Chapter Text
Buck didn’t know where the time went. One minute he was just meeting Eddie and the next they’d been bonded for almost ten years with four kids to boot.
They’d certainly had their ups and downs but things had sorta tapered off. Gone were the days of diaper changes and bottles replaced with school and pre teen angst. Just as their relationship had turned a new chapter after Buck’s accident, their family did as well.
Life had slowed down to a steady pace but not before some major changes.
Both Bobby and Athena were now retired from both their civilian jobs and their pack jobs. Bobby had officially handed over all of the pack duties to Eddie making him the Pack Alpha. Buck had never been prouder seeing Bobby place the decorative crown on his head during the ceremony.
That wasn’t the only change.
Hen had graduated med school and was now into her first year of residency. She and Karen were now mothers to three beautiful children with plans to adopt a fourth. Chimney was now captain, taking over Bobby’s role at work with his long lost brother who had randomly showed up as one of the probies.
He and Maddie now had one more similarity to add to their list; reunions with long lost brothers.
Alex had ended up getting pregnant again. This time much to his chagrin with triplets. As soon as he’d found out at the ultrasound that it wasn’t one bundle of joy on the way but three, he’d scheduled a vasectomy for his mate Chase. Ella, Emilia and Emma were a handful and enjoyed creating chaos with their older brother Evan who was certainly living up to his namesake.
In a shocking twist that nobody really saw coming, Aureliano and Taylor ended up getting married. Aureliano’s mate had died when they were younger and when Taylor had finally found hers, she had already bonded with someone else. The two of them had bonded over their mutual lack of mates and one thing became another and they fell in love. They currently had a baby boy on the way.
Margaret and Jason were living in pure bliss. They’d decided to get bonded and were going to hold a bonding ceremony at Christmas. Margaret had always loved Christmas. She loved all the pomp and circumstance but when Phillip had died it had put a dampener on the season for her. She wanted to make new memories and find her love for the holiday again and Jason was happy to give her whatever she wanted.
Nothing had really changed between Jason and Buck truthfully. They were the same as they were when Buck was a teenager, unaware that Jason was even his real father except that Buck now house part of his liver in his body. Buck confided in him and looked to him for guidance and Jason was all the more happy to give it. All in all Buck was grateful that he let Jason into his life even if he had angry at him at first.
And Buck? Well, the liver was going strong. He was still clean and he’d dealt with most if not all of the trauma from the accident as well as the postpartum. It took time and lots of therapy and reaching out for help but he got there and without the help of medication too.
Speaking of the accident..Ana was still in jail for her crimes and would be there until death after she’d exhausted all her appeals. It seemed though no judge in the United States wanted to give her a chance. Oh well.
Four years later and Buck and Eddie were living in pure bliss.
Buck for one had never been a fan of permanence. He liked change. He never liked staying in one place for too long or even sleeping with the same person for too long but long gone was that Buck.
That was Seal Buck, Party Buck with a shit ton of unacknowledged trauma.
This was married Buck, father of four. Married Buck hated change. He hated to see his babies grow up. He hated to see them over time need him less and less.
The twins were now four and in pre school while Carson was eight and Chris…well Chris was eighteen and about to be a high school graduate. Their eldest was ready to leave the nest and head to college and Buck and Eddie were having trouble coping with that.
“Can you believe it? He’s graduating high school. Where did the time go?” Buck asked Eddie as they lay in bed the night before Chris’ graduation.
“I wish I knew,” Eddie said sadly, “God it seems like just yesterday I was holding him in my arms.”
Chris had grown up right before his eyes. He wasn’t that small boy that looked at him with a glint in his eyes as if he’d hung the moon anymore. He was an adult heading off to college and to start his own life even if he still had that same bright glint in his eyes. Eddie hoped that he never lost it when he realized how truly dull the world was.
“Our eldest is leaving the nest,” Buck said teary eyed, “soon they’ll all be leaving.”
