Page 77 of Playing Rough

I laugh and grab his face between my hands, kissing him hard. "No turning back now, Golden Boy."

He laughs. "Never."

And we'll face whatever comes together. Because that's what we do—we fight and claw our way through the bullshit until we come out the other side stronger than ever.

Now we get to do it as parents. And I can't fucking wait.

* * *

A few months later,Mara calls us to say she's pregnant. Riot and I were so shocked that we couldn't say anything for a minute before we started cheering and yelling. It's finally happening.

The pregnancy goes smoothly, with Mara keeping us updated on every step. We visit her regularly and watch our baby grow inside of her. It's surreal seeing the changes in her body, knowing that soon we'll be holding our child in our arms.

Finally, it's time for the big day. Mara's due any minute now, and Riot and I are a wreck of nerves. We've been camped out at the hospital for hours, unable to sit still.

When Mara goes into labor, we're both there beside her, holding her hands and encouraging her through each contraction. She's amazing, pushing through it all like a champ.

After a few hours of labor, our baby is finally born. A tiny bundle of squalling pink flesh with a shock of black hair and Riot's nose.

Our son.

Our happily ever after.

The End…