“Then we need to get to the clinic. Ambry, Bailey, and Layla are all in labor.”
“All!?” screeched Hex.
“All,” laughed Hiro.
It was tradition for the entire family to show up when babies were born, if at all possible. Even the ghosts made their appearances, hoping to get a first glimpse of the newborns.
Pierre and Ambry were first to have good news. Three boys, all over five pounds.
“They’re beautiful,” said Ham smiling down at his daughter. “Do they have names yet?”
“They do,” nodded Ambry. “Hayden, Hudson, and Heath.”
“Perfect,” smiled her mother.
It was a matter of less than an hour when Angus and Bailey were now proud parents. The babies were a little early but still a healthy weight.
“Welcome Boone, Knox, and Ryker,” smiled Angus.
“More boys,” laughed Cam. “We can’t seem to escape it. I think it’s awesome.”
Cole and Layla took a bit longer. It was four hours of hard labor before Virginia decided to perform a c-section on Layla. When all was said and done, Cole introduced the world to his three babies.
“Everyone, meet Channing, Archer, and Livia,” he smiled. “Two boys and a girl. Lucky me.”
“It is lucky,” laughed Luke. “It’s all amazing, brother. So happy for all of you.”
“Thanks, man. I’m already exhausted and I can’t imagine how Layla is feeling.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll give you all the help you need,” said Ajei. “We’ve already organized meals for the house and a team is setting up final details in all the nurseries. We’ve got you.”
“I know all the dads thank you,” laughed Cole. “God. We’re all dads. Can you believe it? We’re responsible for tiny little humans now.”
“You’re not alone, brother,” said Eric. “That’s why we have this. All of this. So that you’re never alone. Take a few months off and spend time with your family. Help your wife and kids.”
“I’m going to go see Ambry and Bailey. I’m not just a dad today. I’m an Uncle! Times two or six or something.” They all laughed as he walked back toward the delivery rooms.
“Nine babies. Nine,” said Eric. “And only one is a girl. We seem to definitely produce more males than females. I wonder if that’s magic as well.”
“I don’t want to wonder,” said Luke. “As long as they’re healthy, I’m happy.”
Luke spotted the ghost crew in the corner and nodded at his grandmother who was beaming with pride and happiness. She had more babies to love. Her only wish in life. More babies to love.
CHAPTER EIGHT
“How do we get inside that gym without causing suspicion?” asked Eric. “We’re all too old and not one of us is willing to poison our bodies for that asshole. I can’t guarantee that I won’t kill him if I see him.”
“I’m not willing to risk the kids,” said Luke. “We have some that would certainly fit into his desired age group but I won’t risk them getting those drugs in their system either.”
“We could hire some young cops or ex-military,” said Cam. “But I suppose even they would be at risk if he’s forcing this shit into these kids.”
“You have us,” said Tony standing with Archie and Tahlako.
“Brother, I hate to have to point this out but you’re a ghost,” said Luke with a smile. “I’m not sure that will work.”
“We are ghosts,” nodded Tahlako. “We are ghosts that can choose to be seen, touched, heard, all of it. The drugs he gives these children will not affect us. We can take the injection or pill in front of him but it won’t matter to our bodies as they no longer accept such things.”
“What about the shimmer around you guys?” asked Cam. “I mean, we all think it’s cool but can that be hidden?”