Chapter Thirty One - Serenity

Judah Jackson's P.O.V.

My leg bounces anxiously as my driver weaves in and out of traffic. I'm itching to just take over the wheel myself and break every speed limit but I calm myself. Instead, I repeatedly check my phone every few seconds like a maniac to see if there's any new update.

Macy went into labor a few minutes ago and I'm panicking over the thought of missing my first child's birth. I knew I shouldn't have listened to her! I think to myself with a scowl as I glare at the window. I had to fly up north for a meeting which I insisted on skipping but Macy was confident that I wouldn't miss her due date. Everything was running according to schedule too until my damn plane got delayed. She's going to kill me!

I run my hand across my face with a groan thinking of the worst-case scenarios. I promised Macy I would be in the delivery room with her when she gave birth. I cannot miss this! Taking a deep breath, I try to stay calm and direct my attention elsewhere. My thoughts immediately go back to the time she told me we were going to have a baby and I smile.

"Jude?" Macy calls as I bring over our dinner to the sitting room. "Do you want to do a puzzle with me?"

"Sure dove." I kiss her temple as I hand her the plate. She excitedly empties out a bag with the pieces and I chuckle at her being adorable as usual. "Where's the picture for it so we can see what the end result needs to be?"

"Uh...it's a surprise. I know what it is so I'll guide you." She smiles, albeit nervously, but I nod as we get started. "Let's start with the edges."

I follow her lead as we eat dinner during it but become confused when I see a sentence. "Arriving February 18th. What's arriving then? Did you get a gift or something for me Mace?"

"Finish the puzzle and see." She sings and I shake my head with a grin.

"Well...that says Jackson." I mutter thoughtfully after piecing a bit more of the puzzle. I debate on what this could be before my head snaps to her with wide eyes.

"What?" She laughs as she leaves the last few pieces.

"Are you pregnant?!" I blurt as my heart races in anticipation and excitement. "Does that say baby Jackson?"

"Yeah." She whispers as she finishes the whole thing to reveal 'Baby Jackson. Arriving February 18th.' "Surprise! You're going to be a dad Judah."

Immediately tears brim my eyes and we laugh because she becomes emotional too. "I'm going to be a dad? You're really pregnant?"

"Yes my love..." She sniffles as she takes out two pregnancy sticks from her pocket. "We're going to be parents."

"I love you." My voice shakes as I cup her face, unable to stop staring at her with adoration.

"I love you too Judah." She coos before kissing me sweetly and wrapping me up in a hug.

"No but I love you so much more." I hold her tightly as my hand automatically splays across her belly that shows no signs yet. "You're okay yeah?"

She chuckles at my small voice filled with concern before pulling away with a nod. "I'm fine. I've had a few symptoms but that's all."

"I need to start working from home." I mutter to myself as I rub my hands across her stomach. "We need to get the nursery ready too and...I...I'm going to be a dad. We're going to be parents to a little Macy or Judah!"

She grins at my excited outburst before squishing my cheeks and kissing me. "You're so cute Jude."

"Sir, we're five minutes away." My driver states and I thank him before fiddling with my wedding ring again.

Me and Macy had a small wedding with just friends and family shortly after our engagement as we didn't want to wait. It was the happiest day of my life and I know today is going to be like the cherry on top. We're finally going to become a family of three and it's crazy to think how quickly my life became perfect after I met my Macy.

Eventually we reach the hospital and I hop out with a quick glance to my watch indicating that I've missed almost thirty minutes. I rush inside and up to her floor where I meet Kenzo and Aiden who took her to the hospital and Cameron and Alejandra who arrived right after them.

"Thank you for bringing her and being here! How's she doing?" I quickly take off my coat and throw it to the side along with my tie.

"Surprisingly calm." Aiden chuckles as I step towards the door.

"Too calm in fact. You better get in there." Cameron squeezes my shoulder before I make my way inside.

I close the door behind me and instantly spot Macy on an exercise ball while also massaging her back. She sighs heavily before I make my way to her and gently push her hands away so that I can help. A proud grin blooms across my lips over how cool and collected she is but that quickly fades when she drops her head forward with a loud groan.

"Painful one dove?" I ask as I increase the pressure of my hands on her lower back.

"They're all painful Jude!" She huffs and I kiss the back of her neck wishing I could take it all away.

