Shane's POV

The next morning after the charity event, I learned that enough money was raised to build two nice-sized centers. So, now we need to find a large enough space for both locations.

I'll tell Bliss when she wakes up. We got in the house pretty early in the morning - 2:30 am. I am going to let her sleep in. Junior finally lets Bliss get some rest.

It is after 10:00 am. Quite frankly, I'm not ready to get up, either. Mum has a key to the house so that they can let themselves in today. I am going back to sleep.

***************

Narrator's POV

Over the next few weeks, Shane told Bliss how much money was raised and that he would help her start looking for locations for the centers, but that would wait until after Junior was born.

Bliss called her assistant about her maternity leave. And Shane called Mercedes about taking maternity leave.

They spent four glorious weeks relaxing in Italy. Neither one did not want to leave.

Shane secretly had to work with his mom and Mason's mom about the party. They loved the movie theme idea, so they sent out invitations. Mason has Hollywood connections, so he was able to get a few celebrities to attend.

The mood swings have increased, and Shane realizes that. So, he has handled them better than he had been.

*************

Saturday, May 21st, 2022

Shane's POV

It is now 9:00 am. Bliss will chop my head off, but I have to wake her up. She is sleeping peacefully after Junior kept her up last night. It takes Bliss a little longer to get showered and dressed now that Junior is due to be born any minute.

Out of nowhere, Bliss screamed, "LEAVE ME ALONE!!!"

I had to wake her up now. The baby shower is just what we need at the moment. "Wake up, Darling!!!" I gently shook Bliss, and she woke up.

She sat up and cried profusely. "S-Shane, I'm scared!! I had a nightmare that people were trying to kill Junior and me. And Alexander and Grayson were a part of it."

"Nobody is going to lay a finger on you, sweetheart. That is a promise. We never have to worry about Alexander again because he is gone. I don't believe Grayson would hurt you. He is nothing like Alexander or Chase."

"Why do people hate me, Shane? I have never hurt anyone. People are always trying to hurt me."

"Sweetheart, people, are just plain jealous of what you have - beauty, kindness, you're very smart and savvy, and you are very wealthy. You're not afraid to express your opinion. No, you don't flash your wealth around, but people are jealous that you have it. And another reason is that you are married to me, plus the fact that you are carrying my son. I hear quite often the questions: 'Why did I marry you? Why is my wife African American? Why didn't I marry someone of my own race?' It infuriates me to no end that people are like that. And I always put those people in their place. Jealousy is an ugly thing, Darling."

"We can't help that people have a problem with our relationship. But if it comes to it, I will rectify their problem if they EVER touch you or Shane Jr. You are the ONLY woman I have ever loved, and I will protect you. My mum loves you; my father loves you; my grandfather loves you, Carly and especially Nana Margie, all love you. It took my Aunt Mildred a little bit because of her stubbornness, and I let her have it. But now she cares about you too. Don't ever let anyone talk down to you about your race, understand?"

"Yes, I understand. I don't let anyone talk about me. You know how I am. But now that we are going to be parents, it scares me. I will never let anyone hurt Baby Shane."

"Whoever does, let me handle it. It is my responsibility to protect and care for my family. How about I run you a nice warm bath? I will help you in and out of the jacuzzi tub."

"Okay." Uhh, frisky Bliss is about to make her appearance. Bliss started reaching for my abs, then raised my arms, then took my shirt off.

"You, lover boy, run that water for two. You're coming with me. I'll be there shortly. But, first, you have to help me out of my dress."

That baby shower is going to be delayed today. Keeping my wife happy is more important.

***********

"I am surprised you wanted to do that, knowing Junior could be born any minute now."

"Lover boy, after I give birth to Junior, you, Mr. Landes, have to go without for two whole months."

"Two whole months?!"

Bliss turned around and said, "Junior is going to weigh I don't know how many pounds, and I'm going to be pushing him from my 'girl.' Just picture in your mind the kind of pain I will be in. Your 'Jr' is not coming anywhere near my 'girl' for two months, got it? Unless you want to deliver Shane Jr."

