"Okay, that last one was only three minutes apart. They are getting' closer Van." Miranda restarted the timer on her phone. She sat back facing forward in the seat.

"How far apart do they need to get before we start to worry?" I asked.

Savanna shook her head and tried not to cry. I could tell she was in a lot of pain still. She was holding onto her stomach. I reached down to feel it and it was as hard as a rock. "Darlin' tell me what to do?"

"Make it stop hurting," she cried.

"Sugar, I wish I could." I rubbed the sweat off of her face. She closed her eyes and tried to relax.

We pa.s.sed a car that had slid off the side of the road. They were stuck in a culvert and trying to wave us down. It didn't help that I had a big old wench on the front of the truck. "Keep goin'"

Ty looked at me in the rear view mirror as he pulled over to the side. "Dude, at least let me tell them why we can't help. Miranda can tell Conner to stop and pull them out."

"Fine, make it quick. I don't know how to deliver a baby." I was really starting to get scared now. It wasn't something that I knew how to handle. My wife was in excruciating pain and there was nothing I could do to make it better. We didn't have the time to be stopping for people, no matter how rude it was. We had our own emergency situation.

Ty jumped out and came back in the truck a few seconds later. "They were cool about it. They said congratulations."

We arrived at the hospital a good twenty minutes later. Miranda had actually climbed over the seat and helped Savanna get through a couple hard contractions. When Savanna claimed she felt like pushing, Miranda ripped down her pants to make sure there wasn't a baby coming out. I think she was shocked at what it looked like down there, from the look on her face, but she finally regained composure and said she wasn't crowning and didn't need to push.

We pulled up at the hospital and a security officer came running outside to us. He flew back in and came out with a wheelchair. Within seconds, we were whisking Savanna upstairs to the maternity ward, while Miranda and Ty parked the truck.

By the time they made it up to the room, Savanna was already being changed into a hospital gown. They were prepping her for an I.V. and she was still trying to focus on her breathing.

The nurses were very responsive to what she was going through. They told her a few other relaxation techniques to help her through her contractions. Due to the weather, it took her doctor even longer to get to the hospital.

He walked into the room applying his gloves. In a brief moment he was already putting her legs up in the stirrups and giving her an examination. Part of me wanted to watch, but the other part of me didn't want to go anywhere near down there. I think most of it was Ty scaring the s.h.i.t out of me. There were parts of my wife that I treasured and that was one of my favorites.

The doctor removed his gloves and scooted his stool away from my wife. "I'm going to go ahead and order the epidural. She's is at about nine centimeters. It won't be long now." He walked out of the room and left us.

I rushed to her side, kissing her on the mouth. "I love you, Darlin'. Our baby is comin'."

She opened her eyes as wide as they could get. "This f.u.c.king hurts, Colt. I changed my mind." Her face scrunched up as another contraction hit her again. I grabbed her hand and felt the power of the pain, through her nails ripping my skin open. I wanted to pull away, but knew doing so would only p.i.s.s her off worse. I was at her mercy. She was in excruciating pain and I would do anything to take that away from her.

"You changed your mind about what, Darlin'?"

"Having eleven children. I don't want to do this ten more times. JESUS s.h.i.tb.a.l.l.s, it hurts so bad." I shouldn't have laughed, but I couldn't help myself. Savanna's face was blood red as she focused on the pain.

Miranda came around and stood at the other side of Savanna's head while Ty sat in the chair behind me. He was being awfully quiet, probably reliving his first delivery experience.

Her contraction subsided and the death grip she had on my hand finally released. Miranda gave her an ice chip and rubbed her head. "Just breathe Van. Just keep breathing. It will all be over soon, I promise."

Through the doors came the anesthesiologist, who in turn made us wait outside, where we were met with the rest of our family. Miranda explained everything to them while I began pacing. After ten minutes we were allowed back into the room. Luckily, they let Savanna's mother and my mother come in with us. We all stayed out of the nurse's way as they got everything prepped. I noticed Savanna wasn't screaming out in pain anymore, she was just tightening up as her body contracted. "Is the pain better now?"

"Just a bunch of pressure. It still hurts, but it is much better. I'm sorry I screamed."

I kissed her dry mouth. "Savanna, I love you. You can scream as much as you want. Just deliver that little baby so you can see that it was all worth it."

The doctor and nurses came into the room, wearing surgical robes. They positioned themselves between Savanna's legs and got them into the stirrups. Ty went over to stand with Miranda, while I never moved from her side. The nurse brought over a mirror and positioned it so Savanna could see what was happening. "Oh my G.o.d! Why does it look like that?" She closed her eyes and refused to look. Out of pure curiosity I glanced down.

