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CONAN

“ I ’m so proud of you, baby,” I whisper against Hallie’s sweaty forehead.

She just pushed out our little boy like a true queen.

She’s stronger than any fighter I’ve ever come up against.

At one point, I thought I was going to pass the hell out.

When her blood pressure monitor started blaring, and I watched how hard she was pushing her body…

I panicked.

And the screams.

Jesus. I’ve never heard anything more full of agony in my life.

I’d rather be shot again than give birth.

Women are the real warriors.

“He’s perfect, trouble. Just like his momma.”

I stroke his tiny cheek as I pace the room, rocking him gently.

“He looks so little in your huge arms,” she giggles.

He has the sweetest little button nose and big dark eyes. And judging by the thick, dark hair already covering his head, he’s definitely got my genes.

He lets out a soft little moan in his sleep, and I swear to God I nearly cry.

My heart has never felt this full.

“Hallie.”

“Yes, beastie.” She smiles at us, her eyes glassy.

“Can we have more? Please.”

She laughs, her shoulders shaking.

“Yes. But I need a year before I even think about doing that again.”

“I can wait.” I wink.

“Bertie’s going to love chasing him around.”

“Yeah. They’re going to be a handful. I bet you were as a kid. You’ve got that cheeky look about you, Conan.”

I chuckle.

“Yeah. My mom always said I was. But she used to find it hard to tell me off because she said I was too funny.”

“I can see that,” she murmurs, her voice soft.

A lump rises in my throat.

I wish my parents were here to see this.

My mom would’ve made the best grandma.

“You okay, beastie?” Hallie asks quietly.

I suck in a breath.

“I miss them,” I admit. My voice feels raw. “I’m so unbelievably happy. For the first time I can remember, everything feels…perfect. I’ve got a family. I’m madly in love with my wife. The house, the dog, the legal MMA…and she didn’t get to see any of it.”

I look down at my beautiful little boy, tucked against my chest.

I hope I can give him everything he needs in life.

I hope he ends up as happy as I am right now.

“She would be proud of you, Conan,” Hallie says softly. “And she’s watching. I’d bet my life on that.”

I swallow hard, blinking back tears.

“Liam?” I ask.

We never picked a name beforehand—we didn’t even know the gender.

So we decided to wait. To see what name felt right when we met our baby.

“Shut up,” she breathes, her smile breaking wide. “I was thinking that. Liam Quinn. Sounds pretty powerful.”

I don’t know how, but Hallie and I are always perfectly in sync with each other.

“Hi, Liam,” I coo, brushing my knuckle over his soft cheek as he wriggles in my arms.

There’s a soft tap on the door, and Declan pokes his head in, Isabella clutching his hand, Charlotte beside him with their two-month-old son, Noah.

Charlotte closes the door behind her as Isabella runs straight to me.

“Can I see him?” she pouts.

“Of course you can.”

I crouch to her level, and she leans forward to peek into the blanket.

“Aww. Uncle Conan. He’s so cute.”

I press a kiss to her temple.

“So are you, whirlwind.”

“Wanna hold your nephew?” I ask Declan, straightening.

“Yes. Give me.”

I carefully pass Liam over. Charlotte is already sitting beside Hallie, chatting away. My girl looks exhausted but still somehow stunning.

I really need her to get some rest. I don’t know how she’s still awake.

“Conan.”

Declan’s tone is low, and something in my gut goes tight.

I know whatever comes next isn’t good.

“I know now isn’t the time to tell you. But I’m not going to lie to you.”

I let out a slow breath, rubbing my palm over my face.

“Spit it out.”

“Finn’s been arrested. Drago’s already at the station acting as his lawyer. They won’t tell us what they’ve got on him yet.”

I frown.

Finn is always careful. And the cops don’t give a shit about mafia shit in our state—we’ve got them in our pocket.

This is something else.

“What’s the Commissioner said?”

“He’s going to get back to me. He doesn’t even know yet.”

“Fucking hell. I’m not leaving here, Dec.”

Declan chuckles under his breath.

“I wouldn’t even let you if you offered. I’ve got the twins with me. Don’t worry. I’ll have him out by nightfall.”

I nod.

I know he will.

But Finn is going to be on a goddamn warpath to find out who put him there.

Liam starts to fuss in Declan’s arms, so I scoop him back up and press a kiss to his soft hair.

Hallie’s whole face lights up as I carry him back over to her.

“Being a dad looks ace on you,” Charlotte says, grinning.

“Thanks, crazy.” I wink.

“Momma want another snuggle before she gets some sleep?”

“Yes. Gimme my baby boy.”

I lean down, laying Liam gently across her chest. She kisses the top of his head, tears sparkling in her eyes.

My heart swells so big it almost hurts.

I press a kiss to her cheek.

“I love you, Hallie.”

She looks up at me, her voice a soft, tired whisper.

“I love you, beastie.”

I run my finger along Liam’s cheek. In this moment, everything has pieced together perfectly in my life.

And I can’t wait to get my family home and start living.

“And I love you, little Liam.”

These two own my heart.

Always.