Page 24

MADMAN

O ur baby comes into the world screaming, and so help me, I never thought I could love someone the moment I met them, but I do. He’s perfect, all eight pounds of him, and from the second he’s put into my hands, I vow to be everything he could ever need in a father.

This is a side of King’s Breeders I’ve never been able to be a part of. We sign our rights away before our client is pregnant. We are not involved with the pregnancy, the birth, or the childhood. Every ounce of information we have is at the will of the mother; it’s the deal we strike.

However, standing here, holding my precious baby, it changes something inside of me.

I can understand why it was easier for us over the years when we missed out on all the important parts of bringing a baby into the world.

I foolishly believed that having strong alpha male sperm, inseminating them naturally, and monitoring a woman’s health cycles was an important part of having a baby.

There’s so much more.

This time around, I was a part of everything from day one, and it was a life-changing experience I will never forget, nor take advantage of. It’s inspired me in a way, so I have to call Church and speak to the brothers. I send out a mass text, telling them to meet me.

We’ve been home a week now, so I know Audrey will be okay without me being up her ass about not wanting her to do anything.

She believes she can handle caring for a newborn on her own, but the woman is nuts.

I’m here to help, and I’ll do whatever it takes so she feels we’re partners in this parenthood life we’ve chosen to navigate together.

I change my shirt so I don’t smell like baby spit up, and slide my sock-clad feet into my boots. I offer a nod to Lincoln, who’s posted up on the couch, lying upside down while watching a YouTube video on the best way to tackle an opponent. He’s determined; I’ll give him that.

Hazel is passed out beside him, probably from the sugar overload she had this morning.

The chef made her double chocolate waffles with fresh berries and cream.

I watched Hazel drown it all in maple syrup until the plate was damn near swimming.

I think she ate five bites and then went for a jog around the living room.

I grab my Stetson on my way out the door and make the trek to the clubhouse.

The nanny will be around to help out for a while, so I’m not too worried about the younger kids being at the house without me.

I’m not counting on the nanny for everything, but it’s nice to have her around while I learn to navigate life with a newborn and a healing ol’ lady.

Parenting is hard work. Or I should say, mom-ing is hard work.

I don’t know how women do it without a freaking village of help.

We’re fortunate Audrey is loaded, so she can afford the extra people around pitching in.

With a big yawn, I scratch my belly as I bypass River and Nickle playing video games on the main television and head into Church.

Brass has beaten me here, making my brows rise as I take him in. He’s been up a while, probably on his third cup of coffee if I had to guess. “Brother.”

“Prez.”

“You’re here early.”

He nods. “It’s a breeding day. We have a full schedule this week.”

“Shit, with Audrey going into labor and us being busy, I’ve been distracted.”

“I can only imagine.”

“That’s one reason why I wanted to call Church. I’ll explain once everyone’s in here.”

We watch as the guys stroll in. One by one, they greet me with back slaps, fist bumps, and nods, as they find their respective places.

“Brothers,” I begin. “First off, I want to thank everyone for the help with the kids. You’ve kept them busy while letting Audrey and me have baby time.

My phone has been on, yet you’ve kept it silent.

I don’t know if I’m coming back to a shitstorm or not, but thanks, regardless.

I know none of you signed up for my family, so it’s appreciated. ”

Spade interrupts, “We’re brothers, it’s what we do.” The room erupts with the members all agreeing, and it makes my shoulders feel a touch lighter because of it.

“King’s Breeders…” I trail off, and Brass picks it up.

“Is business as usual. I got up this morning and did my welcome rounds as I’ve done all week so far. Everything is taken care of. We do have some new potential clients; I left their interest forms on your desk.”

“Bet. Appreciate it.” I rumble, glancing around to make sure no one has anything to say on the matter. “I called Church because I have a few ideas.”

“Here we go, Madman ,” King smirks, teasing me about how I got my road name in the first place. The member who gave it to me has long since passed.

I flip him off and continue. “Going through the pregnancy and birth with Audrey has been life-changing. I’m not saying it to talk out of my ass, I mean it, truly. We play a part at the very beginning where a woman’s pregnancy is concerned, but we miss so much.”

“But we sign our rights away,” Silver rationalizes.

“I know, brother, I know. I’m proposing a few changes to our contracts.

Being we offer more than one service. We’ve had a few wealthy women come through with no partner at all and have used our services.

After watching what Audrey went through, I say we offer an extended contract where the stud offers services such as attending classes and learning labor procedures, and more with the client.

The other option is labor and delivery, where the stud is present for moral support of the client.

The last is we offer in-home services once the baby is born.

The stud would stay with the client for a predetermined period to help with hers and the baby’s needs. ”

When I finish, I notice everyone is staring at me as if I’ve lost my mind. Can’t say I blame them; I would be doing the same if I were in their shoes as well.

I continue, “This would be on a case-by-case basis depending on the client and which stud she contracts for breeding. I know a few of you wish not to know any potential children, so naturally, you would not be a part of these services. This would be a way for the member to earn a lump sum of cash, as full payment of these additional services would go directly to the stud and no one else.”

“We would still take our cut off the booking fee, but no other money if we don’t sign up?” Smoke clarifies.

I nod. “Exactly. If you opt in to extra services, you get the lump sum of the additional fee we’ll charge, plus the chance to get to know your client and possibly your child at birth. I know a few of you look forward to the pictures sent in as much as I did with Audrey.”

A few rumble their agreements, how they think I’m lucky for meeting my children, and now being in their lives. It’s true, I’m the luckiest bastard there is.

“My kids and Audrey are the best thing to ever happen to me, and it wouldn’t have happened if I wouldn’t have had that extra time with Audrey wanting more babies.

I love them more than anything in the world.

This could be your ‘in’ to knowing your future children if you want it. Shall we vote?” I ask.

“Aye,” says Brass, and my gavel hits the table.

“Aye from me.”

“Aye,” Brass repeats.

“Aye.”

“Aye.”

“Aye.”

And it continues…