I Want Her
Titus Danforth X F!Reader
Ursula glared at him from behind the expensive sunglasses adorning her face. "No, you idiot, I figured we could find a surrogate to carry the kid and pay her off so she keeps her damn mouth shut." It was a good plan, money would never be an issue for the rest of their lives, or the life of any child they managed to bring in. It was time to start finding the perfect candidate.
A/N: hello! So, I got to see Ready or Not 2, and holy fucking hell Shawn as Titus, be still my beating heart that man was fucking CRAZY, however I loved it and immediately got inspired! I hope you enjoy! Warnings: talks of pregnancy, mentions of pregnancy, pregnancy, childbirth, slight spoilers(technically)for the film, Titus is a warning in himself, blood/gore, death, possessiveness, reader is described as having hair long enough to pull, other than that nothing too descriptive, no mention of Y/N, very slight smut
Dividers by @strangergraphics
It had been an accident on his part, something that should've never happened in the very first place. He wasn't even rushing to get back to the estate, not like there was much waiting for him there. A disagreement between him and Ursula had caused a rift neither were exactly willing to repair at the moment. Twins or not, Titus wanted to wrap his hands around her throat and squeeze until she stopped breathing more often than not. Ever since their fathers death, at their hands, she'd been on his case more often than not. Grace and Faith had been taken care of, brushed off like they meant absolutely nothing. He'd delivered the final blow, a sick satisfaction running through him when everyone realized he'd won.
It meant more than he was willing to admit, taking over for his late father as he'd always promised him. Unfortunately neither he, nor Ursula would be continuing the Danforth bloodline. There was no way she would willingly have a child, even if they were to hire a surrogate and use one of her frozen eggs.
"Children are just too messy, and a lot to handle for someone of our status," she didn't so much as spare him a glance, brushing down the fabric of her dress absentmindedly.
Titus could only stare at her, whether it was disgust, or something else flowing him he couldn't be entirely sure of. She was putting the responsibility onto him, to bring a child into this world that would continue on the namesake. Goddamnit, they'd need to find the perfect vessel to carry the child to term before terminating her.
He sighed lowly, pinching the bridge of his nose. "And, you expect me to just find some random woman to have a kid with?"
Ursula glared at him from behind the expensive sunglasses adorning her face. "No, you idiot, I figured we could find a surrogate to carry the kid and pay her off so she keeps her damn mouth shut."
It was a good plan, money would never be an issue for the rest of their lives, or the life of any child they managed to bring in. It was time to start finding the perfect candidate.
It was a normal tuesday, the sun shining much too high in the sky for Titus' liking, especially since he'd forgotten his sunglasses back home. Ursula had sent him out, hissing angrily under her breath about how she couldn't handle to look at him. He'd turned without uttering another word, slamming the door harder than was necessary. The walls rattled for a few seconds before stilling, the older man already sitting in the backseat of the vehicle. He uttered an address to the driver, wanting to be anywhere but the estate for the time being.
A new suit that needed to be picked up, reservations for dinner at the new Italian place that had opened up a few weeks prior, what the hell was he going to do to pass the time?
"Shit!" A body slammed into his, rather harshly, feet nearly giving out before quickly righting himself and grabbing onto the person's arms.
What kind of fucking moron was running through the streets in the middle of the-
Titus' jaw dropped open, heart slamming harshly against his chest as his eyes raked over your features quickly. You were the most beautiful person he'd ever laid eyes on in all the years he'd been on this earth. An angel sent down from the heaven's to grace the land no one had deemed worthy centuries. One he'd sell his soul for if he still had one worth offering.
"Oh! I'm so sorry, sir!" You ran your hands over his arms and chest, checking to see if you'd spilled any of your coffee on his insanely expensive coat.
"I-what?" His fingers tightened around your biceps, brow furrowing in confusion as you word vomitted.
You were talking faster than Titus, or any normal person for that matter, could comprehend anything you were saying.