“Aw babe,” Eddie said, “We still have years to go before Carson and the twins are ready. Don’t cry.”
Buck sniffled, “I just can’t believe Chris is all grown up. I’m not ready for him to leave.”
When the unavoidable topic of college came about Eddie was expecting to be the emotional one but Buck had been inconsolable. He cried when Chris sent out his applications, he cried when he got his acceptances and Eddie was expecting him to cry at the graduation tomorrow.
“I don’t think any parent is ready for their child to leave home,” Eddie consoled, “It’s time babe. We have to let him go so he can find his own place in the world.”
“But he’ll be so far away!” Buck cried. His wolf whimpered pitifully. He wasn’t ready to let go of the pup.
“Buck, he’ll only be fifteen minutes away,” Eddie deadpanned, “He isn’t even leaving LA.”
Chris had stuck to his plan and applied to colleges only in California. His top two choices had been either Stanford or USC and he ended up getting into both. He’d agonized about which to accepted but ultimately accepted USC because he still wanted to be close to home even if he was moving out regardless of choice.
“I know but still!” Buck argued.
Eddie sighed, “Look whether we like it not he had to grow up at some point.”
It was a hard reality that they both had to come to terms with even if they didn’t want to. Chris wasn’t a kid anymore. It was time for him to spread his wings and fly.
“I wish he didn’t have to,” Buck pouted.
“You and me both babe,” Eddie said smiling at him, “Gosh can you believe we’re about to have a kid in college? I feel old.”
“You are old,” Buck snorted.
“So are you!” Eddie countered.
Buck gasped, “I am not!”
“Buck you’re pushing forty,” Eddie laughed.
“Well so are you! You only have a year to go! I have two!” Buck said smugly, “And forty isn’t even old anyway!”
“Yeah yeah whatever,” Eddie said conceding.
They lapsed into a comfortable silence looking into each other’s eyes as they lay facing each other.
“I love you,” Buck said, heart feeling full.
“I love you too,” Eddie said, eyes shining brightly looking at his mate.
While everything had changed in one way or another, one thing remained the same; the love they had for each other.
Buck did indeed cry at the graduation. The tears had started before the ceremony had even started.
“Buck!” Chris whined as Buck pulled him into another hug.
“Alright babe, you have to let him go so he can get to his seat,” Eddie said amusedly.
“Sorry,” Buck said letting go of Chris and caressing his cheek, “I just can’t believe you’re all grown up. I’m so proud of you.”
Chris smiled at him, “Thank you Papa.”
Chris turned to Eddie and Eddie looked at him with a tight smile.
“I’m so proud of you Chris,” Eddie said giving him a hug, “You’ve made me so so proud.”
“Thank you Dad,” Chris said.
Eddie pulled away and looked at him seriously, “Your mom would be so proud of you. I’m sure she’s smiling down at you.”
“Yeah?” Chris asked tearily.
“Yeah.”
Chris wrapped his arms around his father soaking in his warmth for a second before pulling away and wiping his tears.
“Chris! Come on! They’re gonna start soon!” Tiana hollered.
The two of them weren’t dating anymore but were still good friends. Tiana had mellowed out thankfully and they’d both warmed up to her. She was just a kid who was going through some shit and acting out. Buck could understand that.
Chris looked at them and Eddie nodded. He hobbled after her leaving Eddie and Buck alone.
“You ready?” Eddie asked holding out his hand to Buck. Buck grabbed his hand and squeezed tightly.
“Hell no.”
Athena and Maddie had insisted on throwing a graduation party for Chris. Buck watched Chris mingle with his friends. He still couldn’t believe that his baby was so grown up.
“It’s scary isn’t it?,” Athena asked placing her hand on his shoulder.
Buck startled, “What do you mean?”
“It’s scary how quickly they grow up. One minute they’re crying for you to change them and the next your grandchildren are the ones crying,” Athena clarified.