I did just as she said and pictured the pain. "Uhh, I will let you make this delivery. I can definitely wait. Mum wants to spend time with us today and Andrea and Mason."

"What time are we leaving the house?"

"Around 12:45 pm. She wants us to be there at 1:00 pm."

"Good. Okay, daddy, mommy's 'girl' wants some of your 'Jr' and make it have a lasting effect because the next time will be in August, mister. And, whoever is on the phone that is now ringing, will have to wait until mommy is done."

They sure will have to wait. "You know me. I am to please Mrs. Landes."

********

12:00 pm

I sat out the shirt Mum had specifically designed for Bliss and me.

Bliss' shirt on the front says,

"My Mummy

is a Star."

On the back, it says,

"I love my mummy,

from your

baby boy-to-be,

Shane Carson Landes Jr"

On the front of my shirt, it says,

"My Daddy

is a Star."

And on the back, it says,

"I love my daddy,

from your

baby boy-to-be,

Shane Carson Landes Jr"

Both shirts were blue with movie reels on them. Mum had the same shirts designed for Andrea and Mason.

Those who were invited were given tickets to enter the shower. The kids are going to be dressed in their favorite character's costumes. It is going to be a blast.

"Shane, I can't hook my bra. Can you do it for me, please?"

"Oh my." Her breasts have been more perky than normal since Bliss became pregnant. I hadn't really noticed because, uhh, I was focused on something else. I needed to hook her bra fast before we were really delayed. I can't have mum and Nana mad at me.

"Thank you."

"Here is the shirt mum had designed for you. I have one too. I'll help you."

"Awww, it is adorable. I love it!!"

"I fixed some food for us since we had something else for breakfast."

"Good, because I am starving."

So, we made our way downstairs to the kitchen.

*********

"Take your time eating. We have plenty of time." Mason and I told the ladies we were having lunch with the family. They don't know that they are going to a baby shower. I hope when everyone says surprise, neither Bliss nor Andrea go into labor.

Mason and I are going to arrive at mum's house at the same time.

I just fixed something light for brunch. "Darling, don't rush. Once you are finished, we can leave."

"Okay."

After Bliss was done, it was 12:45 pm. She placed her dishes in the sink. "Shane, I need to use the restroom before we go." Then, she waddled to the bathroom.

I texted Mum and Mason that we might be a few minutes late. I grabbed Bliss' Escalade keys because we will need them for the gifts. Mum texted me back, saying it was okay. Mason said Andrea did the same thing as Bliss, so they are also delayed.

Once Bliss came out of the bathroom, she was rubbing her belly. While walking over to where she was standing, I asked, "Are you okay?"

"I just felt a contraction while coming out of the bathroom. My gosh, it hurts."

Could Junior come today? "Sit down for a few minutes on the couch." I held her arm, and we walked to the couch.

"Do you still want to go to lunch or stay home?"

"I want to go to lunch. I love having lunch with mom. Sorry, we are late."

"It is okay. I texted her, and she said it was okay." We just sat together on the couch. Bliss rested her head on my shoulder, and I rubbed her belly.

We sat this way until 1:30 pm. "I'm ready now." After helping Bliss stand up, we made our way out the front door to the Escalade.

"Shane, I want to drive."

"Sure." After helping Bliss get in the driver's seat, I made my way to the passenger side. And off we went to the baby shower.

Bliss' POV

When we drove up to mom's house, we saw Mason, Andrea, and Ree getting out of his Denali. As soon as Ree saw Shane get out, she made a beeline right over to him. That's right, my cutie pie of a niece can walk now.

Meanwhile, I was struggling to get out of my Escalade. "Uh, little help over here."

Mason came over to help me. "Hey, Bliss." He held out his hands and helped me out of the truck. "Thanks, Mase."

"You're welcome."

Mom then came from the entrance to the backyard. "How are both of my girls feeling?"

Andrea answered first. "Tired, but okay."

"I am tired. Junior constantly kicks me and gets on my nerves. I felt a contraction before we came. That is why we were late. Sorry."