"Please! I can't afford to have something like that dry cleaned," huh? What the hell were you talking about?
Titus glanced down at his coat, nothing looked out of the ordinary, none of the coffee you were holding onto had spilled on him. If you had any kind of makeup on it definitely didn't streak across the black fabric. Why would you need to worry about affording his dry cleaning anyway? If you belonged to him you'd never have to worry about anything for the rest of your life alongside him.
"Calm down," he muttered too softly for you to hear him, rolling his eyes as you continued to apologize. "I said, calm down!"
You flinched slightly at his tone, head whipping back as your eyes locked onto his. They reminded you of a forest, green wrapping around the pupil as what you could only describe as a fall foliage brown covered the rest. Your lips parted, breath caught in your throat as you struggled to find any words other than another apology. Shit, what if this guy made you pay for a new one instead of offering to have it cleaned?
Neither of you spoke, whether it was due to nerves or something else you weren't entirely sure. Titus wanted to wrap you up in his arms, run away before anyone could catch wind of what was currently going on.
"I'm really sorry, sir, I swear I was paying attention to where I was going," you stepped away from him, the sound of your heels echoing slightly between your bodies.
Eyes flicked down, taking in the cracked leather of your shoes, they'd clearly seen much better days. Did you wear such disgraceful clothes out in public often? No, that wouldn't do with Titus around, you'd wear nothing but the best.
"It's fine, honestly," the tips of his fingers wrapped further around your upper arms, doing his best to keep in close contact.
"Are you sure? I can buy you a coffee as an apology," shit, you could barely afford your own coffee, let alone buying one for this, extremely handsome stranger.
The thought raced through his mind for a brief moment, debating on taking you up on the offer before quickly declining. You looked almost devastated at his answer, as if he was going to become angry with you for even offering. The closest coffee place was a Dunkin', not exactly the place someone like Titus went to get coffee.
"No, I prefer making my own coffee, less risk of it tasting like swamp water," a partial truth, it was usually one of the chefs that made coffee in the morning for him and Ursula.
Her damn espresso machine took up over half a counter, cups lined up for whatever she was in the mood for that day. An iced latte one day, the next day a cuban coffee that was strong enough to kill a normal person.
Good thing she wasn't in charge.
Your lips pulled into a small smile, head tilted to the side slightly as his words ran through your mind. The last time you'd heard someone call shitty coffee swamp water, you'd been living at home with your older brother. He worked at a Dunkin' the moment he was allowed a job, saving up each and every penny before leaving everything behind.
It was not fun to think about the way he'd betrayed you, leaving you in the hands of your parents. It was all in the past, none of them could ever cause any harm to you.
"Is there anything else I could do, since you're not interested in the coffee?" Would it be uncouth if you dropped down to your knees in the middle of the street and gave everyone something to stare at?
It would, right?
"How about, dinner?" Titus was actually nervous, for once in his life he felt terrified you were going to tell him no.
"Dinner?" Shock, the only thing you could properly process in that very moment. "I'd love to go to dinner."
Titus smiled wide, eyes creasing at the corners as he stared down at you like the cat that got the canary. Maybe he was, who was going to deny him the feeling of euphoria that was rushing through him that you'd said yes. Ursula would have some choice words, but that was a problem for later, after the date.
"Could I get your number?" A woman that wasn't afraid to make the first move, especially after nearly spilling her entire coffee onto his coat.
"Of course," his phone was in your hand before you could blink, the screen already open to add your contact info.
Damn, that really shouldn't have been as hot as it was. After typing in your number, and making sure he knew which number to text, you slid the phone into the pocket of his coat. Hazel eyes flicked up to your face, watching the way you nibbled your lower lip, the skin splitting towards the center.
Hook, line, and sinker.
Things had changed quickly the moment you'd met Titus, he insisted on moving you into the large estate where he resided with his sister. He'd mentioned briefly that his parents were both deceased, his mother had passed after an intense flu, and his father from cancer. You felt terrible when his words sunk in, he only had his sister left for family. It was really no surprise that Titus proposed after six months, the size of the diamond near large enough to bring your hand to the ground. Ursula hadn't been happy at first, her gaze sharp and intimidating before relenting with a quickness that would give a normal person whiplash.
