Chapter 277 - Baby Mine (2/2)

Rin chuckled. ”You've always been a dɨċk, dude... but you've also always been a solid friend and brother.” He pressed his forehead against Russ's as he clasped the back of his neck. ”What do you say we dry all these teary eyes and name a baby? His godfather should have a say in names, right?”

Russ smiled widely at his best friend. ”Yeah, I guess so...”

Ry stepped forward lowering his phone from his ear and handing it out to Rin. ”Here, there are two more people eager to speak with you.”

Rin smiled and nodded to the oversized man as he held his hand out knowing well who it would be. ”Mom... dad...” He nodded again. ”Yes, she's fine... the baby too... Yeah, come on over...” He hadn't even lowered the phone before two more bodies were materializing in the room. Rin handed the phone back to Ry as he held his arms open for his parents.

”My boy! You've come back to us! We were so worried!” Jamila exclaimed as she wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed tightly. She pulled away after several long seconds and tugged his forehead down to her lips. She studied him for several more seconds before nodding and turning her focus to Shelly and the baby. ”My dear! I've missed you so much! And this little guy! I've been going mad with anticipation!” She rushed toward them, pulling Shelly and the baby both into her dainty arms.

Rin's attention moved to his dad. ”How?” He whispered.

A warm smile spread across his father's features. ”There is much the two of you need to learn about the bond you made in the ritual room that night. We weren't allowed to tell you then... but I believe it's time you know now...” He stepped forward and embraced his son. ”But first I'd like to meet my grandson.”

Arei watched the happy reunion from his spot on the floor with Jos tucked safely in his arms. ”I wouldn't have guessed this is how the night would end...”

Jos shook her head as she wiped away tears of joy. ”Me either...” She gave his arm that was wrapped around her an affectionate squeeze.

”I guess this means we're going to have an empty nest before it's even filled?” Arei remarked with a hint of disappointment in his voice.

Jos giggled, ”I'm sure we'll see plenty of the three of them...”

Poseidon held his hand out for Jos. ”What do you say the two of you get out of the floor so we can give them some privacy?”

Jos nodded as she took his hand, letting him tug her up from Arei's ŀȧp. To her surprise, instead of releasing her once she was on her feet, he pulled her into a hug and placed a light kiss to the top of her head. ”What was that for?” She asked, embarrassment coloring her words.

He nodded toward the loving family gathered around the hospital bed. ”Seeing such a moving thing makes you appreciate those I have... I don't need this to see you as my daughter.” He lifted her hand and placed a kiss to the ring. ”But I'm overjoyed to see it still...”

New tears streamed down Jos's cheeks as she tugged her hand free and wrapped both of them around his waist. ”Thank you.”

”You're always welcome, dear.” He said placing another kiss to her head. He tugged her free and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, turning them toward the door. Everyone who'd been blocking the door slowly backed out leaving Arei to pull it closed behind himself.

Andy flung herself into Peg's arms the second she was out of the room. ”I love you! Let's go home...”

Peg arched a brow as he studied his wife. ”Please tell me watching that hasn't made you want another baby?”

She shook her head. ”But it makes me even more thankful we are able to be together...”

Peg cupped his wife's face between his hands, ”As am I.” He murmured as he lowered his lips to hers. After a lingering kiss, he lifted his gaze to the rest of the room. ”Well, you heard the wife... We're heading home. We'll be back tomorrow to visit with the new little family.” He waved to everyone as they turned down the hallway.

Poseidon gave Jos one more squeeze before releasing her. ”The two of you should probably head back as well. It's late and you've had a long day.”

Jos nodded. ”Thanks... We'll be back first thing in the morning...”

”I'm sure you will. Take care dear.” He said as he turned his attention to his son. He gave him a pat on the back. ”Congratulations again. I'll see you tomorrow.” He watched as they left. He turned his focus to Ry and Russ. ”Are the two of you ready to call it a night?”

Russ shook his head. ”I'd like to say goodnight to Rin and Shelly before I leave... I just figured I'd give them a little longer before I went back in...”

Poseidon nodded. ”Alright.” He turned his attention to Giorgos. ”Is that alright with you? If you need to, you can go ahead and leave. We can find our own way back.” He gave the man a sly smile.

Giorgos shook his head. ”I can stay a little while longer, it's fine.” His eyes moved back to the room as two new people stepped out.

Ry followed his gaze. ”Oh, hello guys.” He held his arms out to Jamila as the tiny woman stepped into his embrace. They'd become quite close over the past several months. He'd kept her updated on Shelly and the pregnancy. ”I'm glad to see your preparations paid off.”

Jamila nodded. ”Us as well... We'd began to lose faith, but our dear girl pulled through in the end...”

Ry chuckled, ”I'm sure had she known... and been in a position to speak, she would have long ago.”

Jamila laughed against the tears streaming down her face. ”Oh, to be sure! But there was too much of a risk of telling her. It could have rendered the magic useless...”

Ry gave her another tight squeeze. ”It worked out well enough...” He'd thought the couple crazy, grieving parents unable to accept the fate of their son when they'd told him about all the measures, they'd taken in preserving the body. Jamila had sounded half-mad as she spoke of her baby boy returning to them one day, but obviously, he'd been the fool for doubting her. Ry nodded toward the door. ”Why don't you go ahead and say your goodbye's and we'll head back to the palace.”

Jamila nodded. ”We must be getting back as well. Every time I leave, it leaves our own palace vulnerable as you both know.”

”Come on.” Poseidon said, clasping Russ on the back and guiding him toward the room. ”I want to say goodnight as well.”