Don't pa.s.s out. Jesus Christ don't you dare pa.s.s out!

Ty was right. I don't know why but I looked up at him and watched him mouth the words 'told you'. I shook my head and gave Savanna a smile. "Focus on the baby, Darlin'. Don't worry about anything else."

Savanna, always being so modest, shocked everyone in the room. "My v.a.g.i.n.a is huge!"

We all just stood there, with nothing to say, until Ty leaned over and whispered in her ear. He kissed her forehead and she smiled as he pulled away.

Thank you G.o.d! I have no idea what just happened, but Ty was a freaking genius.

The doctor caught our attention. "She is ready to start pushing. Dad, you are going to need to hold this knee." Miranda stepped forward and grabbed her other knee and the doctor nodded.

"Okay, Savanna. I need you to give me some pushes. I'm going to count and I want you to hold it until I am done. We are going to repeat it until we get the baby out."

She nodded.

The pushing began. The first three times nothing happened. The fourth time I realized I couldn't stop myself from watching. A little head of black hair was starting to come out. The doctor looked over to me and smiled. "Looks like someone has their father's hair."

A few things happened.

I felt dizzy. My heart raced like it was running out of my chest. My eyes never left that little babies head.

I smiled back and listened for him to count again. Savanna didn't take long breaks in between pushes and the more she did it, the more exhausted she was becoming. During one push the head came almost all the way out and then went right back in. Finally, when she seemed like she couldn't push anymore, Savanna let out a scream as she gave it all of her might. The head and one shoulder came sliding out. The doctor grabbed the baby and it slid right out with ease. A little cry could be heard as the nurses took the baby and started cleaning it off.

"It's a girl!" He announced.

A girl? A girl? I have a daughter. I have a son and a daughter!

I hadn't realized I was crying until I felt the hot tears on my cheeks. I rushed to Savanna's side, stroking her tired face. "We have a daughter, Darlin'." I kissed her on the lips. "We have a daughter."

The nurses brought our little girl over to us, wrapped in a blanket. Her fuzzy head of black hair was covered in a little cap to keep her head warm. Little eyes were open and looking out at us. Savanna held out her arms and looked to me when she was placed there with us. I couldn't stop the tears and honestly I didn't want to.

Our family was all just standing there taking us in, most with teared eyes themselves.

"She's beautiful," I said as I leaned down to kiss my baby girl.

"She's perfect. Thank you, Colt Mitch.e.l.l. Thank you so much for this life." I stood there with my two girls, accepting the slew of pictures being taken. The doctor finally finished with Savanna and left the room.

I looked up at my family and then back down to my little girl. "Meet Christian Mich.e.l.le Mitch.e.l.l!"

The family began filling the room with excitement. The middle name was after a cousin of Savanna's that had pa.s.sed away. They were very close and it was important to her to have that. Christian was a name that Savanna and I had picked out that was both for a girl or boy. We both loved it and loved the nickname Chris for both a boy and a girl. To make our decision easier, Noah had finally requested the name Chris. Being that it was the only normal name he suggested, it all worked out.

After a few hours the room cleared out and just Savanna and I were there with our little girl. Savanna had already breast fed her once and she was sleeping so peacefully. While Savanna fell asleep herself, I held my little baby and just watched her sleep. A nurse came in and insisted I get some rest, so even though I didn't want to, I laid her down in her little hospital crib and slept in the recliner next to my wife.

"When can I see Noah?" I woke up to Savanna nursing Christian. She was playing with her full head of hair as she talked.

Of all the things, she already missed our boy. "My mom said she was goin' to wait until the roads were more clear before bringin' him out."

Just as I finished talking the door swung open. My mother came in first, followed by Conner with Noah on his shoulders. "Man, this kid was itchin' somethin' fierce to see ya'll."

Noah came running to me and I pointed to his sleeping sister. "She's sleeping, so you have to be extra quiet."

Noah crept up on my lap and looked at his sister for the first time. "She's so little," he whispered.

"She is only seven pounds and three ounces. That is pretty tiny for sure." Noah smiled when I explained her size. He didn't know much about weight, but he knew she was the smallest little baby he had ever seen.

"When can she play with me?"

"Not until she is older, Sweetie. She is still too little to play. We have to teach her to eat, and crawl and walk first." Savanna gave him a pat on the head after she explained.

He looked sad at first studying the little baby in his mother's arms. "Can I hold her?"

