her eyes as I murmur with a laugh.

'Don't make me laugh, as long as she stays clear of our boy you won't even budge your eyes until I get back.'

She lifts an eyebrow, tilting her head before shaking it with half a nod. Not able to go against me as she looks down again and whispers, her voice laced with humor.

'Your smartass of a dad is right... But luckily for us, he has to announce your swift arrival. I think everyone will be surprised to hear you got here so quickly little man.'

And your mommy is already begging for an ass-whooping, but I guess I'll cut her some slack since she just granted me you. I think to myself, throwing her a wink before I walk out of the room and towards the waiting area.

Everyone immediately hops on their feet as soon as they see me coming. Only my mother, father, and the kids aren't here since there was no telling how long it was going to take. Rebekah instantly dashes towards me, fear written in her eyes as she asks.

'What's wrong? Why are you here already? Is Lex alright? How about the baby?'

She bombards me with questions, her hands clasping around my arms ushering me to speak up. My watery eyes probably do not help her nerves as I pull her into my chest and tell her there's nothing to worry about.

'They're both fine. He was just dead set on getting here, fast.'

'H-He's born already?'

She sputters glancing up at me. I give her a nod, my smile stretching as soon as the others start to applaud in excitement while all of them circle me, either patting me on the back or hugging me. Even Néomy bawls like a little girl as she slings her arms around my neck and mutters.

'Congratulations, idiot.'

'You too, fairy gothmother.'

I joke, empathizing the word "goth" and tightening my grip before I let go. Over the years the two of us have gotten a lot closer. Especially since the girls got born, although we
still continue our playful banter. Neither of us probably knows how to communicate with the other without it. Once they're all done giving me their felicitations I guide the lot of them towards the room Lexi is in so they can meet the newest addition to the family. Meanwhile, I call my mother outside avoiding all the craziness rather tactfully ...even if I do say so myself. Not that she is any calmer the second I tell her Ramón is already born.

'Dios Mio, it's barely been an hour since Néomy dropped the girls off!'

She squeals tripping over something on the other end, probably my dad, as I hear the phone tumble to the ground. She quickly snatches it back again, three screaming girls in the background ...still no dad. I think to myself not even sure if I want to know whether he passed out again as she yelps, her voice filled with emotion.

'We'll be there as soon as possible! Congratulations darling!'

'Thanks, mamá. The same goes for you with your grandson.'

I laugh as she barely manages to get another word out of her mouth, crying like a madwoman until she sputters through her tears.

'Mi H-Hijo, I can't wait to see him! But first I got to get your father off the floor... Dios Mio, you can't go anywhere with him.'

Called it. I sigh as she grumbles the last part followed by a smacking sound. Her slipper. I think, unintentionally squinting my eyes together for my father, knowing she either hit his head or shoulder and chest with it.

'Oye mamá, try not to give him a concusion. And tell him he needs to stop acting like a wimp, passing out after every event. Otherwise, he'll give himself one in a few years.'

'Estupido! Get your lazy ass off the floor or I'm going to visit my grandson without you!'

She screams at my father, making the girls laugh in response before she turns her attention back to me and murmurs.

'Will do sweetheart. Your father needs to behave like any normal man his age instead of acting like a damn child.'

I can't help but laugh at her words until I hear the girls chanting "estupido" in the background making me drag a hand through my hair as I mutter.

'Fantastic. Mamá, when I said the girls wanted to learn Spanish I didn't mean cursing! Dios Mio, you better make them understand that's not a nice word!'

But my mother barely even listens to my lecture, snickering as it sounds like the little ones are dancing around her and my father like they would do around a campfire, or witches around a cauldron, making me shake my head before I tell her a quick goodbye and hang up the phone. Occasionally I wonder if there's a limit to her madness or my father's idiocy. The two of them are continually in a squabble, I can't remember a time when they weren't like that. I laugh to myself as I enter the room. Everyone is hurdled around Ramón, only Lexi's gaze turning to me as she mutters.

