Epilogue - Austin Part 2

Living closer to the hospital meant we got there before our parents. Mikali already had a room ready, so Suzanne was already in active labor when our parents arrived. She was actively trying to break my hand as I did my best to help her through this.

So they didn’t get to come into the delivery room. But I think that’s okay. I’m glad I didn’t have to share this moment with any of them. No offense to my dad or her parents, but this is our pup. This is the start of our family.

And it was all worth it. Five hours from the time we left the house to when our daughter entered this world. Now I’m standing in the recovery room with a pink bundle in my arms.

Her blue eyes squinted at me, blonde hair poking out of the pink and white striped cap the hospital put on her. I can’t begin to describe this feeling. I thought I felt complete when Suzanne and I marked each other, but this feeling in my heart is different.

I smiled down at this new life we had created. She’s perfect.

“Hi, Jennifer. You’re just like your mommy, aren’t you? When you want to do something, you do it. Couldn’t wait any longer to meet us.” I sighed softly.

“I won’t promise I’ll always be the best dad and that you won’t be embarrassed by me or get angry at me. But I can promise I’m always going to love and protect you.” I whispered, stroking her cheek.

I smiled as her tiny hand wiggled free of her blanket to hold my finger. I placed a soft kiss on her tiny hand. Yep, she officially owns my heart. I hope Suzanne is willing to share that number one stop in my heart.

“If you are done hogging her. I want to hold my pup.” Suzanne rolled her eyes.

“Don’t start getting jealous. It’s not my fault Jenny likes me better already.” I chuckled as I carefully passed Jennifer to her.

Suzanne took our daughter with another heavy eye roll as she started to fuss.

“See, she’s fussing already.” I teased.

“She’s probably hungry. So go find our parents while I feed her.” Suzanne shooed me as she adjusted her hold on Jennifer to see if she’d latch.

Oh yeah, that kid is mine. She latched to the breasts that I’ve not gotten to play with in months. Pregnancy nipples are extra sensitive, and Suzanne was not about them being touched.

I chuckled, leaving to find our parents in a waiting room. Edith instantly jumped up when she saw me.

“Well? Where are they? Can we go see them?” Edith bombarded me.

“Momma and pup are both healthy and in her recovery room. She’s feeding the pup, but we can go in when she’s done.” I answered.

“As for the pup, despite being early, she is healthy, weighing seven pounds and measuring nineteen inches. With blonde hair and blue eyes.” I smiled.

“Congratulations, son. We’re all very happy for this new edition to the family.” Dad smiled, hugging me.

I can’t help but wish that my grandfather would not be a dick and let grandma be here. It was bad enough that she couldn’t come to either wedding. But I wish she’d get to see her great-granddaughter. The woman raised me and isn’t getting to be in the happy moments of my adult life.

“Too bad grandma can’t be here.” I sighed.

My back straightened as someone gently cleared their throat behind me. It smelled like Grandma, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up. Dad was looking wide-eyed past my shoulder as I slowly turned.

My grandma is here! A bit further behind her, I caught a glimpse of my grandfather. His head was bowed as he stayed out of view. As long as he doesn’t say or do anything rude, I won’t put him in a hospital bed for ruining my daughter’s birth.

“Clemmy… I mean Austin.” Grandma smiled with teary eyes.

“You can call me anything you want, Grandma,” I assured, closing the distance and hugging her tightly.

Damn, I’ve missed my grandma. She still smells the same. Not just her actual scent, but she smells like her favorite Red Rose black tea, snickerdoodle cookies, and roses from her garden.

“We didn’t expect to run into you here. What’s happened? Is Suzanne okay?” Grandma asked, noticing everyone in the waiting room.

“Oh, she’s fine. We had our pup. Do you want to meet her?” I asked.

“Mom, if you aren’t here because of the pup, why are you at the hospital? Are you okay?” Dad questioned.

“Oh, a pup. That’s wonderful news, Clemmy. And don’t fuss Hale, I’m fine. We’re here for your father, he’s had a bad cough the last few months, and I practically needed Alpha Logan to command him to come in today.” Grandma sighed, frowning as she glanced back at my grandfather.

“I told you it was nothing.” Grandfather grumbled before starting to cough, covering his mouth with a handkerchief.

He could play it off, but I saw and smelled the blood on that rag. And while he’s given me plenty of cause to hate him, he’s still my grandfather. I still care about him.

“What did the doctor say?” I questioned.

“Don’t talk about it, Michele. They’re here for a new life, not to hear about an old one.” Grandfather grumbled.

“They need to know, Dillon. It would be best if you made amends. We have a great-grandpup. Don’t you want to see that pup? To be in their life while you can?” Grandma was tearing up again.

“Grandfather? Why does it sound like your diagnosis is terminal?” I questioned, keeping my arm around my grandmother to support her.

“I don’t need pity.” He sighed.

