Page 12

Chapter 12

Elle

I wake up hours later, feeling much more refreshed. In the distance, I can hear hushed voices coming from the front of the room. The lights have been dimmed.

I turn my head over to see if I can see my baby and she’s in my dad’s arms in the rocking chair. My heart melts at the sight of my father cradling Miracle in his arms. He's gently rocking back and forth, murmuring softly to her.

I shift slightly in the bed, trying to get a better view. The movement catches my dad's attention, and he looks up, a smile spreading across his face when he sees I'm awake.

"Hey there, Sleeping Beauty," he says softly, careful not to disturb the sleeping baby in his arms. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired, sore, but happy," I reply, my voice still a bit hoarse. "Is she okay? Has she been fussing?"

Dad shakes his head. "She's been a little angel. Barely made a peep since Christopher put her in my arms." He looks down at Miracle with pure adoration. "She's got a strong grip, this one. Just like her mama."

I can't help but smile at that. "Where is Christopher? And Mom and Amelia?" I ask, glancing around the dimly lit room.

"Your mom and Amelia went to get some coffee and freshen up a bit. Christopher just stepped out to update the club. They've been blowing up his phone nonstop, wanting to know how you and the baby are doing."

As if on cue, Christopher quietly enters the room, his eyes immediately finding mine. A soft smile plays on his lips as he approaches the bed, leaning down to press a gentle kiss on my forehead.

"How are my girls doing?" he asks, his voice low and filled with affection.

"We're good," I reply, reaching up to cup his cheek. "Dad's been taking good care of Miracle while I rested."

Christopher glances over at my father, a look of gratitude and respect passing between them. "Thank you for being here, for everything," he says sincerely.

Dad nods, carefully standing up from the rocking chair with Miracle still nestled in his arms. "Anytime, son. That's what family is for." He walks over to the bed and gently places Miracle in my waiting arms.

As I cradle my daughter close, I'm struck once again by the overwhelming love I feel for this tiny being. Her rosebud lips pucker slightly as she sleeps, her dark lashes resting against her soft cheeks. I trace a finger along her delicate features, marveling at the perfection of each one.

Christopher settles on the bed beside me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders as we both gaze down at our little miracle.

The door opens and Lane walks in with Amelia carrying bags of food. “Has your dad held her yet?” I ask.

I lift the small bundle, bringing her up to my face and breathing in her scent, pressing a kiss to her small little cheek.

“Hi, Grandpa.” I smile at Lane, his eyes on Miracle. “Want to hold her before we feed her?”

He sets the bags down on the small table and I lift her for him. He takes her expertly, holding her to his chest.

Christopher climbs into the bed with me, making sure to be careful. I lean my head on his shoulder, watching as Lane falls in love with our baby.

The tiny bundle fits perfectly in his arms, her little hand grasping at the fabric of his shirt. He gently rocks her, a soft smile playing on his lips as he gazes down at his granddaughter.

"She's absolutely perfect," Lane whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "I can't believe I'm holding my grandbaby."

Amelia stands beside him, her hand resting on his shoulder. "She's going to have you wrapped around her little finger in no time," she teases, her eyes glistening with unshed tears of happiness.

I leaned farther into Christopher, reveling in the comfort. Watching our parents bond with Miracle fills my heart with an indescribable sense of love and contentment.

As if sensing the attention, Miracle begins to stir, her little face scrunching up as she lets out a soft whimper. Lane looks up, a hint of panic in his eyes. "I think someone's getting hungry," he says, carefully making his way over to the bed to hand Miracle back to me.

I laugh softly. My mom’s over to my side. “Did you decide if you want to breastfeed or bottle feed? There is no wrong or right way,” she reminds me, because I was seriously stressing over what to do from all the articles I read online.

“I think I’m going to try breastfeeding first to see if it's something I can do.”

My dad and Lane look at each other in horror then slip out of the room in a hurry. I look at my mom and Amelia who burst out laughing. “Well, we know how to clear the room.”

“We both breastfed our babies, so we can help you if you want,” Mom reminds me.

Christopher cringes. “Even you, son.” Amelia notices the look on his face, and I laugh so hard tears fall from my eyes.

“How about we give you both privacy? Call us if you need us,” Mom suggests, and I nod, relieved and feeling overwhelmed.

They leave the room and the door shuts with a soft click. The room is so quiet besides Miracle getting cranky.

“Want me to help you?” Christopher asks.

“This is something you’d help me with?” I shouldn’t be shocked.

Christopher smiles warmly, his eyes filled with love and understanding. "Of course, Elle. We're in this together, every step of the way, remember?”

I feel a rush of gratitude and affection for this incredible man by my side. With trembling hands, I begin to unbutton the front of my hospital gown, exposing my breast. Christopher helps me position Miracle, guiding her tiny mouth toward my nipple.

At first, Miracle seems confused, her little brow furrowing as she tries to latch on. I wince slightly, the unfamiliar sensation of her gums clamping down sending a jolt through me. Christopher gently strokes her cheek, encouraging her. "That's it, baby girl. You've got this," he murmurs softly.

After a few more attempts, Miracle finally latches on properly, her little jaw working as she begins to suckle. A sense of relief and wonder washes over me as I watch her nurse.

Christopher watches in awe, his eyes misty with emotion. "You're a natural, Elle," he whispers, pressing a tender kiss to my temple. "She's so lucky to have you as her mama."

I kiss him. “I love you, Christopher, we’re both so blessed to have you.” I lean back against the pillow, relaxing now that she’s sort of getting the hang of it.

She finishes eating and I lift her to my shoulder so I can burp her. I gently rub her back until she lets out the cutest little burp.

“She is so precious.”

A soft knock at the door breaks us from our reverie. My mom peeks her head in, a warm smile on her face. "Is it safe to come back in?" she asks, her voice low so as not to disturb the baby.

I nod, motioning for her to enter. "Come on in, Mom. We just finished her first feeding."

Mom steps into the room, followed closely by Amelia. They both have looks of pure joy and excitement on their faces, eager to spend more time with their new granddaughter.

"How did it go?" Amelia asks, settling into a chair near the bed. "Was she able to latch on okay?"

I smile, glancing down at Miracle who is now contentedly dozing in my arms. "It took a few tries, but she got the hang of it. Christopher was a great coach."

Christopher beams with pride, his hand gently rubbing my back in a soothing motion. "Elle did all the hard work. I just provided moral support."

Mom chuckles softly. "That's what dads are for, honey. And you're already excelling at it."

A comfortable stillness settles over the room as we all watch Miracle sleep, her tiny chest rising and falling with each breath. It's a moment of pure peace and happiness, a much-needed respite from the chaos and uncertainty of the world outside these walls.

Stalker

S he had the baby. I heard some of the nurses in the hospital talking about it.

It’s time for me to make my move. No other man is going to raise my baby.

I watch as everyone goes in and out of the room without a second thought of who the father is.

Those girls I killed are dumb; they trusted me and I needed to try to scare Elle into coming to me, to leaving the club.

But she never did.

Do they really have her that brainwashed? She is mine and that baby is mine too.

I will get her no matter what.

Soon, my love.

“What are you doing here?” Reid asks, breaking me out of my thoughts.

“My wife is sick and I heard that Elle had her baby, so I thought I’d come up and visit but I will come back when she’s got less company,” I explain to him, and he studies me for a moment before he lets me go.

Stupid fuckers, all of them.

I’ve been right under their noses the entire time.