'Jesus Christ, you took ages! Don't tell me you went out for a smoke...'

I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I snort to myself as I walk over to Lexi. Her eyes thin to slits while she sniffs the air, making sure I haven't lighted a cigarette since she probably thinks that's what I'm laughing about.

'I haven't. I was on the phone with mom.'

I tell her, placing a kiss on her forehead before leaning sideways against her bed. The both of us watching over Ramón while he gets doted on by everyone surrounding him as she asks.

'Is she on her way with the girls?'

'Yeah, unless dad is still on the floor... In that case, the girls are probably still dancing circles around him while my mom is slapping him back to consciousness.'

I snort making Lexi chuckle as well while she shakes her head already imagining it and asks.

'Again?'

I tilt my head to her, asking her with a stare if this even surprises her anymore. She rolls her eyes in a silent no, a smile still on her lips as she turns her attention back to the room. My eyes immediately follow her line of sight, settling on Ramón who's getting drowned in love and kisses by his new aunts and uncles. The little charmer doesn't seem faced by it in the slightest. Which is probably for the better since I don't see them winding it down anytime soon. I grin at the sight, my eyes flicking over to Lexi as she snickers at her sister.

'You're up next. Can't wait until I get to cuddle with your little one...'

'I'm just glad we weren't giving birth next to each other. Even though I'm over this back pain and the swollen feet. Jesus, these last few days have been a nightmare.'

Rebekah grunts between a laugh as she hollows her back and rubs her round stomach. The both of them had been ecstatic when they found out they got pregnant around the same time. The number of conversations they had over the phone about everything and anything seemed endless. She would ask Lex about all the parenting tips she could get her hands on and they were inseparable for the entire nine months. Luckily that also meant the baby shopping went without us boys, so no complaints in that department. Lexi knew exactly what to get and don't get by now, showing Rebekah the ropes in the meantime.

'That would've been fucked up. Imagine us guys huddling between two rooms, passing through messages on how it's going.'

I snort. Tyler shakes his head as well, glad that wasn't the case as the two sisters burst into laughter and Rebekah sputters.

'Ever heard of video calls?'

'Yeah, you two probably would've shown each others progress...'

I sigh with a laugh. They definitely would've! I think to myself as everyone in the room chuckles along. We end up talking and laughing amongst each other until my mom arrives with the girls. The three of them swarm around their baby brother within seconds, not even sparing a moment of their attention to us as they start to squeal with delight. They tug and poke at his cheeks, their eyes glistening with pride as Maritza breathes.

'He's so small!'

Both Luisa and Tatiana frantically nod in agreeance, completely taken in by their little brother as they continue to dote on him. Lexi's eyes flutter from the little ones to me. Her eyes shine with bliss as she tugs me by my arm and cuddles closer to me.

'This is perfect.'

She whispers quietly, a soft smile on her lips. I fold my arm around her, hugging her even more to my side while making sure I'm not hurting her as I nod my head and murmur in a loving tone.

'This, our life, it's perfect beautiful.'

I couldn't imagine my life any other way. I think to myself, unable to wipe my smile off my face. Coming back was the best decision I ever made. I wouldn't be with the love of my life otherwise, we wouldn't have these gorgeous kids if I hadn't taken a chance. There are moments when I still hate myself for everything that happened. Especially the night I struck her in my drunken stupor. I don't think I can ever fully forgive myself for that. Although I know she still regrets her decisions from that night too. Which kinda makes us even in that department, I guess. We decided to let the past be in the past and not drag up any more ghosts. Instead, we relish in the blissful moments we do have together now that we've made it through all of that. I still don't know what I did to deserve all of this happiness, but I'm sure as hell going to cherish every second of it. I smile as I kiss her temple and whisper against her ear.

'I love you so much, Lexi.'

THE END.