I looked to Savanna who just nodded. "Noah go sit in that chair with Grandma." I waited for him to get adjusted. "Hold out your arms, but don't squeeze her too tight." Gently I placed little Christian in my son's arms. He held her perfectly, studying her little face. The room got real quiet. "I think I might love her, Dad."

And that there was the most beautiful thing I had ever heard in my entire life.

Epilogue.

Savanna "I can't believe we have a daughter." We'd been home for a week and Colt still couldn't stop saying that. The ranch could have been falling apart and he wouldn't have noticed. He'd spent every waking second with me and the kids.

When Colt said that he didn't want to miss anything with Christian, he wasn't lying. That man gave her the first diaper change she ever had, the first bath, and her first tour of the house. He begged me to pump, so that at night he could get up with her and give her a bottle while I got some sleep. Several times I would wake up to an empty bed, only to find him rocking her in her nursery, singing softly to her.

As if Colt wasn't enough, Noah followed them around like a lost puppy. The three of them stuck together, watching television and just generally being entertained by a week old baby. Noah had adjusted to having a sister much better than we antic.i.p.ated. He no longer even spoke about having a brother. Instead he had changed his mind and was now the 'official sister protector'.

After my parents had finally gone home, everything started to get into a good routine for us. Colt did work for a couple hours in his office at our house, but he never left us alone. If I needed a nap he would take Christian into the office with him.

I couldn't have asked for a better father for my kids. Colt was perfect in every single way. How I ended up with him was something I will always wonder. His love for me was indescribable. His devotion to our family was unconditional.

Over the holidays' we got to see the family again. It was nice having Noah home from school for so long. He was always such a helper with his sister. Her face was starting to light up when she heard her big brother talking. In addition, when he gave her all of his attention she would smile from ear to ear.

I remember watching the two of them interacting and feeling so satisfied. Colt came up behind me and witnessed what I was seeing. Noah had Christian's little fingers in his. He was talking to her about how pretty she was. "Remember that time when he said all he wanted was a brother?" Colt's voice vibrated off of my back.

"I remember." We both let out a laugh.

"So, I was wonderin' if you meant what you said at the hospital."

I turned around and wrapped my arms behind Colt's neck. He gave me those beautiful green eyes to look right in to. "I said a lot of things at the hospital."

"Well, it was somethin' like you didn't want to go through havin' anymore children. I was kinda hopin' that you would change your mind. Darlin', I'm not askin' for eleven, but I would like three or four." Colt had a calm but determined look on his face. I turned back to look at our two kids. They were both perfect and I loved being their mother.

I brushed my lips over his and looked back into his eyes. "If they all look like that, we can have eleven."

He smiled and kissed me full on the lips. His mouth found my ear and he kissed it with his tongue. "Sugar, you just let me know when you want to start tryin'."

End of Book Three Look For Risking Fate Jan 2013 If you enjoyed this book, please share a comment or review.

Let me know what you think of this book by contacting me at the following: http://twitter.com/jennyfoor http://www.facebook.com/#!/JenniferFoorAuthor http://www.jennyfoor.wordpress.com http://www.goodreads.com/jennyfoor Jennifer Foor lives on the Eastern Sh.o.r.e of Maryland with her husband and two children. She enjoys shooting pool, camping and catching up on cliche movies that were made in the eighties.

Check out this excerpt from Beautifully Broken by Amanda Bennett I started to tell him the Cliffs Notes version of my life, leaving out all the bad when I heard an all to familiar voice announcing his presence. I slowly stood up and rounded the corner, when he came into view. He stood with both arms up, drink in one hand like he was some kind of G.o.d at this party. I took notice of Vince standing a little bit behind him, and then I noticed the small redhead directly underneath Gray's arm. His arm came down gently around her shoulder and I watched as he kissed her on the top of her head.

"Someone you know?" He had just witnessed me staring, s.h.i.t!

"I thought I did but that's not him." I turned and grabbed his hand so he would follow me back to the table where the drinks sat. I downed three more shots of vodka and then made myself a c.o.c.ktail, consisting of vodka and a tiny splash of cranberry juice. I was feeling better already.

"You might want to slow down a bit there, kiddo." He said smugly.

"I think I know what I can handle. Oh, and don't call me kiddo." I spat back and turned to find Hannah. She was still on the back patio, only now with a tanned muscular arm wrapped around her waist as she stood still talking to Leslie.

"Oh Hannah, how you?" I could hear my words starting to slur. I inched closer to her spilling drops of the contents of my cup along the way. "I see you found a man, hmm?" Nothing was making sense and I could feel my body getting heavy and my lips were becoming numb.