“Grandchildren?” Buck asked looking stricken. He wasn’t ready to think about grandchildren yet. He didn’t want to think about any of his kids getting bonded and having their own families.
“It’ll happen eventually,” Athena teased.
“Not if I can stop it,” Buck said.
Athena looked at him softly, “There comes a time where every parent has to let go so that their child can grow on their own and find themselves.”
Buck sighed, “I know but I’m not ready. He’s my baby you know?”
“You’ll never be ready. No parent is, trust me,” She said giving him a hug, “He’ll be fine. You and Eddie have prepared him well.”
Buck held onto her, “Thanks Ma.”
“Anytime,” She said before pulling away. Together they watched as Chris laughed with his friends and pulled Tiana closer, much like the way Eddie did with him whenever they were sitting together. Buck’s heart squeezed painfully.
“Does it ever get easier?” He asked Athena referring to letting the kids go. Athena had let go of both May and Harry now. May was traveling and Harry was just finishing up his first year of college out of state. She knew just how Buck felt. Sadly it never did get easier.
“I’m afraid not,” She said patting his shoulder, “But don’t worry. You’ll always be his dad and he’ll always love you. You just have to make sure that he knows he can turn to you if he needs you regardless of how old he is.”
“Besides,” Athena said smiling at him, “You’ll always be his Buck. That’s never going to change no matter where he goes or how old he gets.”
The day that Buck were dreading was finally here and it was just as bad as they had imagined.
Move in day.
“Come on Buck! Hurry up!” Chris whined as Buck carried one of his boxes into his dorm room where Eddie was trying to make his bed. Buck dumped the box onto the floor and stood up wincing at the pain in his back.
“Okay,” Buck said, “That’s the last of them.”
“What now?” Eddie asked.
“Well you can leave..” Chris started nothing the sad looks on his parents’ faces, “or you can stay a little longer and help me set up?”
Buck and Eddie’s eyes lit up.
“Sure buddy,” Buck said happily, “Where do you need me?”
But alas it was time for the parents to leave after all they couldn’t stay on campus with Chris forever. Chris accompanied them back to where the car was parked and indulged them in one last hug.
“I’m only a phone call away okay?” Buck said, “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call. It doesn’t matter if it’s something small like you had a bad day, I’ll answer.”
“I know Papa,” Chris said as Buck held him tightly.
Buck gave him one last squeeze before letting go, “I love you.”
“I love you too Papa,” Chris said before turning to Eddie who looked as if he was on the verge of tears.
“You can come home anytime if you get homesick,” Eddie said hugging him.
“I know but I’ll be fine,” Chris assured.
“I love you Chris. I’m so proud of you,” Eddie said as he cradled Chris’ head on his chest.
“I love you too dad,” Chris said closing his eyes and basking in the hug. It was too soon when Chris pulled away from Eddie and Eddie couldn’t help but let the tears that he’d been struggling to hold back fall.
“Are you crying?” Chris asked surprised, “Don’t cry. I’ll be fine.”
Eddie rarely got emotional, that was more of Buck’s thing. Chris could count on one hand the amount of times he saw his dad cry.
“I know,” Eddie said as he wiped his tears with his hand, “I just can’t believe this is happening.”
“I had to grow up eventually,” Chris said. Eddie’s wolf howled painfully. If it was up to him Chris would never leave the safe territory of their house. Letting go meant not being able to protect their pup from all possible dangers. Letting go was just something his wolf wasn’t able to comprehend.
“I know,” Eddie said sadly.
Chris gave Eddie one last hug.
“I’ll be fine. I promise I won’t get into trouble and accidentally knock someone up,” Chris joked.
Eddie looked stricken, “Please don’t do that. You’re too young. If you’re engaging in those….activities always use protection.”
“I know. It wouldn’t be my first rodeo dad,” Chris said casually.
“I- what?” Eddie sputtered.
“Alright come on,” Buck said grabbing Eddie, “Let’s go before Chris gives you an aneurysm.”
