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CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

REED

My leg bounces uncontrollably as we wait for news from the doctor. Owen has flown in the same obstetrician who he and Laya used, a world-renowned specialist, and I couldn’t be more grateful for his connections.

Our friends, also known as our family, have gathered in the waiting area to offer their support at what will be an induced labor at almost thirty weeks due to preeclampsia.

My heart thuds rapidly, and I push one hand through my hair while the other remains tightly wrapped around Gia’s. Her emerald eyes remain locked on mine, and the doctors work on safely delivering our baby. I have the sudden urge to tell her exactly how I feel. My throat is already dry, and my chest heaves with anxiety from the day’s events. “Gia. I-I…”

The commotion at the end of the bed has me lifting out of my chair to glance over the top of the operating divider. Each heavy thud of my heart makes me feel like my world is sitting on the edge of a cliff, hanging precariously over the side. This moment is going to determine our baby’s future.

“Safe delivery. We’re moving baby into NICU,” one doctor calls to another, and my heart falters, and Gia’s hand tightens on mine. “Safe delivery.”

One of the medical team approaches us, and I stand with Gia’s hand still in mine. “Congratulations. Your little one was delivered safely. The next step is to get momma stitched up and baby on oxygen while we determine his medical needs. As soon as he’s stable, we can offer skin-to-skin contact and try to induce your colostrum.”

“Gia already has colostrum. She’s producing milk already.”

“Oh. That’s perfect. I’ll let the doctors know.” She glances from me to Gia and back. “Will you be joining baby in NICU?”

My palm becomes sweaty at the thought of leaving Gia. “I want to stay here.” I shake my head.

“Reed. You need to go with him.”

My head snaps to Gia’s. “I’m not leaving you here.” I glance around the room, and frankly, it looks terrifying. It’s clinical and buzzing with medical activity. There’s no way I’m leaving her here alone; what if she needs me? What if there’s a decision to be made and I’m not here?

“Please.” Her bottom lip wobbles, and tears stream from her eyes. “He needs his daddy, Reed. He needs someone, and I don’t want him to be alone.”

My chest squeezes at her words. Our baby needs someone. He needs his daddy; otherwise, he’s going to be alone. There’s no fucking way I’ll allow that.

Reluctantly, I gift her with a nod, then lower my head and kiss her forehead while swiping away her tears with my thumbs. “I’ll send one of the girls in.”

“Thank you.”

The words linger on my tongue to tell her I love her.

Just fucking do it.

“Sir, are you ready?”

I’m snapped out of my daze and away from Gia, and as I turn on my heels to follow the stream of medical staff and our incubated son, I feel a heavy tug in my heart. Something I never want to feel again for as long as I live.

A longing so powerful it feels like someone is tearing me in two.