"Breathe through it...just like that. Do you want to take –"

"Where were you?!" She croaks and her bottom lip trembles as she turns to face me.

"My flight got delayed. I'm so sorry dove. You know I wouldn't miss this for the world."

"I know – I just..." She shakes her head as her pretty eyes fill with tears and break my heart.

"What's wrong Macy? What can I do to help?" I cup her face in my hands and wipe away her tears.

"I-I'm so scared Jude!" She sobs into my chest as I massage her back. "This hurts and I knew it would but this is another level of pain!"

"I know my love but remember that you've prepared yourself for this. Nine months of nurturing, all those courses we did and books we read. You may not feel like you're ready but you are." I soothe as best as I can while my heart aches over how nervous and upset she is. "I'm here to help in any way that I can. I'm right here and I won't let anything happen to you or our baby as long as I breathe. Understood?"

"Understood." She nods before swearing heatedly. "Can you help me to the bed please?"

"Of course, darlin." I do exactly that before covering her with the blanket when she starts to shiver. "When was your last check and how many centimeters were you dilated then?"

"Last check was thirty minutes ago and I was at three." She explains as I brush away her hair matted against her sweaty skin.

"You're doing so good Mace." I peck her forehead before intertwining our hands so that she can squeeze mine when her next contraction hits.

I spend the next two hours tending to her and getting her anything she needs. She struggled to get to four centimeters and it was heart-breaking to see her in so much pain but I try to be as encouraging and supportive as possible like I learned. That includes backing off when she starts cursing in Spanish.

"Jude, I can't do this!" She sobs breathlessly as she turns to me.

"Breathe love. A few more times." I coach her and sigh in relief when she stops panicking. "What do you need?"

"I need to be at ten fucking centimeters and for this baby to out of me!" She weeps as she clings onto me while riding out a stronger contraction.

I hold her and massage her wherever she asks before the nurse comes in to do another check. After the epidural Macy begins to dilate quicker and around the three hour mark the nurses are getting everything in order. I stand by Macy's head and hold her hand just as she gets another check done, praying that it's time.

"Ten centimeters dilated Marcella." The nurse states just as the doctor steps in. "Ready?"

I grin when she nods confidently while squeezing my hand. "Ready."

We're about to have a baby.

***

Marcella Jackson's P.O.V.

"She looks just like you." Judah whispers in awe as he brushes a finger across our daughter's dark tuft of hair.

"She's got your nose and blue eyes Judah." I deadpan in amusement.

"Hey now! They could change to hazel or brown down the line. But she's all you apart from that gorgeous." He leans over to peck my lips as I blush from the endearment.

The small bundle in my arms whimpers and we chuckle as Judah pulls away. I stroke her cheek gently which helps to settle her down and she stares at Judah with wide eyes, taking in everything. I ask him if he wants to do skin to skin contact with her and he nods eagerly. He takes off his shirt before taking her in his arms. He coos softly as he takes a seat in the chair again and places her on his chest. She lets out a sweet sound of content and nuzzles her cheek against him before yawning.

"Hi Lucia, my pretty girl." He murmurs before smiling widely when she grabs onto his index finger. "Mace, I think I'm going to cry. She's so perfect." [Loo-see-uh]

That makes me chuckle as I take some pictures of their first moments together. Judah holding our daughter delicately makes him look even more handsome than I thought possible. I eventually rest my head back and nap for a while before he wakes me up when Lucia starts getting fussy.

"I have a confession." Judah whispers as he caresses Lucia's arm. "I love her more than you. Sorry not sorry."

"Me too." I grin before shaking my head. "It's crazy because this is a different kind of love. I'd do anything for her."

"So...in that case I'm sure you can understand that you're able to handle yourself. Lucia can't which is why I'm always going to shove you in front of danger." He states seriously and I play along in amusement.

"As long as you change her diapers and scare away the boys I'm good with that." I smile tiredly and he stares at me for a long moment before leaning in and kissing me gently.

"I love you. You did so good today and I'm proud of you." He murmurs before leaving a lingering kiss on my forehead. "Thank you for making my life complete."

"I love you too Jude." I reply and blink away the tears when I start feeling emotional. "Thank you for helping me through this and for giving me a family. A proper one."

We stare at each other like lovesick fools before the door opening captures our attention. I beam excitedly when my brother steps in and rushes over to hug me. His eyes water when I carefully pass Lucia to him which makes me chuckle as I wipe away a traitorous tear off his cheek. Judah walks around to him and Cameron reaches out for a side hug as they grin each other.

