Ella I’m gripping my sister’s hand, gritting my teeth and groaning through the first of my pushes, when the door bangs open again. I don’t open my eyes – can’t look – Quite frankly, at this particular moment I don’t care who the hell it is – if it’s Hank, or Roger, or insurgents coming to kill us
I nod, eager, and begin to push again. And push, and push. I gasp, laying back and panting as I feel the contraction end, and I look to Cora for instructions. Instead of a happy smile, though, I see her exchange an odd little glance with Hank. “What,” I demand, working to sit up and moaning at the
Sinclair Agony. It’s agony for me – obviously, more for my mate, I’m sure – but watching her survive this is ripping me apart. I struggle against Roger’s grip – he shouldn’t be stronger than me, he’s never stronger than me, I should be able to break away – but something about all of this has jus
But still, in the brief moments when I can concentrate, I see Sinclair standing by my side, feel his hand in my own, and see our little baby wrapped up in a sheet in his arm – Just as he was in the dream state – And I find new determination within me. So, working hard to steady my breathing, to no
Ella As they close the door I look up at Sinclair and smile. I don’t have any words, but the expression on his face lets me know that he feels exactly the same. Warm, and happy, and a little panicked that we now have to take care of this little person, but thrilled. Absolutely thrilled to be her
“He’s beautiful, Ella,” she says to me, giving me a warm smile. I open my mouth to confirm her observations when the door opens again, Hank and Roger coming into the room. Hank strides over to us, confident, though Roger hesitates a little, looking a little shocked after the night’s events. I laugh
Ella “And I am leaving immediately,” Roger adds in, making us all laugh. “Seriously,” he says, “I’m useless until the kid is old enough to throw a ball. Then, it’s all Uncle Roger.” I smile at him, pleased, and take his hand to squeeze it, letting him know how glad I am that he came. His eyes sof
“Cora,” Roger says, hesitating, and I see his hand reaching for mine. I flinch away. “What?” I ask, suddenly mad. “What are you even doing here? Weren’t you so eager to get home?” Roger hesitates and then pulls his hand back, perhaps wanting to pretend like he never reached out for mine. He gives