Marriage by Law (52 page)

I leaned back into Darius's strong frame, feeling more tired than ever. He had somehow managed to get on the bed behind me, his feet dangling as I used him as a pillow. After twelve hours of painful labour, and another twelve as the doctors rushed around making sure everything was okay, and then another three just waiting, we were more than tired. I wasn't even sure how I was still awake, but holding her in my arms, sleep wouldn't come.

"Sapphire," he said, stroking her cheek with his pinky finger.

"What?"

"I want to name her Sapphire."

I laughed weakly. "Sapphire Quartz," I whispered, testing it out. It had a ring to it. We hadn't picked out names because we had wanted both genders to be a secret. So our parents didn't try to name them after themselves. Just a small surprise.

"No more kids after this," Darius warned from behind me for the tenth time and I rolled my eyes.

"I can't because your sperm screwed up their order," I joked with a chuckle. Not that I cared about the order. It was just a stupid teenage plan, it was all to chance.

He chuckled. "Thank god I did."

"Can we come in yet?" There was banging on the door and I sighed, looking up at Darius who shook his head. After the baby came out, the nurse had brought in Stephen, who was busy sitting on the bed staring at his sister with as much awe as Darius, and locked everyone else out.

It was peaceful after Sapphire had cried her lungs out and gone to sleep.

"Wwakkey," Stephen said, sitting up and reaching out with his grubby hands to touch her. Darius caught Stephen’s hand before he could punch the baby and moved him so he could gently touch her arm.

Light green eyes opened and I knew that they would replicate Darius's as she grew older. Judging by the soft black hair that was already coating her head, she was going to be a spitting image of him. 

"Thank you," whispered Darius, kissing my neck.

"For what?" I said as I tried not to giggle. He always forgot I was ticklish. 

"For giving me two angels."

The door opened and we saw the nurse slip in, struggling to close the door before the others come in. She looked tired as she saw us and smiled as she walked over.

"Hello, parents. How are you feeling?"

"Tired," I said. I was actually drained.

"Well, everything is organised, sir."

Darius nodded, carefully getting up and trying not to move us much before grabbing the bag from her.

"What's organised?" I asked as I watched the nurse walk behind me and move the blue curtain. I heard her unlocking something.

"Our secret getaway." He winked as he picked Stephen up. His wink still does things to my stomach. 

"I can leave?" I asked in excitement. Last time I had to be kept overnight because Stephen was a drainer, but Sapphire already seemed to be quiet, her eyes blinking up at me. I was surprised she hadn't started crying again like Stephen did when he was a baby. 

The nurse looked behind me nervously and I groaned. Darius, of course.

"There will be someone to come check up on you once you got home."

The nurse gently picked up Sapphire, and I struggled to get up.

"There are clothes in here," Darius said as he handed me the bag. I walked behind the curtain. My legs felt sore but the pain was bearable. I pulled out a long loose dress. I couldn't wait to get out of the hospital gown.

Slipping on the soft cotton material, I walked back and reached for Stephen.

"I think you should take it easy," Darius leaned back, greedily keeping his kids to himself.

"It's not as bad as the first time." It wasn't the first time I couldn’t even get out of bed, but this time I felt more active, the adrenaline still rushing in my body. Darius grunted but handed me Stephen. I smiled, feeling his soft body against mine.

"Did you miss, mummy?" I tickled his stomach and he laughed, throwing his head back.

"Come on."

The nurse carried Sapphire, just to be safe, knowing me and stairs, and Darius took Stephen as soon as we arrived at the stairs, saying he was safer with him. But we all knew those two were inseparable. 

I held onto the railing as I took my time getting down to the underground car park and saw Jesse, bandaged, waiting for us.

"Aww, I'm so sorry, Jesse." I rushed toward him and he held up a hand.

"It's okay, Ivory. It doesn’t hurt." But the way his voice sounded strained and the fact that he was passed out through all my labour, it hurt.

"I have a surprise for you," Darius told me.

I closed the door, taking Stephen from him while the nurse handed him his daughter, his eyes full of awe as he held her.

"For me or her?" I asked, buckling up.

"For all of us."

What was it? "A dog?"

Darius raised an eyebrow as he looked at me. "Are you still not over that?"

I scoffed. "A person can never be over a dog, Dairy. Be wise and buy me one and that'll stop Adrian from eating our food."

I didn't feel bad for leaving the rest behind. I just wanted to go home and cuddle with my new family.

Darius smiled as he absently shook his head, his attention diverting to the bundle wrapped in light green blanket.

"You're joking," I whispered as I looked up. Darius's arm came around my waist and kissed my forehead as he pulled me into him.

