Page 11

Chapter 11

Elle

ONE WEEK LATER

I’m at the clubhouse while the guys are playing pool after we’ve all just had a family dinner.

It has been a quiet week; nothing eventful has happened the last few days, and I needed to get out of the house to spend time with my family before I have the baby.

I can’t wait until I have her but at the same time, it’s scary. She isn’t moving much anymore, so I figure she is running out of room.

My body is aching and hurting, especially in the small of my back. My phone pings with a message and without thinking, I open it to see another news article with a breaking headline.

My heart sinks while staring at the screen, the girl's smiling face frozen in time. Christopher notices my expression and gently takes the phone from my hands, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Elle, you shouldn't be looking at that," he says softly, pulling me into a comforting embrace. I bury my face in his chest, trying to block out the world and the growing fear that gnaws at my insides.

As I pull away from Christopher's embrace, I catch sight of my father across the room. His usually stoic face is etched with worry, and I know he is just as troubled by the recent turn of events as I am.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I had to be strong, not just for myself, but for my family because there is absolutely nothing I can do to change the fact.

My lower back pain intensifies, and I wince, rubbing the spot with my hand. Christopher notices my discomfort and gently guides me to a nearby chair.

"Here, sit down," he says, helping me ease into the seat. "Is it your back again?"

I nod, gritting my teeth as another wave of pain washes over me. "It's been getting worse lately," I admit. "I think it's just the weight of the baby putting pressure on my spine."

Christopher kneels beside me, his hand resting on my belly. "Maybe we should head home," he suggests. "You need to rest."

I shake my head stubbornly. "No, I want to stay. I need this time with everyone." I glance around the room at my family, all of them engrossed in their own conversations and activities. "I don't want to miss out on these moments."

Christopher sighs, knowing there is no point in arguing with me. "All right, but promise me you'll tell me if it gets too much."

Sitting is making the pain worse, so I put my hands on the armrests to stand back up, not feeling the best. I push myself up from the chair, a sharp, searing pain ripping through my abdomen and causing me to cry out in agony. Christopher's eyes widen in alarm as he quickly grabs my arm to support me.

"Elle, what's wrong?" he asks, his voice laced with panic.

I can’t respond, the pain stealing my breath away. I clutch my belly, doubling over.

I feel a sensation that can only be described as a popping-like feeling, followed by a trickle running down my legs.

Christopher's eyes dart down to the floor, his face paling as he notices the small puddle forming at my feet. "Oh my God, Elle, your water just broke," he says, his voice trembling. "We need to get you to the hospital, since Meadow is out of town right now.”

The room falls silent as everyone's attention turns to me. My father rushes over, his face etched with concern. "Elle, sweetheart, are you all right?"

I shake my head, tears streaming down my face as another contraction grips me. "No, it hurts so much," I gasp, clutching Christopher's hand tightly.

My mother appears at my side, her eyes wide with worry. "We need to move, now," she says, her voice calm but firm. "Christopher, help her to the car. I'll grab her bag and meet you there."

Christopher nods, scooping me up into his arms as if I weigh nothing. I cling to him, burying my face in his chest as he carries me out of the clubhouse and toward the car. The cool evening air hits my skin, sending a shiver down my spine.

As Christopher gently lowers me into the back seat, another contraction tears through me, causing me to cry out in pain. "Breathe, Elle," he says softly, climbing in beside me and taking my hand. "Just breathe through it."

I pant heavily as I try to focus on my breathing. “Fuck, Meadow is out of town by a couple of hours, so it’s best we go to the hospital until she can get to us,” Christopher rambles, and all I can worry about is my breathing.

My mom ends up being the one to drive us with Christopher in the back seat with me.

The drive to the hospital feels like an eternity, each bump in the road sending shock waves of pain through my body. I grip Christopher's hand tightly, trying to focus on his soothing words of encouragement as my mom navigates the busy streets.

As we pull up to the emergency entrance, a team of nurses and doctors are already waiting for us, alerted by my mother's frantic phone call during the ride over. They quickly whisk me inside, settling me into a wheelchair and rushing me toward the maternity ward.

The next few hours pass in a blur of pain and confusion. The contractions are coming faster now, each one more intense than the last.

Meadow shows up and I feel relieved that she is here. She is totally relaxed, and it makes me feel better.

Amelia and my mom are in the room with us, sitting in a chair in the other side of the room.

The whole entire waiting room is filled with bikers and their ole ladies. My dad is coming in and out of the room, checking for updates and making sure I’m okay. I told him he could stay if he wanted, and I saw the relief he felt knowing he didn’t have to leave me.

Christopher hasn’t left my side, holding my hand and wiping the sweat from my brow as I labor. "You're doing great, Elle," he whispers, his voice strained with emotion. "Just a little longer, and we'll finally meet our baby girl."

I nod weakly, too exhausted to speak. The pain is all-consuming, radiating through every fiber of my being. I close my eyes, trying to focus on Christopher's voice, on the thought of holding our daughter in my arms.

Meadow checks my progress, her brow furrowed in concentration. "All right, Elle, you're fully dilated," she says, looking up at me with a reassuring smile. "

“I really need to push.” My body is screaming at me.

Tears slide down my cheeks. The pain is horrible, and I’m scared because this is actually happening.

Fear and anticipation course through me as I grip Christopher's hand tighter. My father steps closer to the bed, his presence a comforting anchor in the chaos.

With each contraction, I bear down, channeling all my strength into bringing my baby into the world. Christopher and my father offer words of encouragement, their voices blending together. My mom and Amelia are right next to them, holding my legs.

“I’m so proud of you, angel, you’re doing so good,” Christopher praises me, his lips on my forehead.