You'd worked with celebrities that had tempers, so being around someone who's moods would change before you could take a breath was a walk in the park. Of course that wasn't to say that Titus wasn't any different, he was very quick to anger towards everyone except for you. Most women would've been flattered, batting their eyelashes like he was a knight in shining armor. You knew better though, that the anger could always be turned around back onto you when you least expected it. Men were unpredictable creatures that needed to be monitored for the dangers that they were.
Now, that wasn't to say you wouldn't enjoy the fruits of his labor, living a lavish life that your friends were insanely jealous of. Your best friend, Jean, had told you to be careful. She didn't want to watch you get hurt by a man you barely even knew. You made sure she had your location at all times, even when Titus bought you a new phone, claiming your last phone was too old. A new wardrobe quickly followed the phone, the engagement ring being your first new piece of jewelry since you were a teenager.
Dresses worth thousands of dollars, tailored to fit your body, cupping each curve and dip to absolute perfection. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings filling up their own section of the walk in closet. Titus' clothes lined the opposite wall, shoes polished to perfection beneath an array of suits and coats.
Jean's eyes nearly bugged out of her head at the sheer amount of designers. "You're seriously getting married to someone that bought a coat worth forty-five thousand dollars?"
You merely shrugged, running your fingers over a soft satin dress. It was something you'd worn to a recent gala, mainly there to look pretty on his arm. Titus fucked you for the rest of the night after you'd gotten home, shoving the dress up and over your hips as he took you.
"Trust me, I'm sure the wedding is going to be worth millions, apparently there's going to be a lot of A-List celebrities there."
You hadn't seen the guest list yet, only aware that a lot of powerful people would be arriving while you were getting ready. You wouldn't have to lift a single finger, no need for unnecessary stress when you were currently carrying his child.
"Huh, wonder if any of them will be single," she waggled her brows at you, snickering when you rolled your eyes.
"Who knows, I haven't seen the guest list so you might be in luck."
She smiled softly at you, eyes flicking down to your stomach for a moment before flicking back up to your face. Jean hadn't been exactly angry that you were pregnant, but when you admitted to her he'd proposed right after you told him the news? It made her weary of his actual intentions with you.
"Jean, please," you wanted to plead with her to not ruin this, that you were actually happy with Titus by your side. "I love him, he makes me happy."
Her lips parted, eyes narrowing for a moment before thinking better and closing her mouth.
"Happier than Andrew?" Jesus, why did she have to hit below the belt at times?
"What Andrew and I had wasn't healthy, he needed to work on himself before getting into a serious relationship."
Andrew and you had been considered high school sweethearts, going to the same college and even graduating together. Everyone had just assumed you would get married and live a happily ever after. Until you found out that he was in love with his brothers wife, an infatuation that had torn you apart slowly. You would never be able to compare to her, so you just left.
The closet door opened slowly, revealing Titus looking absolutely delicious in black slacks, and a long black overcoat buttoned up to his throat. At least he had a sense of fashion after spending so much on clothes.
"Ladies," he smiled at Jean, stepping over to your side in slow deliberate steps. "I wanted to ask if you would like to go out for lunch together, get out of the estate for a bit."
This wasn't something new, Titus would constantly offer to send you, and a friend if you requested, out to dinner to lunch on his dime. It was becoming a tradition, once a week you would go out and spend to your hearts desire before heading back at the end of the day.
"That would be lovely, there's a restaurant I wanted to take Jean to anyway," you'd gone with Titus a few weeks ago, having fallen in love with their gelato.
"Of course, do you still have my card in your wallet?" Titus had added you as a cardholder two weeks into dating, ignoring the protest of his sister.