"No."

"It's beautiful." 

"I know."

I took a step forward, pushing the gate out of my way and walking up to the doorway. A new house. It was much smaller than our old one, which I was glad about. It looked more family perfect.

"Is there a dog inside?" I asked, shifting Stephen to my other hip. Darius rolled his eyes, leaning over and opening the door. "Welcome home."

And home it was. The house was perfect. Small, cosy and perfect for raising a family. 

It wasn't long before the door burst open and Adrian stormed in.

"I cannot believe you left us there!"

Darius and I sat on the couch, Stephen fast asleep on my lap and Darius holding Sapphire. The man refused to let her go. Greedy.

I looked up from his shoulder and then huffed, leaning back down mesmerised by two small waving hands.

"Did you name it after me?"

"Sapphire," said Darius as Adrian knelt on the floor, poking her stomach gently.

"Fine. It's a pretty name, but I still think Adrian was better." Judging by the look in his eye, I knew he was joking.

"You know her name is Sapphire Quartz now?"

"Obviously, Adrian," I said, rolling my eyes.

"No, but Sapphire Quartz, it’s like gem and a gem, you know?"

He had a point, and somehow that name was beautiful.

"Did you even park the car?" boomed another voice and I smiled. "And close the door. I swear I am raising two kids," Rose snapped in an angry voice as she walked in, but her eyes gave her away. She looked amused as she carried her son, two-year-old Austin.

"Aww, isn't she just beautiful? What did you name her?"

"Adrian," said Adrian proudly and I flicked his shoulder. "Sapphire."

Rose sat down on the floor, kneeling beside Darius. "She's gorgeous."

"All I see is wrinkles," Adrian grunted, earning another slap from Rose.

"Shut up."

"You shut up."

"No, make me."

"I swear. Why did I even -"

Darius and I looked at each other as their bickering continued.

"Annoying?" he suggested, seeing my face.

I shook my head. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

I pulled on his collar, bringing his lips to meet mine. 

Here is a sample from another story you may enjoy:

ONE

Anna

My principal sat in front of me counting to ten and pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to stay calm. I just stayed there picking at my nails, trying not to laugh at this whole situation. It’s really hard not to when the principal’s head is redder than a cherry blow pop.

“Miss Williams.” He started.

“Yes, Mr. Anderson?” I spoke like that dude from the matrix. I’m always poking fun at his last name; he counted to ten again slowly.

“Care to explain why there is
a cow
on the second floor?!” He boomed.

Huh, I guess counting doesn’t work after all. I gave him an innocent look.

“Why sir! I’m appalled to think that you think I had anything to do with that prank!” I said in false shock, and might I add it was awesome! He looked like he was going to have an aneurism!

“There’s a sign on each side, saying: Anna Rules!” He yelled. I couldn’t stop the slight chuckle that escaped. He looked ready to kill.

“Aw! C’mon, Mr. A! It was funny and you know it! Besides you’re lucky I decided against using an actual bull, so you’re welcome.” I shrug.

“Get out!” He screamed. I stood up and saluted him.

“Yes sir! How long this time Cherry?” I asked him. Hmmm, I like calling him that because it seems like any time I’m near him his head turns to that color.

“Two weeks.” He spit out.

I smiled at him widely, and sauntered out, but not before turning around and saying, “You might want to give that poor cow some hay.”

He looked ready to strangle me, so I booked it out of there, laughing. I saw Mrs. Henderson, the secretary of the office, on my way out. She chuckled at me.

“A cow Anna? Really?” She laughed, but kept it quiet as to not disturb the bear in his office. She was one of my favorite faculty members here. She was in her late fifties, and had a round face, but still as feisty as they come.

“Well, yeah! I couldn’t get a hold of an elephant on such a short notice.” I shrugged, joking. I grabbed my side bag from the chair, and headed out with a new kick in my step. I wanted to kill some time before 4th period was over so I can see my best friends Danny, who was my gay go to guy friend, and Missy who was shy, but was good for a lookout, and gave amazing pep talks.

Bathroom it is! Heading in there I fixed myself and combed through my soft colored red hair that goes down to my shoulder blades, and fixed a smudge under my hazel eyes. Today they’re greener in color, while other days, they could be a light brown.

“Dang, I got to get a tan.” I muttered to myself. I had pale white skin that Danny adored but I hated to no end. I did not want to look like some sparkly vampire thank you very much! The bell rang above me, and I walked outside my science class, waiting for my friends to come out for lunch. Danny was out first.

“Danny boy!” I yelled. He rolled his eyes at me, but smiled and picked me up, doing a spinning hug. I laughed as he put me down.

