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
Ella I groan when I wake up, but I don’t open my eyes. Not yet. I feel like I just closed them ten minutes ago anyway – my poor eyeballs need more rest. Instead, I take a moment to feel my body from the inside out, to check in with myself and see what hurts, what feels good. I’m surprised to find
Ella When we climb out of the ambulance, it seems like a whole team of doctors are waiting for us. I smile at them, a little anxious, as they come forward to escort us into the hospital and run us through our battery of checks. At my side I feel Sinclair shift into his Alpha protection mode, looki
Sinclair, apparently, has no such qualms about the baby being out of the room, and snores lightly next to me. I’m instantly awake, though, when the door opens and Dr. Hank comes back into the room. “Sorry,” he says, giving me a little grimace. “I didn’t mean to wake you when you probably need the s