“But but-“ Eddie protested.
“No buts. It’s time to go,” Buck said with finality. One of them clearly had to get a move on or else they’d never leave.
“Bye buddy,” Buck said hugging him, “I love you.”
“I love you,” Eddie said as he joined in the hug.
They reluctantly pulled away from each other. This was like the first time Chris went to summer camp all over again but this time was different. Chris was moving out on his own.
“Have fun okay?” Buck said despite the pain in his chest from the heartache this was causing him and his wolf.
“I will!” Chris called out as he walked back into his dorm. Buck and Eddie watched as he disappeared behind the dorm’s doors. Their wolves whined already missing their pup.
Buck gave Eddie a tight smile, “He’ll be fine. We prepared him well.”
“He’ll be fine,” Eddie repeated trying to reassure himself, squeezing Buck’s hand.
And so they were down to 3 baby birds or rather wolves in their nest.
Or so they thought.
Buck had been feeling sick for weeks since the night they’d dropped Chris off and him and Eddie found comfort him each other. At first he thought it was just the anxiety and worry for Chris making him sick but it persisted and soon he was having hot flashes and was sick for most of the day, just like he was with his previous pregnancies.
He’d been putting Casey to bed after a nightmare, Cyan dead asleep when he had that lightbulb moment.
“Night Papa,” Casey said, “Night baby.”
“Baby?” Buck asked confused, “What baby?”
“My baby brother,” Casey said closing his eyes, not elaborating further leaving Buck confused.
Buck thought over his words and thought about his symptoms. He knew that some kids could tell when their parents were pregnant before their parents even knew, he’d seen it when Jee had pointed it out when Maddie had gotten pregnant with Stella. Buck watched as Casey’s breaths evened out before rushing into their room and waking up Eddie.
“Eddie wake up!” Buck said shaking him as he panicked.
“What? What is it?” Eddie asked startling awake, “Buck what’s wrong?”
His wolf growled at their mate’s panic automatically going into protective mode. It didn’t help that his wolf had already been on edge for no apparent reason lately.
“I think I’m pregnant again,” Buck rushed out.
“Buck it’s like three in the morning- wait what do you you mean you think you’re pregnant again?” Eddie asked wide eyed as Buck’s words caught up with him.
“The throwing up, the hot flashes, the nausea,” Buck pointed out, “I thought it was menopause but holy shit Eddie I think I’m pregnant.”
Eddie supposed that would make sense. He flew out of bed and pulled on a pair of sweatpants before grabbing his wallet.
“What are you doing?” Buck asked confused.
“I’m heading to get some tests. There’s that 24/7 CVS not too far from here,” Eddie said.
“You want to do that now?” Buck asked incredulously, “Like you said it’s three in the morning!”
“Yes. Don’t you?” Eddie asked, “Don’t you want to know for sure?”
Eddie had a point. The sooner they knew the better. Buck was already thrumming with energy, his wolf pacing excitedly at the prospect of another pup.
“Okay yeah,” Buck conceded, “Hurry up!”
“I’ll be back soon,” Eddie said kissing his forehead before rushing out of their bedroom.
Reminiscent of the first time Buck had thought that he was pregnant, Eddie bought an entire bag filled with pregnancy tests. Buck grabbed a couple and headed to the bathroom while Eddie waited nervously.
“Oh my God!” Buck exclaimed loudly after a couple of minutes.
“What? What? Are they positive?” Eddie asked outside of the door. Buck slammed the door open. Buck thrusts the tests in his hand.
Eddie gasped and dropped them on the floor before pulling Buck into a hug.
“Oh my God! We’re having another baby!” He said happily. Eddie pulled away from the hug and grabbed Buck’s face giving him a soft kiss. Hs wolf howled happily, satisfied that they’d bred their mate successfully and sated that primal instinct.
“Are you happy? I know you said that you were good after the twins but,” Eddie asked.
