“They are all silly aren’t they, Dad – I–I mean Liam?” His laughter dies out. All of my body tenses in the bed.

“I told you Jack, I would be honoured to be your dad if you want me to be.” Liam seems completely unfazed, unlike me – I feel like I have entered the twilight zone.

I know Liam said he wants Jack to have his name, and I know Jack called Liam “Dad” once in the past in the heat of the moment, but I thought we were a long way from Jack feeling comfortable calling him “Dad” full time.

It came out so naturally, there has never been anyone for him to call his dad. I am shocked it’s even part of his vocabulary.

“I’d like that, please.” Jack breaks through my running mind as he smiles up at me and Liam.

“Okay son.” Liam smiles.

Again, the afterbirth hormones hit me square in the chest, I feel outside of my body. A gaggle of uncles and an aunt fussing over our baby. Liam holding me from one side while Jack cuddles me from the other. My heart is full and warm as I relax in bed. I have always hated hospitals, but right now, they don’t seem half bad.

This room, at least, isn’t too bad. Last time the recovery room was starkly quiet and empty. The only sound was the quiet sobs I couldn’t hold back as my son slept in my arms. I was completely alone and terrified of what was to come for our future. And somehow here I am again six years later, but the room is full of sound. Jack asking how long we will be in hospital. Liam whispering how much he loves me. Rook still singing no matter how much everyone tells him he is going to hurt Charlotte’s ears. Lyndsey threatening to fight every hockey player if she doesn’t get to hold the baby in the next twenty seconds. Just noise and laughter and happiness.

More happiness than I ever thought I deserved.

These people are here for the long haul.

For me.

For my family.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Ellis

Eventually, everyone starts to leave. I’m tired and Liam wants me to get some rest. Jack goes with Aiden for a sleepover because it was the only way we could get him to leave. My little guy wants to make sure I’m okay, and I love him for it, but there just isn’t enough room for all four of us to sleep in here. Charlotte has a cot next to me and Liam is hunkering down on the sofa in the corner.