“What the fuck did you just do?” He asks.
“I just gave you a shot of morphine. The wound is through and through but I’ve got to clean and stitch it.” The doctor explains.
“Why the fuck didn’t you just give me a local? Numb just the area?” Ronan rolls his head back.
“You’ve lost a lot of blood and need to stay still. I’ve worked on enough of you Murphys to know that if I don’t knock your ass out, you won’t do as you’re told.” Dr. Wright grins at me. “He hates pain meds, but he’s actually quite funny on them.”
“If I had a gun, I would shoot you right now.” Ronan is already slurring his words.
“So he’s going to be okay?” I ask.
“Yes. It will be a four to six week recovery before he’s back fully, but barring infection, he’ll be fine.” He pulls on gloves and gets, to cleaning the area. I turn back to Ronan. He has a grin on his face and he’s got more color than he did when he first got here.
“You’re so fucking sexy. Did you know that I love your dimples? I want to push my finger in them all the time.” Ronan giggles. Fucking giggles.
“Is my dimples the reason you wanted me in the first place?” I remember him telling me to smile again when we met at the donation center.
“It’s one of them. Ollie has them too. Did you know that babies can’t imprint but they form attachments. Ollie has attached himself to me. Not Liam, me.”
I can’t help but laugh.
“It’s funny, right. He looks just like me, but Ollie hates him. He wants me to tell Ollie that he saved me, so he’ll stop throwing things at him. I told him that was an inappropriate conversation to have with a baby.” Ronan looks proud of himself.
“You’re right, very inappropriate,” I tell him.
“I don’t know if I will make a good Papa to him, or a good husband to you, but I’m going to try my best. I promise. I’ll make you happy if you give me the chance. I’m addicted to you.”
My heart feels too big for my chest, like it’s melting and shattering all at once.
Looking at him, I know with a certainty that settles deep in my bones that I will be happy with this man for the rest of my life. Ollie will grow up knowing what it means to be loved. To have a family. To be safe.
“I promise to make you happy too, Ronan,” I whisper, my throat tight with emotion. “I love you.”
Epilogue
Six months later.
Ronan
It has taken us six months to get here. Four of those months to totally dismantle the Children of the Fallen. The FBI closed the case against Colton, and he officially adopted Ollie two months ago. There are still two kids that we are looking for. They were taken out of the country, and the trail has gone cold. We’re not giving up. Right now, though, we are all focused on today and family.
“Ollie, you need to let go of Ronan. Remember how we practiced. You’re going to walk to me at the end of the aisle.” Colton tries to coax Ollie away from my leg.
I have to admit that I like that he attaches himself to me, especially when he’s unsure of his surroundings. It gives me a weird sense of pride. Colton, on the other hand, is having a hard time adjusting to not being Ollie’s sole support.
“Ollie, walk like a big boy and hand the rings to Uncle Conor. You can sit with Daddy until I come to get you. Understand?”
Ollie scowls at me but nods. Colton stands and scowls as well. “You know that pisses me off when he won’t listen to me, but does when you speak.”
I’ve learned his moods and tells over the last few months. He took care of me while I healed from my wound, and we were together twenty-four seven. Mom and Dad helped with Ollie during the day. But at night, we have a very domestic routine. One that I never saw myself having.
Dinner at six thirty, bath time at eight, story time done by nine. Then Daddy and Papa time. The first few weeks were agonizing for me. I wanted Colton, wanted to reclaim him physically, but Colton wouldn’t give in until the doctor gave us the all clear. I swear that old man added days just to torture me.
I bend down and kiss Ollie’s head before straightening and pressing a kiss to Colton’s lips. He still melts against me every time I touch him, softening in a way that makes something possessive and warm settle inside my chest.
Then I make my way to the front of the ballroom and take my place beside my brothers. Declan stands a few feet ahead of us, waiting.
The music starts, soft at first, and the crowd turns toward the back doors. Ollie steps through first. Colton circles around the outside, making his way toward the front. Both of them look incredible in their tuxes.