“You know.” He begins and hops up on the counter, his bare feet dangling. “Livie’s picture has never appeared in a magazine. And we were offered millions for photos of her after she was born.”

“I remember.” I nod, wondering what his point is.

“There are ways to make sure that you lead a relatively private life while being with a celebrity.” He shrugs.

“I know. I’ve already spoken with the wives of the other band members. Honestly, I’m not too worried about it.”

“You’re not?” His eyebrows climb and he’s completely surprised.

“No, I’m not. I’m tired of letting my fear of fame dictate whom I love and how I act and who I am. We’ll figure it out.”

“Wow, you got really smart.”

“Don’t be a sarcastic ass.”

“I paid off your apartment.” He casually mentions as he jumps off the counter.

“What the hell? Why would you do that?”

“Because now you don’t have to worry about the mortgage and because I can.”

“I’m not a charity case.”

“If you ever fucking say that again I will kick your ass” His face is red and his eyes are on fire. “You are not a goddamn charity case. You’re my sister. I have more money than my children’s children can ever spend, Sam. I can afford to buy your apartment.”

“Bragger,” I mutter and pout.

He laughs and hugs me and then refills my tea.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He scowls and sighs. “I’m sorry that I said that, about Leo not being good enough. I like him. He’s a good guy, and if he makes you happy, then I’m glad. After all he’s done for you, I he’s probably the closest you’re gonna get to finding someone good enough for you.”

“Wow. Did little brother just give me permission to keep dating my boyfriend?”

“God, you’re a bitch.” He laughs.

“So I’ve been told,” I agree and chuckle with him.

***

~Leo~

My shoulder is on fire, but damn if it doesn’t look fucking awesome. Kat is the best there is.

I stroll into the hospital waiting room to find the other guys and Cher lounging about, playing on their phones or iPads, reading smut magazines.

Irritating the hell out of each other.

“Hey, guys.” I grab a cup of horrible hospital coffee and sit next to Cher. “Any news?”

“Not yet.” She shakes her head. “We do know that they started labor back up this morning, but it could be awhile.”

“What the hell is the hold up?” Jake asks irritably. “Just make the kid come out.”

“Right,” Cher rolls her eyes. “All babies come on their own time. This is the baby of a rock star. It’ll definitely make an entrance when it’s good and ready.”

“Why didn’t they find out if it’s a girl or a boy?” DJ asks.

“Lori wanted it to be a surprise,” I remind him and text Sam.

At the hospital. Still waiting for baby.

I wonder if she got the cupcakes I had delivered to her this morning? I sent both chocolate and lemon, since I’m not there for her to steal a bite from.

“Well, if we knew ahead of time, we could have bought fun gifts,” Cher mutters and frowns. “I hope it’s a girl.”

“Why?” Eric asks, his eyes not moving from his iPad.

Be patient, Sam responds. And thanks for the cupcakes.

You’re not one to talk about patience, sunshine. YW.

“Because I want to help her decorate the nursery in pink.” She claps her hands with excitement, and then her pretty green eyes look sad. DJ leans in and whispers in her ear, making her sweet smile return to her lips. “I know.”

I hope they can adopt a baby soon. Cher would be a fantastic mom. Why is it that those who should have kids have such a hard time, and so many people who have no fucking business having kids have twenty?

Time passes slowly. By mid-afternoon, we’ve ordered pizza and Gary has been in to give us three updates. Lori’s fine, but the labor is difficult.

“What tat did you get?” Eric asks, pointing to my plastic-covered shoulder blade.

“I got a sun.”

“It’s time for that bandage to come off,” Cher comments and motions for me to stand in front of her so she can remove it. “Oh, this is so great,” she breathes.

“I know.”

“Kat?” Jake asks with a grin. He and Kat had a thing for a while.

“Yeah.” I nod and grin.

“She’s the best.” He shrugs. Cher goes to the restroom to wet some paper towels and carefully cleans my shoulder.

“Wear tanks for a few days,” she murmurs.

“Thanks, mom.” I smirk. “This is not my first tat.”

“It’s a good thing you’re hot, or I’d have to hurt you. Want me to take a picture of it with your phone and you can send it to Sam? I’m assuming it’s for her.”

“No, she’ll see it later.”

Honestly, I’m nervous, not sure how she’ll react to it.

Early evening sets in, and I’m sick of sitting in this waiting room.

“I can’t stand this anymore,” I mutter and stand to pace about the room just as Gary comes rushing in.

“It’s a girl! It’s a girl! Holy fucking hell, I have a girl.”