Page 137 of Clinch'd

“You’re doing great. You’re so amazing, baby,” Cooper says, and I muster a tired smile.

I do love this man, even if I’m feeling a little murderous. Okay…a lot.

The last few months have been amazing, if a little rocky. Learning how to coexist with the stubborn ass man has been a challenge but with each argument, we find a new way to move forward.

After our public reunion during the charity fight which was broadcast on every news station across what seems like the entire world, we escaped to my little apartment for privacy.

Of course, I panicked because I was in hiding for a reason. Thankfully, the media couldn’t hear what we said, and Cooper proceeded to talk me out of packing up and disappearing into another country.

Apparently while I was hiding away, Cooper’s brother was called as a witness against Castinetti. He’s still working through the medical issues he suffered at the hands of that monster but with the help of physical therapy, he’s improving.

Castinetti was arrested and denied bail pending the trial which will hopefully put him behind bars for life. This doesn’t mean we’re safe, but Cooper has armed guards surrounding his family and now me to reduce the risk.

Although there are days, I’m paralyzed by the fear that something will happen to my new family, I know in my heart that it’s worth it to have what Cooper and I do.

I’ve spoken to Lorri once in that time and came away disturbed by her passionate plea to help with exonerating Castinetti. She even had the gall to suggest I be a character witness or some shit. I politely declined and haven’t spoken to her since.

While I miss her, I don’t miss the constant chaos she seemed to always have surrounding her. Save the media frenzy which finally died down, it’s been almost peaceful in comparison.

I met Cooper’s family in Vegas where we tied the knot in a small ceremony that was perfect for us.

Everything has been wonderful save for the pain pulling my insides out of my body while Cooper grins like an idiot.

“Push, baby. C’mon,” he says in his growly voice and I comply.

Thank fuck, relief follows as our precious baby girl enters the world with a loud wail. As soon as she’s deposited in my arms, I relax, gazing at her in wonder.

Her little face scrunches up and I smile before raising my gaze to Cooper. His glistening eyes meet mine and my heart thumps before speeding away as it always does for this man and now my little heart too.

“Amazing,” he whispers, and I hum my agreement. We did good, he and I.

All too soon, we’re bombarded by Cooper’s family, and I laugh as his mom elbows her way to the front and says, “Oh my, look at that beautiful girl.”

I silently agree as Monroe peers over her shoulder. From what I heard, Monroe’s road was no less tough in her own way although there’s much about her experience she hasn’t shared. Still, she’s been clean for months now and every time I see her, she’s a little clearer and more present. Although sometimes, she gets a peculiar look in her eyes, and I wonder what she’s remembering.

The only time she seems to freeze up is when Beast is around and now is no exception because she steps away when Beast pushes his big ass body to the front.

“Where’s my niece?” he shouts, and I roll my eyes to the ceiling.

Cooper just sighs and says, “Quiet your loud ass down.”

Beast merely grunts and when I raise my eyes, I find Monroe gazing at him with a spark I haven’t seen for the dispirited woman.

Cooper may hate the idea, but I suspect, if anyone can bring Monroe back to life it’s the beast currently cradling my daughter to his chest.

Who knew?