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As soon as the water wrapped around Cosmo, he seemed to relax. The pinched look on his face fading.

“What can I get you? What do you need?”

“You? I need you. Also possibly some apple juice. But mostly you.”

Hawk smiled, and he remembered what Tyson had told him, the big patriarch of the Estes clan. Tyson had looked at him, smiled, and said, “Remember. Every single baby that you have, this is the only time that this will ever happen. This is the only time this child will be born. Pay attention.”

So he fought to do just that. He petted Cosmo and praised him, letting him know he wasn’t alone. That he was special.

“Hawk. Hawk, it hurts.” Cosmo clung to him, a little panicky.

Hawk wasn’t sure what to say to that. Possibly, “You’re in labor.” Probably, though, he should just keep his mouth shut. “If you want me to rub your back…”

That was when Cosmo shook his head, and then nodded again. “This is less fun than advertised.”

Corbin tilted his head. “It was advertised as fun?”

“No, asshole, that’s the point!”

Those words were sharp enough, Hawk supposed. Corbin just laughed. “Good to know. Next time, don’t get pregnant.”

“I’m not going to let you be Elliot’s favorite if you don’t be good. And stop torturing his father.”

“I’m only torturing one. I’m being nice to Hawk.” Corbin dropped a kiss to the top of Cosmo’s head. “I love you. It’ll be over soon, and then you’ll have your baby in your arms. Try to focus on that.” Then Corbin offered Cosmo another grin, this one much more wicked. “Or you could just focus on how you want to castrate Hawk. That works too. One way or another, there’s going to be a baby.”

“Elliot.” Cosmo blew out a hard breath. “His name is Elliot. Can you hear him, Hawk? Myk told me that. Tyson could hear the babies. Gareth said that Zeke actually called the babies out. Can you do that? Can you talk to him?”

Hawk had heard the little burbles and laughter and joy inside Cosmo. Of course, he hadn’t done more than to just enjoy the sensation. He didn’t want to interfere with the child’s growth process, after all.

But if Cosmo wanted him to try, he would.

Elliot? Can you hear me?

There was a pause, then a bolt of curiosity like lightning.

“I think he’s listening.”Hello, love. It’s your papa. I want to meet you.

“Of course he is. Tell him it’s time, hmm?”

“I’m working on it.” He smiled at Cosmo. “He’s curious. He wants to meet us too.”

Papa?That was the tiniest whisper in the center of his brain.

Oh. He nodded, tears stinging his eyes, smoke curling from his nose.I hear you, son. Come on out now.

A little buzz of worry answered him, then a rush of what he could only describe as determination.

Da is ready for you. He’s tired.He cradled Cosmo to him, loving on him, nuzzling his neck.

Da.Another rush of will. Their son was going to rule the world.

“Yes, sweet. Da and I are ready. Come on, then.”

“Good job, guys. I see his head. We’ve got baby head!” Corbin sounded stupidly excited.

“Oh, thank the goddess.” Cosmo tried to breathe, but he was red-faced and looked like he was in agony.

“I have you, love. I have you both.” And he swore, then and there, that he would spend his life making theirs good.