"Oh my G.o.d Bennett, how much have you had to drink?" She grabbed the red cup from my hands, throwing it in the tall black garbage can in the corner. "Let's get you a water." She started pulling me inside when I stopped her.

"No! No! I can't go inside." I turned crossing my arms over my chest.

"What do you mean?" As soon as the question came out of her mouth, I saw her gaze lock on his. "Oh s.h.i.t Bennett. What is he doing here, and with her?" I could hear the disgust in her voice.

Gray had only ever dated one person, well besides Hannah. Bobby Jo Levingston, the red headed firecracker who was a b.i.t.c.h to everyone imaginable, especially me. Gray's friendship and mine was their final undoing. He dated her for six months before she started making my life a living h.e.l.l, and in return Gray made hers one. Apparently, she had forgiven him. I couldn't help but watch as his blue eyes looked into hers while they stood grinding together on the makeshift dance floor. As quick as I went to turn away, his gaze caught mine. I could see the sadness and apologetic look in his eyes, but I was p.i.s.sed and I wasn't giving in that easily.

His hand was on my arm before I could make it past the small doorway into one of the rooms. I held my face away from him, not wanting to cry. I could feel the tears welling up behind my eyes, but I was d.a.m.n sure not going to let him see that.

"Bennett, look at me. I didn't know you would be-" his voice cut off.

I snapped my head around quickly sending me off kilter. After regaining my sense of balance, I stared deep into his ice blue eyes. "YOU'RE SORRY? You didn't know I was going to be here, right? That's what you were going to say. You made me feel like a complete a.s.shole for blowing you off today and then you come here, with HER?" I pointed in the general direction of where Bobby Jo was standing. "How dare you. How dare you Gray. She treated me, your best friend, like absolute s.h.i.t the entire time you guys were together and now you're just going to what? Take her home? Get her drunk and then sleep with her?" I unleashed years of frustration on him. I couldn't stop myself. It was something he had to hear.

"Bennett, please just talk to me. Not like this, let's go home and talk. Please!" He had me wrapped in his arms so tightly; I couldn't squirm out of their hold. I tried to push against his chest but nothing happened. "Bennett you have to talk to me," he whispered.

I was about to give in when I heard his voice. "I believe she asked you to let her go." His voice was powerful and in a second Gray's arms dropped to his sides with his hands balled into fists. I knew what was about to happen. I positioned myself between the two of them and tried to calm Gray down.

"Who the h.e.l.l are you?" Gray puffed.

"I'm the guy whose house you're in. I'm also the guy who is going to have to hurt you, if you try to man handle her again."

" What the Fu-, oh I remember you. You're the guy who ran into her at school. I knew you were going to be trouble. This has nothing to do with you, so b.u.t.t the f.u.c.k out." Gray reached for my hand but I was instantly pulled behind Raylon's muscular frame.

"I told you not to touch her." Raylon poked his finger into Gray's chest.

"STOP BOTH OF YOU!" I screamed as loud as my lungs would allow. I put a hand on each of their chests trying to separate them. "Raylon you need to back off. You don't understand enough to get in the middle of this." I looked up at him with a sympathetic look in my eyes, hoping he would see that I was sorry that I had to choose. "As for you," I pushed Gray towards the front door, "you don't get to come up in here with another girl around your arm, and then try to protect me. It doesn't work that way Gray. You can't want all of me one minute and then only some of me another. It's not fair." I looked into his eyes and I could see that my words were breaking his heart.

He hung his head before he finally spoke back. "I was upset Bennett. I wanted to bring you here with me but you blew me off, all day. I thought we had an amazing night together. I was so excited to get done with testing this morning and get back to you. I had a whole day planned out. Then you just brushed me off, like nothing happened. I know you feel it Bennett. I'm not stupid, I can see it in your face." His hands clutched onto the sides of my face as he stared into my eyes.

"Nothing was going to happen with Bobby Jo, I swear it. I was just trying to make it so every waking thought, in my G.o.d d.a.m.ned head wasn't consumed with you." He threw his hands up in the air exasperated. "f.u.c.k Bennett, what am I supposed to do?" His hands fell to his sides in defeat.

I reached for his shoulder to turn him towards me, but he evaded my touch and started walking towards the stairs. "Tell Vince I'm going home. I'll get a hold of you tomorrow. Good night b.u.t.ton." He was down the stairs before I could even catch my breath enough to speak. Why did things have to be so complicated between us?