Meadow is sitting between my legs, grinning. “I can see her head. One more push is all we need,” she encourages me.

I gather all of my strength, Christopher helping me lean forward. Time seems to stand still, the world narrowing down to this single moment. And then, with one final push, I feel a sudden release, followed by the most beautiful sound I have ever heard—the cry of my newborn daughter.

Her little arms are flailing around in the air and her legs are the first things I see.

Tears stream down my face as Meadow places the squirming bundle on my chest. I look down at my baby girl, her tiny features scrunched up as she wails. Christopher leans in close, his own eyes glistening with tears as he gazes upon our daughter for the first time.

"She's perfect," he whispers, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "You did amazing, Elle."

It’s insane that she is my baby, her little fingers and toes are so tiny. I place her on my bare chest, pulling the blanket over her so she doesn’t get cold.

My dad is crying, his eyes are so full of tears I can barely see his pupils, and Christopher looks like he is utterly in love with her.

My father steps closer as he looks down at his granddaughter. "She's beautiful, Elle," he says, his voice thick with emotion. "Just like her mother."

I cradle my newborn daughter against my chest, unable to tear my eyes away from her. She is the most perfect thing I have ever seen, with her tiny button nose and rosebud lips. Her cries have now softened to gentle whimpers as she nestles into me, her little hands grasping at the air.

Christopher gently strokes her head, marveling at the soft wisps of dark hair. "I can't believe she's finally here," he murmurs, his voice filled with awe.

"Our little miracle."

“You did it, angel, you were so strong.” Christopher leans down to kiss me sweetly on the lips then on our angel’s forehead. He gently strokes our daughter's cheek, his touch featherlight. "Welcome to the world, little one," he whispers. "We've been waiting for you."

I never knew what love at first sight was until the second she was laid on my chest; it’s a love that’s pure and nothing can replace it.

Meadow and the nurses bustle around us, checking vitals and cleaning up, but I barely notice their presence. My entire world is the precious bundle in my arms.

“What did you name her?” Mom asks me.

I look up at Christopher, smiling. “Miracle because she is our miracle.”

They all smile with happiness, knowing it’s perfect for our baby girl. She was the light in the darkest moment of my life.

“Does Dad want to cut the cord?”

Christopher cuts it, his hands shaking as he does so.

The nurse takes her from me and I have to stop myself from yelling at her to bring her back, my heart racing.

“I will go with her.” My mom and Amelia follow the nurse and Miracle.

Christopher kisses my cheek. “Are you feeling okay? Do you need me to get you anything?” he asks me.

I shake my head, my body trembling from the adrenaline.

Meadow finishes and pulls the blanket down. “We have another room here that is private and honestly, looks more like a bedroom. It’s down the hall, if you want to be moved when you feel up to it?”

This room is small and very sterile. I wanted to have her at home but that didn’t happen, so I’ll go with the next best thing.

I nod my head, eager to be in a more comfortable and private space. "Yes, I'd like that," I say, my voice hoarse from the exertion of labor.

Hours later and it’s time for me to be moved to a better room. They’ve been doing tests on Miracle the whole time since she’s a few weeks early, and no one has been able to hold her yet while they check her over.

I just want to get my hands on her.

My mom and Amelia have been hovering the whole time to make sure she’s safe.

Christopher helps me sit up, supporting my back as I gingerly swing my legs over the side of the bed. My body feels strange, like it's not my own anymore. Meadow and a nurse help me into a wheelchair, draping a soft blanket over my lap.

As they wheel me down the hallway, I can't help but feel a sense of surreal disbelief. Just a short while ago, I was carrying my baby inside me, and now she's here, a separate little being.

We enter the private room, and I'm pleasantly surprised by how inviting it looks. The walls are painted a soothing pastel color, and there's a comfortable-looking bed with plush pillows and a warm quilt. A rocking chair sits in the corner, perfect for nursing.

Christopher helps me settle into the bed, propping pillows behind my back for support. He sits on the edge of the mattress, holding my hand and gazing at me with pure adoration. "I'm so incredibly proud of you, Elle," he says, his voice filled with emotion. "You were a warrior today."

I smile weakly, exhaustion starting to settle into my bones. "I couldn't have done it without you.” He kisses me sweetly on the lips.

Meadow pushes Miracle in her little bed and settles her next to my bed. “Does Dad want to hold her?” Looking at Christopher, I can see he is nervous, but I know he’s dying to get his hands on her too.

I smile encouragingly at Christopher as Meadow carefully lifts Miracle from her bed. "Go ahead, honey. Hold your daughter," I tell him.

Christopher takes a deep breath and nods, his eyes filled with a mix of excitement and fear. He settles into the rocking chair and holds out his arms, ready to cradle her for the first time. Meadow gently places Miracle in his waiting embrace, ensuring he supports her head properly.

As Christopher gazes down at our daughter, a look of pure wonder and unconditional love washes over his face. Miracle stirs slightly, her tiny hand grasping his finger. In that moment, I know that Christopher's world has been forever changed, just as mine has.

"Hey there, little Miracle," he whispers, his voice trembling with emotion. "I'm your daddy. I've been waiting so long to meet you."

Tears spring to my eyes as I watch the tender exchange between father and daughter. My heart swells with love and gratitude for the incredible man who has stood by my side through everything.

Meadow smiles warmly at the sight before turning to me. "Elle, you should try to get some rest while you can. Your body has been through a lot today, and you'll need your strength for the days ahead."

I nod, realizing just how drained I feel. As much as I want to hold Miracle and never let her go.

Christopher looks up at me from the chair. “Sleep, angel, we will be here waiting for you when you wake up.”