"Sweetie, that is okay. Tomorrow is a big day." Mom then came over and rubbed my belly. Then, she had a chat with Junior. "Shane Carson Landes Jr., stop acting like your father and behave for your mommy."

We all chuckled; even Shane Sr. Rihanna abandoned Shane and went to mom. "I'm sure you ladies are hungry. Grandpa Brently and I had lunch catered for us out in the back. Follow me."

I grabbed Shane's hand and smiled at him with a wink. While following mom, another contraction happened. This little boy doesn't want to wait until tomorrow. He wants to be born right now.

"Shane, I really need to sit down. I just felt another contraction."

"Okay, sweetheart."

Suddenly, we heard, "Surprise!!"

Surprise? What for? Mom says, "Welcome to your baby shower, Andrea and Bliss."

Andrea looked up at Mason. And I looked up at Shane. Then, we looked at each other and cried in our husbands' shirts.

"Andrea and Bliss, Abigail and I got together and wanted to have a baby shower for both of you. We knew you didn't want one, but Junior is you and Shane's firstborn. Andrea, Mason Jr. is your first son. A first is always special. And how often are sisters pregnant at the same time? We couldn't pass this up."

Abigail, Daniel, and dad came over. "This is truly special." Andrea and I gave them all hugs and kisses.

When we looked around the yard, we noticed it was movie-themed. Braelyn and the kids had on their favorite character's costumes. My favorite actors were here. And we saw two huge stacks of gifts for Andrea and me. I cried uncontrollably.

"Shane, where are we going to put those gifts? Junior is going to need a larger bedroom."

"We can leave some in the nursery here. Let's go sit in those thrones near the patio."

As we walked to the thrones, "Thank you for the party. I love it."

"You're welcome, Darling. The movie theme was Chris Hemsworth's idea. Bliss, you think you are not popular or a celebrity. But you are. The guys agree with me too. Look at how successful you are as a business owner and model. Sweetheart, you are both - popular and a celebrity. And I am your number one fan."

"You are going to have to bend down because I am short." I gave Shane a public-friendly kiss. "Thank you, Lover Boy."

"You're welcome, Darling."

Dad was about to make an announcement. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming together to support Andrea, Mason, Bliss, and Shane on this special day. Andrea and Bliss are not only having boys, but they will both be born within a few weeks - Shane Jr should be here tomorrow, and Mason Jr on June 10th. They are both my daughters, and we are all proud of them."

Daniel then added, "I absolutely agree with Brently. When Mason told us he would be Bliss' bodyguard, we got our wish of him reuniting with Andrea. They have a beautiful daughter in Rihanna, and Mason Jr will be joining the family soon. I am one proud grandpa. Bliss and Shane, I am proud of you both too. You both were reunited, and now your love for each other is stronger than ever before. And here we are celebrating your first child. Congratulations, Andrea, Mason, Shane, and Bliss."

Andrea's POV

"Mom Adrian was right about this being a special day. I get to spend it with my family, friends, and some of my favorite celebrities. Thank you all so much for taking time out of your busy schedules. I was ecstatic when I found out that I was pregnant with a baby boy, just like Bliss. And, to know they will both be born within a few weeks will be something I cherish forever. Thank you to both of my moms, Adrian and Abigail. And to my dads, Brently, Kalani, and Daniel. I absolutely love the movie theme idea and the t-shirt. We can't wait to tell our baby boy about this special day. Thank you."

Bliss' POV

"Early in my pregnancy, I told Shane I didn't want a baby shower because I knew between us and grandma and grandpa that we would buy everything Junior needed. Next to my mom and grandmother, Mom Adrian is the best mother a girl could have. I love her so much because she goes above and beyond for her family."

"I, too, am ecstatic that Mason Jr. and Shane Jr. will be within a few weeks. This absolutely is a special day, and I am spending it with my family and friends. And Junior thanks you, too, because he just kicked me. If everything goes as planned, both of my boys will share the same birthday. Thank you to each and every one of you for spending time with us today. Now, Junior and I are hungry."