You could only smile, leaning up to press a soft kiss to his lips, fingers dipping between the overlap in his coat. Jean made her way out of the closet hastily, laughing at the way Titus' arms wrapped around your waist. He would keep you inside the bedroom all day if it were up to him, making sure you were happy while he was out, and stuffing you full every single night.
"Mmm, yes, your card hasn't left my wallet since you added me," teeth nipped at his lower lip, a growl vibrating deep in his chest.
"Behave, last thing your friend needs to witness is how I got you pregnant."
Titus was nothing if not an exhibitionist on his best and worst days. When it came to you and the world seeing what only he was allowed to see? Much different story.
"Okay, point taken mister buzzkill," you giggled as you pulled away, fingers trailing over his coat once more before dropping to your sides. "Anything before we head out?"
Titus debated on telling you the truth, that you'd need to be out of the estate until he'd given you a call that it was finally safe to come back home. Too dangerous, too goddamn reckless to do something like that.
"Enjoy yourselves, that's the only stipulation," he smiled, pressing one final kiss to your lips before ushering you back into the large bedroom.
Jean nearly tore your arm off, laughing happily when she realized you could use Titus' money on her as well. If it kept you out of the house while they had their, festivities, he would let you spend all the money your heart desired. As long as you were safe, that was the only thing that mattered.
Now, the fun could finally begin.
The estate was quiet when you got back after dropping Jean off at her apartment. She was still floored at how much money you spent on lunch alone, not even considering the purse you got her as a gift. You'd talked about everything, from the details regarding the wedding, to hearing the babies heartbeat at the first ultrasound. It was the first time you'd seen Titus cry, his eyes locked on the monitor as he watched the little blob move around. Soon enough you'd be showing more and everyone would know what the big secret was.
"Titus?" It dawned on you just how quiet the estate was, no one was around.
The sound of your heels echoed with each tentative step, fingers gracing the wall as you made your way towards the kitchen. A decadent scent filled the air, chocolate and vanilla with the slight hint of smoke. What kind of dessert was made while you were out to warrant the different array of smells?
"I'm home, dinner ended up running later than we expected so I dropped Jean off at her apartment," you set down your purse onto the counter, kicking off your heels with a sigh of relief.
Glass shattered down the hall, a man stumbling inside. His clothes were covered in mud, rips and tears spread from nearly shoulder to ankle. The most alarming thing was that he was bleeding, chest and arms covered in blood. His eyes were wild, glancing around for an escape before landing on you once more.
"Shit," a hiss echoed, his feet pushing harshly against the floor as his arms wrapped around your waist.
"Ti-!" Before you could get out your fiance's name, a dirtied hand clamped over your mouth, lips mere inches from your ear.
"Shut the fuck up," your eyes widened in fear, rust and salt filled your nose as his blood smeared across your skin. "You need to get me the fuck out of here."
What the fuck was this man talking about?! He'd just prevented you from getting to the safety of your fiance's arms! Why the fuck would you willingly help him?
"You don't understand, I need to get out of here before," his head whipped around, glass crunching beneath brown leather boots. "If you don't let me leave! I'll kill her!"
The strangers grip tightened, your eyes wide with fear for not only your safety, but also the safety of your unborn child. Titus' gaze never wavered, hands wrapped tight around a bloodied pickax.
"Fine, but if you try and take her out of my sight I'll make sure you don't leave this premises," he growled lowly, stepping closer with slow deliberate steps.
His hands shook against your body, fear coursing through his veins after being chased by Titus and Ursula for the last four and a half hours. Not to mention running into someone woman and having to use her as a fucking human shield.
Tears ran down your cheeks, soaking into his hands as you watched Titus get closer, and closer until he stood just a few feet away.
"Let her go, and I'll let you leave," it didn't matter that he was lying, Ursula was waiting outside to deliver the final blow once you were safe and sound.
"No, I'm taking her with me until I know you won't kill me," Titus' jaw clenched, head tilting back as he looked at the stranger down the bridge of his nose.