He knew that Buck didn’t want any more kids after the twins. He wasn’t sure how Buck would feel about this child.
Buck laughed, “Eddie it’s fine. It’s a bit of a surprise but I’m happy.”
The house had been feeling kind of empty since Chris left. Buck wouldn’t mind a new baby in the house although no one could fill the void his eldest had left.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” Buck confirmed smiling.
“I can’t believe we’re having another baby,” Eddie said in disbelief.
“Me either,” Buck said truthfully, “I’m old. We have to be careful.”
“You’re not that old.”
“I know but in terms of pregnancies I am,” Buck said, “so we definitely need to be cautious just in case.”
“You’re right,” Eddie agreed, “We’ll be careful so that nothing happens to them.”
Eddie rubbed Buck’s still flat belly.
“I can’t believe I’m about to be forty changing diapers,” Eddie sighed exasperatedly.
“You’re the one that stuck your dick in me,” Buck laughed.
“Well you wanted it!” Eddie argued playfully.
“You did too!”
They both fell into a fit of happy giggles.
“God I am so happy right now,” Eddie said beaming.
“You’re saying that now but wait until Chris finds out. He’s never going to let us hear the end of this,” Buck said.
Eddie groaned, “He’ll just have to deal with it. Just because we’re not his age anymore doesn’t mean we can’t have sex.”
“Try explaining that to him,” Buck laughed, “He probably won’t even let you get that far.”
“God I love you Evan Diaz,” Eddie said seriously, “Thank you for giving me all these wonderful children.”
“No thank you for giving me the family I always wanted,” Buck countered. Eddie smiled and looked at Buck fondly.
“I’d give you the universe if I could baby.”
Buck started showing coming closer to Christmas and once everybody was back at home, they’d decided to just tell them the good news but not before Margaret and Jason’s bonding ceremony so that they wouldn’t take any attention away from them. They’d already told the kids who were sworn to secrecy with the promise of ice cream. The twins were excited whereas Carson was a bit more apprehensive which they expected after his reaction to the twins when they were born. Chris was surprised but happy to have another sibling even if they’d be almost two decades apart.
Jason had asked Buck to be his best man and to be honest Buck wasn’t sure if the tears were as a result of his hormones or because of Jason’s sentiment. Either way he was happy to oblige.
Ten minutes before the ceremony started Buck found himself in the bathroom throwing up his breakfast instead of helping his dad go through his vows as promised.
A knock on the door sounded.
“Evan is that you in there?” Jason asked through the door.
“Yeah. Just gimme a second,” Buck said wincing at the burning in this throat.
“Are you okay?” Jason asked concerned. His wolf growled knowing something was up with their pup. His wolf could smell the sickness but something about it wasn’t quite right.
“Yeah. I’m fine!” Buck yelled rinsing his mouth and his hands before leaving the bathroom.
“Are you sure you’re okay? You sounded like you were sick,” Jason said worriedly, fussing over his pup. His mind immediately went to Buck’s liver. He worried that Buck was having some sort of delayed reaction to the transplant.
“I’m fine,” Buck insisted swatting away his hands.
Jason clearly wasn’t convinced, “I think we should get Eddie to look you over just in case it’s something serious.”
“It’s morning sickness!” Buck blurted out.
“What? You’re pregnant?” Jason asked surprised.
Buck nodded, “We were going to tell everyone tomorrow. We didn’t want to take away any attention from you and mom.”
“Evan that’s amazing! I can’t wait to have another grandchild!” Jason exclaimed happily and hugged him.
Jason adored his grandchildren. He doted on them with every opportunity he got. He and Margaret took the twins to the park and out for ice cream almost every weekend and even taught Carson how to skate and made him into an adamant hockey fan. Bobby was delighted that Jason had managed to bring Carson into the fold, Bobby being an avid hockey fan himself.