"She's perfect. Congratulations you two." He smiles at us as he caresses her tuft of hair. "What's her name?"

"Lucia."

"Hi Lucia. I'm your uncle Cam." He coos softly before kissing her cheek. "I love you so much already. And I got you cool gifts too because I'm your favorite uncle."

"You mean the gifts you gave to us during my pregnancy...right?" I question skeptically.

"Uh...no – I'm sorry! I just couldn't resist!" He rambles when I shoot him an exasperated look. "I found a pink car and this huge playhouse –"

"Playhouse?!" Me and Judah both exclaim in shock.

"It's not that big...honestly!" He argues before showing us a picture. "Look how adorable! It's even got a little picnic bench attached to the side!"

"Fine but no more!" I glare at him and he agrees but I know he won't listen.

We let everyone else in after Cameron's had more time with her and thankfully Judah's parents and Noah could make it. I watch contently as Lucia gets passed around gently and everyone fawns over her while mine and Judah's phones are lighting up with sweet messages from everyone else that couldn't be here.

It makes me realize how many people we have around us that love us but it also brings back memories of my parents and how things could have been different if dad wasn't involved in that world. Maybe then my parents would be here too meeting their granddaughter and celebrating becoming grandparents for the first time. The thought makes me tear up but I quickly suppress those emotions.

"You don't need them." Cam leans in to whisper in my ear before kissing my temple. Somehow he always seems to know exactly what I'm thinking. "You and Lucia have everyone you could possibly need right here."

"Thanks Cam." I smile gratefully, feeling that wedge of emotion blocking my throat disappear.

"Did you guys pick a godparent?" Evan asks as he eagerly takes Lucia into his arms again.

"Noah's the godparent. We have a pact." Judah smirks which makes me roll my eyes amusedly at the mention of their pact.

"Yeah and when I have a kid Jude's going to be my first child's god father." Noah grins as they fist bump each other while everyone stares at them in bewilderment.

"When did you guys decide this?" Michelle frowns as she comes to sit beside me.

"When Noah was sixteen."

"How did it even come up in your conversations?" Kenzo asks the question that was probably on everyone's minds.

"We were on the reproduction chapter in biology and Judah saw me studying one day." Noah explains before hooking a thumb in Cameron's direction. "Only condition was that the wife's sibling must agree."

"I lost a Rock Paper Scissors game." Cam grumbles which makes everyone else either face palm themselves or stare at him in shock. "He wouldn't even do best two out of three!"

"No way man! I won fair and square!"

I shake my head at the three of them as an argument ensues over the rules of the game. Michelle turns to me and all but fawns over me to make sure that I'm okay before I convince her that I'm fine. She takes my hand in hers as she pulls the blanket up higher across my body.

"I made a broth for you which will help you regain your strength and it's so good for healing. I wrote the recipe down so you better make some more when I'm gone." Michelle tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear with a warm smile. "Me, Evan and Noah are going to be around for a few days extra but if you want us to leave earlier or to stay longer that's completely fine! Whatever you need sweet pea."

"You can stay as long as you want." I whisper with teary eyes before gesturing for a hug which she gives instantly. "Thank you for being here."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world honey." She murmurs as she wipes away my tears. "I'll make sure you feel right as rain in no time!"

That makes me laugh and the sadness that overwhelmed me about not having a mother figure to guide me through this new chapter in my life disappears. As my brother said I have all that I could ever want right in this very room. Friends and family that care so much about me.

I remember telling Judah that the life of Marcella Quintana is pretty boring. I take that back now.

The life of Marcella Jackson is serene and filled with love just like she wished for it to be.

And that's a wrap on Judah and Marcella's story! 😭Noah's book is next and it's the last book in this series.

But I honestly have not had the time to write his book with both work and life being insanely busy. I have the plot thought out but I still need to write the chapters. I'm also going on holiday for a few weeks so I'll be working on it after I'm back.

Just wanted to give you all a heads up that Noah's book will not be released anytime soon. I feel terrible about making you guys wait so I'm really sorry! Please know that I will try my hardest to get it written as soon as possible. 

As always thank you SO much for the constant love and support ❤️You guys are honestly the best and make me want to write more and improve. I hope you understand!

All my love! 

- R.W. ♡