Hailey's POV
**Song Suggestion: Heartbeats by Jose Gomez**
"What do you think we are having?" I asked Ian, rubbing my ever-growing bump with a smile.
"Two little humans, of course," he joked, grinning playfully as he drove.
"Shut up. I'm serious. What do you think, boys, girls, or a boy and a girl?"
"It's a toss up, but I would be fine with any of the above choices," he continued to be difficult.
"Oh my gosh, you're so annoying."
"But you love me," he smirked.
"But I love you," I confirmed.
We checked in after being called after a whole damn hour of waiting. The ultrasound was amazing, seeing our babies grow and develop. They no longer looked like little beans, resembling babies more now. I smiled, seeing their little heads as the technician measured them. They were growing well, making my heart swell and my worry fade. As we watched the monitor, neither of us could help but grin from ear to ear. We saw my doctor, spoke about some odds and ends and were set loose into the world.
"Boys. Two boys." I stared at the little floating wieners in the ultrasound. Baby Boy A and Baby Boy B.
"Time for names." Ian had a twinkle in his eyes as his lips curled up, having waited for this moment before we began our name search.
"You know this is going to take forever," I complained, knowing our styles were completely different.
"Oh, most definitely. But we'll make it fun." Ian took my hand, kissing it sweetly. "I can't wait until they are here."
"I can't either."
"No, it has to be Vlasic." I frowned as Ian held up a jar of pickles to the phone. He had video-called me on a hunt for my many cravings. The only store open at this time was some quickie mart that didn't know what good pickles were.
"I'll find some. Don't worry," he promised, hanging up before I could tell him not to worry about it.
Ian had been amazing about getting me exactly what I craved when I craved it. He even went so far as to make some of the things. At times, he would go knock on my dad's door and ask for his flan for me. Or he would go to my mom's and ask for her empanadas. Hell, he even drove us to his mom for her lasagna. My cravings had been all over the place, but more so as we approached my due date.
"Got them." Ian held up a large jar of my favorite pickles, beaming those pearly whites of his. It had taken almost two hours, but he came through with his promise. Opening the jar, he placed it on the coffee table before me, knowing I would want more than one.
"I love you so much right now," I moaned as I took a bite of the thing I had been craving the most as of late.
"I thought you would, but I want a snack too." My eyes widened as I knew exactly what he meant.
He knew how uncomfortable I was with both of our kids trying to fit into my tiny torso. Sex was so hard right now, but for whatever reason, I was hornier than ever. Ian has found a way of taking care of me without it being uncomfortable. Besides, I had read somewhere that orgasms and nipple play could help stimulate birth, and I was ready to get these babies out of me. We made it to 37 weeks already. They will be fine and dandy if they come out now.
Ian kissed me sweetly, laying me back on the couch. He slid my underwear off me softly, tickling me with his soft touches. He got to work, having me orgasm rather quickly. I was panting, feeling the pleasure turn into a sharp cramp. I gripped the couch as I waited for it to pass. Ian was off, brushing his teeth, when another pain hit me.
"What's wrong?" he asked, seeing me trying to focus on breathing as I held onto the edge of the couch tightly.
"I think I just had a contraction."
Ian's face immediately lit up, knowing what it meant. "Let's time them."
Six hours later, we headed to the hospital with contractions 5 minutes apart and lasting a full minute, if not longer. Add another 8 hours to that and I was pushing my first child, feeling like I was dying. The pain was god awful and my stupid self said no to all the pain medicine and the epidural. Fuck if I was going to let that large-ass needle in my spine. It'd fuck me up, but I regret my decision immensely right now.
"One more push!"
The sound of his crying forced my eyes wide open, seeing his full head of black hair. His skin was lighter than my own but a shade darker than Ian's. He was absolutely beautiful, but my pain had not left me. My contractions were still strong and painful. The doctor gave me a minute to rest, knowing I didn't have the strength in me this very second to push my other baby boy out.
"He's gorgeous," Ian cried as they placed Hugo on my chest. He had a birthmark on his thigh, almost in the shape of Florida. Maybe that's how we will be able to tell them apart. I laughed, knowing it was going to be challenging as hell to tell who was who as they grew.
"He really is."
Another forty minutes later, Hector joined the party, being placed on my chest with his brother once more. It was a perfect moment, one that would live in my memory forever. I had my babies, my husband, and all the love in the world to give. My heart had never felt so full before.
