Page 49

FORTY

ALEJANDRA

It’s two o’clock in the morning when the contractions progressively get worse, sharp pains that takes my breath away.

I sit up in bed and double over, my hands clutching my swollen belly as I try to catch my breath.

Gage wakes and, in an instant, his strong arms are supporting me as I ride out the wave of pain.

“Ale, what’s wrong?” He reaches over to turn the lamp on the bedside table on. “Is it the baby?”

I nod, gasping for air as the contraction subsides. “I don’t think my water’s broken, but the contractions are coming fast and strong. I think it’s time, Gage.”

Gage’s eyes widen, but he quickly regains his composure, his military training kicking in. “Okay, let’s get you to the hospital. Can you walk, or do you need me to carry you?”

I take a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for what I’m about to do. “I can walk. Let’s go. You need to get Zoe and call Rebecca so we can drop her off.”

With Gage’s arm around me for support, we make our way to the car, his steps quick and purposeful.

He helps me into the passenger seat, buckling me in gently before rushing back in the house and getting Zoe and our bags.

We drop her off at the Morales’s, and the drive to the naval hospital is a blur of adrenaline and anticipation, Gage’s skilled driving getting us there in record time.

“Do you think you’ll be able to walk in, or do you want me to drop you off up front while I find somewhere to park?” He glances over at me while entering the parking lot.

“I can walk. It will actually be good for me. You know, since my water still hasn’t broken.

” We pull into a parking spot near the front and he helps me out.

His hand is clenched tightly in mine, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on my skin as I squeeze his hand tightly, trying to find comfort in his touch.

The labor and delivery room is a well oiled machine, nurses and doctors moving efficiently around us as they prepare for the baby’s arrival.

Gage is amazing, staying calm and focused, offering words of encouragement and support as I labor.

He’s right by my side, his presence a source of strength and comfort.

“You’re doing amazing, Ale,” he says, his voice steady and reassuring. “Just focus on your breathing and remember what we learned in that online childbirth class. You’ve got this, Hermosa .”

I nod, taking deep, measured breaths as another contraction hits. I squeeze his hand tighter, my nails digging into his skin as I ride out the wave of pain. “Gage,” I gasp. “It hurts so bad.”

He leans in, his forehead resting against mine as he speaks softly. “I know it does, baby. But you’re strong, so much stronger than you know. You can do this.”

Gage’s words give me the boost I need, and I take a deep breath, channeling my strength and focus as I push through the contraction. The nurses and doctors are impressed with Gage’s involvement and support, commenting on how rare it is to see a partner so hands-on and present.

“Because I’m awesome, right, pretty girl?” He winks at me and I swat at his chest.

“Don’t make me laugh. It hurts.”

My labor progresses, and Gage doesn’t leave my side. He’s there to hold my hand, to wipe my brow, to offer words of encouragement, and to help me through each contraction. When it’s time to push, he’s right there with me, his eyes locked onto mine as I bear down with all my might.

“Come on, Ale,” he says, his voice firm and encouraging. “You can do this. Our baby is almost here. Just a few more pushes, and you’ll be holding them in your arms.”

I’m exhausted but I want this baby to be here so we can finally see what our love made, the little person who is the best parts of us. With a final, mighty push, I feel a rush of relief as the baby’s cry fills the room.

“Baby is born. Congratulations, you have a son.”

“I did it,” I cry out, hit with this tidal wave of relief now that it’s done. My body shakes as the tears roll down my cheeks. “I did it.” I repeat over and over.

A son.

Gage and I have a son.

“You did it, Hermosa.” He presses soft kisses to my sweaty brow, then looks back over at the doctor and nurses.

They work quickly, letting Gage cut his cord and then placing him gently on my chest. I look down at his tiny, perfect face, my heart swelling with love and wonder.

“Hola, bebe, soy tu mami ,” I whisper, tears streaming down my face. “ Bienvenido al mundo, pequeno príncipe. ”

Gage leans in, with tears in his eyes, as he looks at our son. “He’s perfect, Ale. Absolutely perfect. You did so fucking good, pretty girl. I’m so proud of you.”

The nurses give us a moment to bond with our new addition before they take him to be checked over and cleaned up. Gage stays by my side, his arm wrapped protectively around me as we wait for our baby to be returned to us.

When the nurses bring our son back, they place him in my arms, and everything finally feels complete. This little life, so fragile and precious, is a part of me, a part of us . I look up at Gage, his eyes shining with unshed tears as he looks down at his son.

“Do you want to hold your son, Gage?” I ask, my voice soft and gentle.

Gage nods, taking the baby carefully into his arms. He looks down at his son with so much awe and tenderness in his eyes. “Hello, little man,” he says, as he tries to hold back tears. “I’m your daddy, and I’m so happy to finally meet you.”

This moment is everything I dreamed it would be.

“He’s so small,” Gage says, his voice filled with wonder. “So perfect.” He touches our son’s small hands, the one reaching out as if to touch him.

I smile. “He is perfect, isn’t he? And he has so much hair.”

Gage looks up at me, a soft smile playing on his lips. “He’s going to be a heartbreaker, just like his mother.”

We spend what feels like both an eternity and no time at all, just holding and admiring our newborn son. Eventually, the nurses come in to take him for some routine tests and checks. Gage goes with them, leaving me alone in the room with one nurse who helps me get cleaned up.

“I can’t believe we have a son, Ale,” Gage says, coming back in the room with the little plastic bassinet with our son. “A little boy to teach and guide and love. It’s incredible.”

I take his hand, squeezing it tightly. “It is incredible. And I’m so glad we’re on this journey together, Gage. I couldn’t ask for a better partner or a better father for our children.”

He leans in, kissing me softly on the lips. “Neither could I, pretty girl. You made all my dreams come true the day you said yes to being Zoe’s nanny.”

The registrar comes in and they bring the paperwork for us to fill out his birth certificate. Gage and I look at each other, a silent understanding passing between us.

“What should we name him?” I ask, already knowing the answer in my heart.

Gage smiles, a mixture of sadness and happiness in his eyes. “Joshua Ryder Donovan. It’s perfect, don’t you think?”

I nod, tears welling up in my eyes. “It’s absolutely perfect.”