Blackout After Dark (Gansett Island #21) - Marie Force Page 0,104
I’ve had enough of bed rest, lounge chairs, sore boobs and watching other people take care of my kids. This is a big moment for me, the end of an era.”
“The team and I couldn’t be prouder of our amazing captain. She’s done some great work these last few years.” He leaned over the bed rail to kiss her. “But honestly, Madeline, on a freaking helicopter?”
She laughed. “I had to top Janey having Viv on the ferry.”
“Well played, my love. You know that topping Janey is a blood sport in the McCarthy family.”
“I do know that, and I took one for the team by having the babies on the chopper. You have to admit, it makes for a good story.”
“I’ll only admit that I’m glad it’s over and the three of you are okay. That’s all that matters. Can I send a picture of the girls and their names to the family?”
“Please do. They must be going crazy with worry.”
“I talked to my dad a while ago and told him the babies had been born and that all is well.”
“I hope you asked him to apologize to Mallory and Quinn for us, too.”
“He said no apology necessary. She already said how cool it is that she and Quinn will be sharing their big birthday and anniversary with their nieces.”
“That is cool.”
“He also said that the kids are fine with them and your parents and Tiffany.”
“That’s good. I hope they weren’t too traumatized by the whole thing.”
“I’m sure they’re fine with everyone telling them not to worry.” He kissed the back of her hand, being careful to avoid the IV needle. “You know what else is kind of cool about having the babies early?”
“Gee, I can only imagine…”
Waggling his brows and smiling, he said, “We’re six weeks closer to you know what.”
“‘You know what’ isn’t happening until that thing gets snipped, so while we’re here, maybe you ought to move up your appointment if you’re hoping to get back in the saddle any time soon.”
“He really hates it when you call him a thing,” Mac said, affecting a pout.
“Tell him to stop being a baby and get himself snipped. No snippy, no nookie.”
“All right, all right, I hear you. You don’t need to enjoy this so much.”
“Are you kidding? I’ve been pregnant for most of the time we’ve been married. You’re damn right I’m going to enjoy this, and I fully expect you’ll milk it for all it’s worth and be a great big baby over it.”
“They’re gonna take a knife to my junk. How do you expect me to feel?”
“I just pushed two pumpkins through my hoo-ha. I win. Today and every day. So, if you’re looking for sympathy for what will be a tiny little scab on your pee-pee,” she said, using Thomas’s word for penis, “you’re gonna have to look elsewhere.”
“I had no idea I was married to such a mean and nasty woman.”
Maddie lost it laughing and then winced from the pain. “You know exactly who you’re married to.”
“Yes, I do, and I wouldn’t trade her for anything, even when she’s being mean to my pee-pee.”
“Tell him I’ll make it up to him, after the snip.”
“Ohhh, he just stood up to cheer that news. He can’t wait. He’s missed you.”
Maddie rolled her eyes. “It doesn’t take much to make him stand up and cheer.”
“Not when you’re around, and especially when he’s had to be on his best behavior for months.”
“Oh, the sacrifices he’s made.”
“Glad you recognize them.”
“I do recognize them. Thanks for all you did to get me through this pregnancy. I know it wasn’t easy on any of us.”
“Please don’t thank me. You’re the wonder woman of this story. Thank you for my two perfect little girls.”
“Let me see the pictures again.”
They spent the rest of the day talking to Thomas and Hailey on the phone, napping, looking at pictures, checking on the babies, exchanging texts with family and friends and giving thanks for their perfect, complete family.
Chapter 38
After they got the good news from Mac in Providence, Ned went looking for Francine and found her in one of the stylish little rooms on the Chesterfield’s first floor. She was sitting with baby Mac, who’d been frightened by the helicopter and had been inconsolable after his parents left. The baby was asleep in his grandmother’s arms, and Francine was singing softly to the little guy while he slept.
Ned leaned against the doorframe and watched her with the baby. She was such a wonderful grandmother, and it