Three Years Later
"Hugo! Hector! Where did my babies run off, too?" I called out, looking under the couch even though I knew they were hiding under the blanket on the large recliner. "Mi Amor, have you seen our boys? I can't find them."
"Oh, no! You lost our boys?" Ian pretended to panic. "Did you check the tree house?"
"No, I haven't, but it's raining. Do you really think they went outside?"
Their little giggles echoed around the room, prompting me to smile at my loving husband.
"Do you hear that?" he asked me, slowly making his way to the blanket.
"I think I do. Hector? Hugo?"
They jumped out, pushing the blanket off with a big roar. Hugo leapt into my arms as Hector leapt into Ian's. We all laughed, especially the boys, when we started to tickle them.
"Come on, boys. Let's get our shoes on. We get to meet Bubby today." Ian grabbed their hands, taking them to the small bench by the door where we kept their tiny shoes.
"Bubby?!" Hector asked excitedly. His dark hair had sweet ringlets that fell just past his eyebrows, the same as Hugo's.
"Yes. Mommy and I have to go to the hospital for a little while, but I will come get you the moment he is born so you can meet him, okay? Your Nana Cat is going to watch you boys and bring you when Bubby is almost here."
"Yay, Nana Cat!" Hector jumped excitedly. He was more attached to Cat than my mother, but I was okay with that. Cat had rented a place in town to stay closer to us and her grandchildren. She didn't sell the house in New Hampshire, wanting to pass it down to Ian when our family grew too big for our current home. It was sweet to think of raising our kids in the same home Ian was brought up in.
A whole 18 hours later, our Hernando arrived. His golden brown hair and fair skin surprised us both, prompting my first words to be "he's white." We all laughed at my surprise as we stared down at the bumble of joy we created. He definitely took after his father. Ian cried again, feeling an overwhelming joy as he did with Hugo and Hector. My eyes misted as I smelled that sweet baby smell in Hernando's hair.
Three boys now. I wonder if I'll be like Mom, having only children of the same gender. Will I have all boys?
**Song Suggestion: End Credits by Sarah Kang**
15 years and 4 more kids later
"Hugo, Hector, Hernando, Herminio, Helio, Horacio, Hiram!" I called all my children from the bottom of the stairs, hearing them slowly make their way to their door. "Time for cake. Let's wish your father a happy birthday."
"They sure respond to you a lot faster than mine." Liv laughed at my side as all my boys ran as if there were a fire licking at their feet. They knew to listen right away.
"I trained them well." I laughed with her, luring my towering children toward the dining room.
"I am so happy Cat gave you guys this place. It feels right seeing you both here." Liv smiled at me, reminiscing about her days here in high school, I'm sure.
We entered the dining room, seeing Ian and Lucas joking around together as usual. Abi was braiding her sister Ivy's dark red hair. I was glad she could take time off school to celebrate with us all. She was a good girl, still loving her auntie Hailey and uncle Ian. Johnny gave my boys a chin-up as Hugo and Hector came to his side. The three of them were as thick as thieves, being close in age and growing up together. It was a beautiful sight seeing my children and those of my best friend interacting like family.
"Here's the cake. You better eat every last fucking bite, because this was a bitch to make," Christin complained, coming in with a cake decorated to look like a large open book.
"Mami, you know it's not going to go to waste. Do you see my cousins?" Olivia commented as she helped her mother place the cake on the table. Her style reminded me much of Christin at that age. A deep blue dye stained the tips of her hair, cascading just above her collarbone.
"Mi Luz, come sit with me." Ian patted a small corner of the chair he sat in, making me shake my head.
"You know my ass is too big for that." I laughed, taking my spot beside him. Ian wrapped his arm around my waist, leaning his head into my side. No matter how much time passes, this man will forever make me happier. His sweet romances will forever electrify my body, raising my hunger for him for years to come. Not to mention, he understands my sense of humor even more now, after raising our many children. He's mine, all mine, forever and always, and I am happy for it.
This life he has blessed me with is more than I have ever imagined could be possible. To think I was ever afraid of falling in love. How stupid I had been. Life is most joyful when surrendered to those you love. Currently, I have many people who I love, and I am blessed to have them all here with me today.
"Happy birthday, Mi Amor." I leaned down, planting a soft kiss on Ian's lips. "I love you."
"I love you, Mi Luz. Thanks for another happy year. I just need another 60 more."
"Gladly, Mi Vida."
A lifetime with him is a gift unlike any other. One I will never take for granted.