Eddie almost had a heart attack that Christmas when Jason gifted Carson hockey skates and had taken him to a rink for his first skate. Carson took to it like a duck took to water much like Buck did to Eddie’s chagrin. Eddie didn’t see what was so fun about skating and chasing a rubber puck but Buck argued that it was because Eddie couldn’t actually skate and he shut right up because as always, his mate was right.
“Thanks dad,” Buck said reciprocating the hug.
Buck was still Evan to his parents but Jason had gone from Mr. Taylor to Jason to eventually just dad in a matter of months for Buck. The first time he called Jason ‘dad’ was on one of his bad days when his postpartum was still prevalent during his recovery. Eddie was working a 24 hour shift and Buck barely had the energy to get the kids dressed for school.
Eddie had gotten concerned when Carla had called him and tell him of Buck’s mood and asked Jason to check on him. Jason had found him curled up in blankets in bed crying.
“Evan? What’s wrong?” Jason asked concerned as his wolf whimpered at his grown pup’s distress. It never got easier seeing your pup hurt even when they were adults.
“I barely got the kids dressed in time for school,” Buck cried, “I’m a bad dad. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
“Hey hey,” Jason said as Buck launched himself at him.
Jason gathered him in his arms rubbing his back as Buck cried, “It’s okay. You’re not a bad dad. You’re just having a bad day and that’s okay. Everyone has bad days.”
“But I should be able to suck it up. They need me,” Buck argued, “I just feel like such a failure.”
Buck’s words tugged on Jason’s heart as he recalled a teenage Buck uttering the same words. No doubt that Phillip and Margaret’s actions had reinforced what Buck thought of himself back then. It was hard back then but it was hard now to see the same self doubt manifest itself when Buck was down.
“You’re not a failure you hear me? You’re an amazing dad. You do everything for those kids! You always make sure to tell them that you love them and you’re proud of them. There’s not a school event or extracurricular activity that you’ve missed unless you were unwell. Buck you’re a great parent despite what your brain may want you to think. I love you kid,” Jason said still holding him.
“Thank you. I love you too dad,” Buck said sleepily before falling asleep in Jason’s arms, all the crying tiring him out.
Jason had frozen in shock when Buck had called him dad. He had smiled brightly as he tucked Buck back into bed. He thought that it was probably a mix up since Buck was so tired but it still filled him with joy to be called that. He realized that it wasn’t a mistake when Buck continued to call him ‘dad’ after that day.
“Of course kid,” Jason said before letting him go, “Your mother will be so excited. She regrets not being there for your pregnancies so much.”
“I know but can you wait until later to tell her? I really don’t want to take the spotlight off of you two. Mom deserves all the attention today. It’s her day,” Buck said.
“Whatever you want kid,” Jason smiled.
“Shit,” Buck cursed as he checked the time on his watch, “We barely have time to run through your vows now.”
Jason smiled and waved him off, “It’s alright.”
“You sure?” Buck asked.
“Yes. I love your mother and she knows that. It won’t matter if I mess up the vows,” Jason said confidently.
Whenever Jason spoke of his mom, Buck could tell that he loved her with everything he had. Buck hoped that when Eddie and him got older their relationship would be the same.
Bobby knocked on the door before coming into the room.
“They’re ready for you outside,” He announced.
“Well this is it,” Jason said nervously.
“Come on,” Buck said smiling, “It’s time.”
The ceremony was sweet and thankfully short. Buck had never seen his mother that happy in all his years of living. It was like his dad had put the life back into her.
Jason and her had just had their first dance at the reception when Margaret whisked him away so that they could have a mother son dance since Maddie was eating. It was the one request she’d made. She wanted a proper dance with both of her children.
They swayed gently to the soft music in a comfortable silence.
“So when are you due?” Margaret said breaking the silence grinning at him.
Buck looked at her in shock, “Did Dad tell you? I told him not to!”
“What? Your dad knew? Why does he know before me?” She asked swatting him on the shoulder.
“What? I told him this morning when he found me throwing up. If he didn’t tell you, how do you know?” Buck asked confused.