“It isn’t pity, Grandpa. It’s concern. You may say and do things that piss me off, but you did help raise me. You helped dad pick up the pieces and fill in raising me when he couldn’t. So don’t stand here and lie to me or tell me I shouldn’t care about your health.” I shook my head.

“It’s lung cancer.” Grandma blurted out, earning a growl from grandpa.

“David said it’s lung cancer. It isn’t something a healer can do more than easing the pain. He said he’ll be gone by April at its current rate of progression.” Grandma turned into my chest, crying.

I sighed, closing my eyes, hugging her tight. I won’t cry in front of the old man as I know he wouldn’t want that. But it hurts knowing he only has months.

I don’t want him to go with our family relationship in such a state. I don’t want his final days to be like this. I don’t want grandma’s last days to be spent away from her family because of him.

“Dad… I won’t tell you I’m sorry or give you any words of empathy that you’ll rebuff. But know none of us hate you. All we’ve wanted is for you to see and accept us as we are. To have a good relationship with you.” Dad sighed.

I could tell the Waltersons and my stepmom felt uncomfortable and out of place during this conversation. And we need to change gears. I know Grandpa doesn’t want to be the center of attention.

“Why don’t you come with us and meet your great-granddaughter. She’s so beautiful, grandpa. If anyone could melt your heart, it would be her.” I suggested.

He grumbled a little but nodded. I sighed and led the way to Suzanne’s room. I hope I’m right that Jennifer can perform some kind of magic the rest of us couldn’t.

‘Suzanne, honey… I’m bringing the family. And um, well, my grandparents are here.’ I hesitantly told my mate.

‘ And before you start getting upset, they are here because grandpa was seeing a doctor. They diagnosed him with lung cancer, and he only has a couple of months.’ I quickly explained.

‘Please… please let them see Jennifer. I don’t want them passing away without even meeting her.’ I pleaded.

I won’t force her to let them in. She just had a baby and should be comfortable, but I hope she’ll let them in.

‘Fine. For Michele.’ Suzanne sighed.

I sighed as she agreed. Opening the door, I led the way inside.

“Oh, my baby.” Edith rushed to Suzanne, kissed her forehead, and immediately took Jennifer out of her arms.

“Hey, sweetie. You did it. And in record time. You and your brother took forever to be born.” Maxton teased, kissing her cheek.

“That’s because she’s a Shelton.” Grandpa snorted.

“He’s right. Hale was born in under four hours. Dillon’s mother was only in labor for three. Clemmy here took five to make his appearance.” Grandma smiled as she quickly covered up the borderline rude remark.

“Good to know. Hello, Michele… Dillon. I’m glad you were able to meet her. Austin, why don’t you introduce her.” Suzanne kept a smile on her face as she politely greeted them.

I smiled as I got to steal my baby girl from Edith. I rolled my eyes as she pouted.

“Everyone, may I officially present Jennifer Bernice Shelton.” I smiled, turning Jennifer for everyone to get to see.

Dad gasped when he heard the name. We haven’t discussed baby names with the family. We wanted it to be a surprise. I hope it was a good surprise.

“That…that’s a perfect name. Jen would have loved it. To be so blessed to share a name with our granddaughter.” Dad nodded, holding back his tears as his wife squeezed his hand.

“It’s truly a perfect name. May I hold her?” Grandma nodded, holding her arms out.

I glanced at Suzanne to be sure. Once I got the approval, I passed Jennifer to my grandmother.

“Oh, Dillon, look at her. She’s so precious. She has your eyes. Those beautiful blue Shelton eyes. Say hello to the new generation of the Shelton line.” Grandma smiled, moving closer, trying to hand her to him.

I felt my breath freeze in my lungs. Would Grandfather reject her? Refuse to hold her? Come on, Jenny, baby. Melt that ice-cold heart of his.

I thought he would refuse to hold her for a moment, but as he looked at her, Jennifer yawned that cute newborn yawn. And I saw it. I saw that first crack in his armor as he took her into his arms.

Grandma smiled so big as she leaned slightly into his side while he was utterly enraptured by Jennifer letting her hold his finger. I quickly dug my phone out and snapped a picture. I need proof that they were here, proof that he can smile.

Jennifer is truly magic. My grandparents had stayed in the room for an hour. Grandpa barely let someone else hold her. And in the months after her birth, they were at our house a minimum of twice a week.

Every visit, grandpa had a new dress or toy for Jenny. He doted on her so much in his final months as he underwent chemo to try and stave off death. Sadly the magic Jenny had to melt his heart wasn’t enough to keep him with us.

On the same day he entered this world, he left it. Grandma passed two days later. We visit their headstones, and my mom’s twice a month to leave flowers and tell them how Jennifer is growing.

And two years after Jennifer was born, we visited as a family of four with our son, Dillon Thomas. I hope he never feels the same about his first name as I do mine.

I know he won’t because Suzanne and I will never let him grow up to be the closed-minded man my grandfather was but to be the kind and loving version he was in his final days.