That just simply wouldn't do, how dare this scum think he could put his filthy grubby paws on his future wife and get away with it unscathed.
"If you harm even a single hair on her head," you watched Titus' eyes darken, heart skipping a beat(or three)as you struggled to stay calm.
Everything was a blur, the strangers hands slipping from your body for barely a second as Titus swung his axe, the hook buried deep inside the man's skull. His eyes rolled back, gurgling breathlessly before falling limp to the floor. Blood poured from the wound, staining the once pristine white floors with his disgusting gore.
Shit, this wasn't how he'd wanted you to find out what he and his friends got up to in their spare time, how the hell was he meant to-.
"Oh my god!" You threw your arms around his neck, sobbing into the fabric of his shirt. "You saved my life."
Were you not scared of him, of the monster that lurked beneath the surface waiting for the next time to strike? Huh, that was something he'd have to sit with and unpack later on when he had some time to think.
"I love you so much," you pressed a harsh kiss to his lips, pulling away before he could attempt to reciprocate.
"I-, sweetheart," Titus wanted to kiss you, take you to bed where you weren't so close to a dead body.
"No, you deserve something nice," your fingers hooked beneath the leather of his belt, knees hitting the floor as you hastily pulled the buckle free.
His eyes widened, gasping softly as you showed Titus something he never thought to ask for before.
Hooked.
You were half asleep, eyes bleary as you looked around the room in search of Titus. After giving him the most mind blowing head he'd ever had, he took you to bed immediately after. Your ankles wrapped around his neck while his cock stretched you open, reminding you of exactly who was in charge. Nails raked down his back, leaving behind angry red lines that would surely still be visible the next day. Titus had left enough hickies and bite marks to make up for your own handiwork.
"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you," your eyes landed on his back, smirking to yourself when you caught sight of his skin.
"It's okay, bed was getting cold," you pushed yourself up slowly, wincing slightly at the soreness between your thighs.
The OB had confirmed you could still have sex, as long as nothing too rough or intense happened to cause severe pain or discomfort. Titus liked to walk that fine line every time you fell into bed together. He would press your body into the mattress, hands cradling your face as he filled you to the brim. An arm wrapped around your throat as he fucked you from behind, chuckling darkly as your teeth sunk into the skin of his bicep.
"Looking forward to getting married today?" He chuckled, pulling on a plain black shirt, hiding your artwork on his back.
"Mmm, I need a few more minutes of sleep," you wanted to pull him back into the bed, snuggle up into his chest and pretend last night hadn't happened.
"I know, but Ursula's been on my ass since we didn't do this the traditional way," she'd threatened to cut his dick off, but the less you knew the better.
Groaning you quickly scooted out of bed, tossing on the shirt Titus had on before you had gotten into bed the night prior. You'd be laid bare in front of the styling team, having been given the rundown by Ursula a few weeks ago, but that didn't mean everyone had to see you nude.
"Go, before she comes in and starts throwing different insults at you in languages that I can't understand."
That was something new you'd found out about your soon-to-be's twin sister. She'd spent her entire life learning different languages, choosing different ones to curse out Titus when she was angry. It was hilarious to watch from the sidelines, until she would turn around and start doing it to you as well.
"She won't, not today at least. Ursula needs to make a good impression if she plans on opening her next business, and making fun of her new sister in law never works out."
Fuck, you were really tying the knot today. A guest list over a mile long that nearly had you throwing up the time Titus had let you glance at it. How influential were their family to have names that would be plastered at the Oscars sitting at a wedding?
"I'm gonna head out before everyone gets here, be good," Titus pressed a quick kiss to your lips, lingering for a second before pulling away.
Everything in your body begged him to stay, to take you once more before the bridal team arrived to get you ready. However, Ursula was fucking terrifying and the last thing you wanted to do was piss her off.
"I'll see you at the altar," he smiled softly, fingers trailing gently over your arm.
"I can't wait."
You watched him walk away, eyes trailing down the muscles of his back before landing on his ass. God damn were you lucky as hell for someone bagging this man and managing to not have his sister kill you in your sleep yet.