“I’m your mom,” She said simply, “I always know. I’m pretty sure that Helena knows too. You have that glow.”
She’d suspected that Buck was pregnant for a while now. He just seemed different. His scent had changed slightly too but not enough to be noticed by someone who wasn’t paying attention.
“We were going to tell everyone tomorrow. I didn’t want to take away from your day,” Buck explained.
“That’s very thoughtful but you made my day even better by telling me I have another grandchild on the way,” She smiled.
Buck smiled, “I’m happy that I could add to your day.”
“I love you Evan,” Margaret said seriously caressing his cheek.
“I know mom.”
They’d finally gotten to a point where he knew that his mother loved him. Gone were the days of begging for her attention which she gave to him freely now whenever he needed her.
Buck had rented out an entire restless for brunch the next day so that everyone could eat after sending the newly bonded couple off to their honeymoon.
Buck fidgeted in his seat with anxiety as everyone ate.
“Okay spit it out,” Maddie said startling him, “What’s bothering you so much that you can’t sit still?”
Everyone looked at him expectantly. He shot Eddie a glance before turning his attention back to the pack.
“Me and Eddie have something to announce,” Buck said, “I’m pregnant.”
The table let out a collective gasp.
“You’re joking!” “What?” “Since when?” “I thought you two didn’t want any more kids?”
“We found out not too long ago and while we were content with our four kids, we’re still happy about this little surprise,” Buck answered.
“Well I for one am excited,” Athena said.
“Me too!” Maddie squealed, “You two make the cutest babies.”
“I told you that the twins wouldn’t be your last,” Alex said smugly.
“You also said that Evan would be your one and only child,” Eddie pointed out.
“When are you due?” Karen asked.
“Late May,” Buck answered, “Thank goodness I won’t be pregnant during the height of the summer again.”
Karen winced knowing just how miserable it is being pregnant in the summer, “Yeah that’s not fun at all.”
“Taylor is going to be so excited. Your babies will be only a couple months apart. She’ll be so mad that she missed the announcement,” Alex said.
Baby Nico made his way into the world just two weeks ago. Taylor and Aureliano were still trying to find their balance with a newborn at home so they’d skipped out on the bonding ceremony.
“I’ll tell her as soon as I get back,” Buck promised.
“Honestly this was the last thing I expected but I can’t wait to have another niece or nephew to corrupt- I mean spoil,” Chimney said as both Buck and Eddie glared at him.
Chimney was the reason why string cheese was now banned in their house after Casey tried to start a prank war with Carson that ended up with the entire living room covered in string cheese.
“Well since we’re sharing good news…I met my mate!” May started as everyone cheered, “and we sorta bonded already.”
“What?” Athena exclaimed loudly.
“Surprise?”
Buck’s pregnancy sped along quickly and soon he was in the delivery room. He’d decided on another unmediated birth after getting the all clear from his doctor. They’d been worried about his age and his previous pregnancy with the twins but Buck’s pregnancy had progressed with only minor complications so when he was 32 weeks they gave him the okay.
Truthfully, Buck had been terrified for the delivery. His last delivery with the twins was traumatizing but he’d worked through the trauma in therapy and he was feeling confident going in.
His labor progressed fairly quick with Buck already knowing what to expect and before he knew it, he was being told to push.
“Come on, one last push!” His doctor urged.
Buck squeezed Eddie’s hand tightly and pushed through the pain. His struggle was rewarded with the sound of a baby crying, his baby.
“It’s a boy!”
They’d already known the gender this time around after having a gender reveal that Margaret had insisted on and they’d even picked out a name. Margaret had been trying to make up for all the missed moments with Buck’s previous pregnancies and Buck hadn’t had the heart to deny her.
They placed the squirming baby boy on Buck’s chest and Buck placed his arms around him trying to soothe him as Eddie beamed at sight of the two of them.
“Welcome to the world Clayton.”