"Bliss, Andrea, Mason, and Shane, we have another surprise for you and everyone here. I was sworn to secrecy until today."

Mom had a poster board in wrapping paper in her hands. When she peeled it off, all four of us had our mouths open.

"No way!! This is the year for babies and a very special day for sure!! Congratulations, Carly and Julian!! I love her name. It is beautiful."

"Thanks, Bliss. Mom nearly fainted when I told her I was pregnant, too," Carly said with a huge smile on her face.

"Everyone, the food is ready, so dig in. I sure did almost faint. More grandchildren to love."

Shane, Mason, and Julian went to get us food. In the meantime, Austin, Ryan, Cris, and Marco brought a table over for us when the guys brought the food back.

"Thank you, guys, for everything. Your support means the world to me."

"I agree. Thank you, Austin, Cris, Ryan, and Marco," Andrea added.

"You're welcome, ladies." While Cris said that, here comes another contraction. And it really darn hurts! Junior is coming sooner than we think.

"Bliss, are you okay?" Austin asked with a concerned look on his face.

"No. since like noon today, I have been feeling contractions. I just had one while we walked to the backyard. And when I get cramps, they hurt really bad. This little boy does not want to wait another minute. Where are Layla and Kam? And I love the kids' costumes."

Shane came back with food and something to drink. "Thanks. Can you get me some ginger ale, please?" I asked as I rubbed my belly. He wants to come out. I want him to come out now. When we have more kids, I hope it is better than this one. Goodness, this kid is driving me crazy.

"Shane, Bliss just felt another contraction. Junior must be ready to make his debut today."

The cramps lasted for a few minutes, then disappeared. I was able to eat some food, but I didn't finish what Shane had put on my plate. It is so many people here. I hope I can say hello to everyone.

Thirty minutes later, I felt another contraction while walking to the bathroom. This one hurt worse than the others.

"Auntie, are you okay?" Braelyn asked me.

"No, sweetie. Can you get Uncle Shane for me?" I placed my hands against the wall to brace myself.

Shane, mom, and dad came running into the house a few minutes later. He helped me over to the couch. "Oh my goodness, someone wants to come out today. I'm sorry about the party."

"Honey, it is okay. Don't worry. Everyone will be okay. We are more concerned about you." Shane sat with me on the couch, massaging my belly. I leaned my head on his shoulder. I started shedding a few tears because I felt scared.

Shane's POV

If I have to take Bliss to the hospital, I certainly will. But her bag is not in the Escalade. And Junior's car seat is in her Range Rover and my Navigator.

"Mum, do you have a car seat in the nursery just in case I have to take Bliss to the hospital today?"

"Yes, we do. Give me Bliss's keys, and we will put the car seat in the truck right now."

"My bag is outside near Andrea."

"I'll go get it, Shane." Mum went outside.

"I'll go get the car seat from upstairs and meet Adrian outside."

"I didn't finish my food, Shane. And that cake on the kitchen table looks yummy. I want some."

"How about we go ahead and cut it? Let me know when you are okay."

After 15 minutes, mum and dad came back. "Do you have a hospital bag for Bliss?"

"It is in our house by the front door."

"I'll go get it." I gave my father my keys and code for the alarm system. He dashed to his car and went to our house.

"I'm okay now. Let's go to the cake." I got up first, then helped Bliss. She had her hand on her lower back while she waddled—my poor baby.

It was a cute cake. Mum went to get Andrea and Mason.

Mason stood behind Andrea. And, I stood behind Bliss, with our hands on the knife handle. Both cakes were sheet cakes. They were chocolate cakes with blue icing.

We cut the cake at the same time. Then, we placed a piece on the plate.

Mum handed us forks. We placed some of the cake on the fork and fed each other.

Suddenly, we heard water trickling from somewhere.

"Uh, Shane, don't panic. But I think my water just broke. Junior is about to make his debut."

*******

Thank you for reading chapter 70.

1. Baby shower invite courtesy of www.greetingsisland.com

2. Baby announcement card created on www.canva.com.

And thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘  

Epilogue to follow. 😭