The time ticked by slowly, the hands on the grandfather clock sitting in the far side of the room taunting you before Ursula burst into the room. A large group of people followed close behind, ready to get you prepped and ready for the wedding that was starting in just a few hours.
"Alright, are we ready to get married?" Her hair was pinned up carefully in rollers, a baby pink silk robe draped over the dark black nightgown underneath.
"Yeah, let's do it."
You let them scrub your body clean, shaving the hair on your legs and underarms. When one of the women attempted to shave your pubic hair, you shook your head.
"Sorry, Titus doesn't like it shaved."
It was something you'd been shocked to find out, most men didn't prefer hair since they couldn't handle a woman making their own choices. After you'd gotten it waxed the first time, mainly because you wanted to wear a rather scandalous bikini without anything hanging out. Titus edged you for hours that night after finding out you'd gotten waxed, hissing under his breath that he didn't want something smooth.
"Eck, I don't need to know things like that about my brother," Ursula grimaced, head leaned back as the makeup artist carefully applied individual lashes.
"Sorry!" You winced, stepping out of the shower after they'd finished, letting the team dry you off quickly.
It was all a whirlwind after that, the hairdresser taking charge while the makeup artist laid out the supplies meant strictly for your face. It made you wonder if this was how celebrities felt when they had an awards show to attend. There was a flurry of activity, different voices speaking over one another, Ursula ushering different people in and out. Jean had made it when you were being cleaned, sat in her own chair to get ready.
"Okay, we need to get her in the dress before any finishing touches," the room suddenly stopped, everyone freezing before one of the team ran over to get the dress.
It was elegant, crystals lining every inch of the fabric, it reminded you of one of the Twilight vampires in that moment if they were a wedding dress and made of black fabric. That was something that Titus wouldn't waver on, saying that it was tradition in the Danforth family.
The dress slipped on with ease, surprisingly light even with how heavy it looked while on the hanger. You were more afraid to ruin your hair or makeup than making sure the dress actually fit in the moment. Three people laced up the back, pulling it tight to keep it from slipping, but also being careful of the small bump you were beginning to sport.
"You look," Jean couldn't look away, jaw slack as her eyes trailed over everything.
The veil was black, hiding the intricacies of your hair and makeup, the only thing standing out being your eyes. The team stepped away, allowing you a first look at yourself finally finished, your eyes widened. Was that really you staring back? Surely you'd possessed someone else's body considering how breathtaking you looked. Everything was perfect, from the makeup, to the nails you'd had done a few days prior.
"Titus is going to lose his mind," Jean stepped over to your side, smiling so happily.
"Do you think so?" You were afraid the dress would overtake everything, not many people could really pull off a black custom wedding dress.
"Oh yeah, he's gonna show everyone a real sight up at the altar," she snickered as you gasped, slapping her shoulder as you tried to hold back your own giggles.
Ursula stepped up slowly, a long black form fitting dress adorning her body, her hair fell in voluminous curls. How the hell did you compete with someone as gorgeous as her? You were the bride and she looked like a damned model!
"You look breathtaking," her smile was sincere, eyes sparkling in the bright lights of the room.
"Thank you, it means a lot coming from you," and it was true, you would always be afraid of disappointing his only remaining family.
She turned quickly, clapping her hands and instructing everyone to begin cleaning up before you could make your way downstairs. Since your parents had no idea you were getting married(long story), Jean had offered to walk you down the aisle. Ursula agreed immediately, nodding her head when the decision had been made before moving on. The guests were all outside, voices echoing across the large expanse of land as you took note.
Holy shit, how the hell were you supposed to make it outside without managing to fall flat on your face? Especially in front of what looked to be nothing less than three hundred people minimum.
"You're gonna be great, I have nothing but immense faith in you," Jean stepped up to your side, looping an arm with yours.