“I have to say Red, that cow thing turned out pretty genius.” He praised. We gave each other high fives, and just then Missy came out. I gave her a quick hug before we set off to leave.

“How’s your foot?” I asked, trying not to laugh. He huffed.

“That stupid cow! I know we blind folded it, but did it really have to step on me?” He complained, hobbling along. Missy and I laughed at him.

“Well, you shouldn’t have called her fat.” I shrugged; he gave me a flat look.

“She’s a cow. They’re supposed to be fat.” We all laughed as we saw animal control walk in. We all usually walk to my house after school. It takes about twenty minutes, and sucks if it’s raining.

We lived in northern Montana, and it was pretty here except for the dang snow in the winter. I hate the cold, but it was close to the end of the school year, and that means we’d all be adults living in the real world. I sighed as my sundress swished and my cowboy boots clacked against the sidewalk.

“What’s wrong Anna?” Missy asked. She never called me Red, for some reason. Maybe she thought it offends me? I looked into her pale blue eyes, as her long dark brown hair flew with the wind.

“We have three and a half months until we graduate! And I’m still not sure on what to do!” I complained while resting my head on Danny’s shoulder. He pats my cheek, and laughs.

“You could probably get into any college with your grades!” He smiled. I scrunched my nose.

“I don’t want to go to college! Hmmm, maybe I’ll travel the world?” I suggested. That sounded pretty cool. Danny laughed lightly and brushed the stray blonde hair out of his deep brown eyes.

“That sounds like you.” He nodded to himself. Missy agreed, and I finally knew what I want to do, that made me grin but then it faded.

“Crap!” I exclaimed. They looked at me.

“What?” Missy asked, as I put a hand to my forehead.

“You need money to travel. And I doubt my middle income mom would want to pitch in.” I sighed. Not that I’d ask her anyways, she works too hard as it is. There goes that plan.

“Why don’t you ask your dad?” Danny suggested. I punched him in the arm and he winced.

“No! You know I’m not speaking to him!” I huffed. Missy gave me a sympathetic look, while hugging me from the side.

“He would give you the money you need.” He went on.

“He left my mom and me for some home wrecking teenager.” I spat. He sighed. “She was not a teenager but I see your point.” And drops it.

I vowed not to talk to him again, and since he has made no attempt to contact me, I can only return the favor.

I hooked my arms on either side of my friends, and leave all that behind me.

“So, how long this time?” Missy asked.

“Two weeks.” I shrugged, laughing. Danny laughed too.

“Wow, he’s going soft!” He joked.

“Oh I know! I guess it’s better than the month long sentence he set for me.” I said with a smug smile. Danny started cracking up along with Missy.

“I totally forgot about that! Man that was good! I still, can’t believe you stole Anderson’s keys, locked yourself in his office, and sung Starstruck into his speaker system!” He smiled proudly at me. I shrugged.

“What can you do? I had that song stuck in my head, and had to get it out somehow!” I defended. Missy shook her head at me disapprovingly, but she was hiding a smile.

“And how was drawing mustaches and uni-brows on his family pictures part of getting a song out of your head?” She asked sarcastically. I gave her a sheepish smile.

“I was expressing my artistic side?” I offered. She shook her head, chuckling. After skipping to my house - yes skipping - while we sang ‘we’re off to see the wizard’, we got inside my empty one story house.

It was a soft yellow color with white trim, and a white picket fence. Cute right? I’d rather have a gothic style house, just so I can sit on the porch and screech at the kids walking by about how to stay off my lawn. That would be fun.

I walked into the kitchen with my friends in tow, and we snacked on some delicious cookies that would make you want to do a happy dance. So that’s what I did.

“Oh, no, she’s at it again.” Danny rolled his eyes at me, but joins me after a moment. I knew I was incredibly random, but that’s just who I was. I started doing the running man, and Danny was doing the robot. Missy’s laughed at us, but otherwise didn’t join since she’s the sensible one of the group.

“Can’t touch this sucka!” I yelled to no one in particular and did the hammer dance. What cookies do to me.

We didn’t have much time before both Danny and Missy had to go. I gave them hugs and once they left I drummed the counter in boredom, not knowing what to do.

This suspension is going to suck.

If you enjoyed this sample then look for
One Night With The Prince.

Acknowledgements:

I would like to acknowledge all my amazing followers who have waited incredibly patient for every painfully short update for years and are now still supporting me.

You guys are stronger than the pillars that tried to hold up the sky. I wish I could thank each and every one of you for your amazing support.

This book is not created by me, but by your love for it.