The bouquets were, of course, absolutely stunning as you stood side by side, waiting for the music to signal you both. Your heart was racing, vision tunneling as Jean gently ushered you towards the doors. The guests stood once you were outside, all eyes suddenly on you as the cool October air washed over your overly heated skin. When had you started feeling so warm? Hadn't you been complaining mentally that you were cold while getting your hair done?
"He's crying," Jean whispered, lips barely moving as your eyes locked onto where Titus stood at the altar.
He looked breathtaking, a perfectly tailored suit showcasing every single thing you loved about him. His curls had been gelled down slightly, to prevent them from whipping around due to the wind. The last thing you noticed were the tears lining his eyes, his smile widening with each step closer.
"Treat her right, Titus, I know how to make a body disappear," she raised her brows at the older man, expression serious as he chuckled.
"Of course," he carefully took your hands, helping you up onto the altar so that Jean could take her place beside Ursula.
You could only focus on him, everything else melting away as you stood across the man you were destined to spend the rest of your life with. The officiant spoke loudly, memories of you both making the guests chuckle every now and then. Titus wanted to recite vows, wanting everyone to know how much he adored you. You had a better idea in mind.
Rings were slid on, his band a deep black, an intricate design formed into the metal where it sat at the base of his finger. Titus refused to make you wear a black ring, custom designing a wedding band that matched your engagement ring perfectly. They slotted together, signifying the beginning to the rest of your lives together.
"By the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your bride."
The officiant stepped away as Titus stepped forward, kissing you like it was the last thing he would do. Your hands cupped his jaw, kissing him back hungrily as your bodies pressed tight together. Cheer erupted from the guests, whistles echoing as a few unruly men clapped louder than everyone else.
"I love you, Mr. Danforth," you laughed breathlessly as Titus pulled away, lips barely an inch apart.
"I love you too, Mrs. Danforth," his smile warmed your heart, your hands reaching down to press against your stomach.
As soon as one person realized what you were doing, it was as if a bomb went off, the cheering increasing as you laughed before kissing him once more.
This was the only thing you could ask for in that moment.
You screamed in pain, hands gripping onto the sheets beneath your sweaty body as another contraction ripped through your body. Titus could only watch in panic as the doctor, and nurses stood by prepped and ready. He dabbed the sweat off your forehead, heart racing as his other hand held one of your thighs back.
"Okay, we need one final push and the baby will be out," you'd gone into labor early in the morning, promising Titus you would call the doctor when your contractions were no more than five minutes apart.
Unfortunately you'd gotten distracted and had waited until the very last minute, managing to contact them before it was time to push. Titus wanted to be angry with you for being so reckless, but that wouldn't help you give birth to your child any easier.
Your head slammed back against the bed as you screamed, pushing harder as the baby entered the world. The doctor quickly righted them, doing their best to clean off the amniotic fluid while the nurses clamped off the umbilical cord.
"Dad? Would you like to do the honors?" A nurse held out a pair of sterilized scissors, gesturing towards the cord.
His hands shook as he took the handle, carefully cutting through the skin before watching the excess cord fall down onto the bed. This man had taken more lives by his own hand than he could count, but watching his child be born was enough to nearly send him into shock. One of the midwives helped you ease out the placenta, bagging it up to be disposed of later.
Titus let them take care of the baby, checking the weight and vitals as his full attention was back on you. Your hair was plastered to your face, a small smile on your face.
"Hi," you reached up, lacing your fingers together with his.
"You did amazing, sweetheart," the fear that you wouldn't survive childbirth was slowly easing from his mind, your grip strong on his hand.
"I'm just glad they're here," you'd both agreed to keep the gender a secret, moreso for yourselves than anyone else.
A nurse walked over slowly, a wrapped bundle held close to her chest.
"Mrs. and Mr. Danforth, you have a healthy baby girl."
A girl? This was more than you could ever ask for, you'd both be unstoppable against your husband when she was older. Titus took her carefully, one hand resting beneath her bum while the other was supporting her head.
A perfect little family, what more could you ask for?
