Share

Morning After

Author: Nicolet Hale
last update Last Updated: 2026-02-06 18:21:21

I woke up with Kael around me.

My head was on his chest. He put his arm around me. Our legs got all mixed up.

The windows let in a lot of sunlight. I could hear the city waking up below. "Morning," he said in a low voice. His voice was scratchy from sleep. "Morning." How are you feeling?

I gave it some thought. "Good." Very good. "No regrets? None." I looked up at him." "Hey, you?" No, God. He kissed me on the forehead. "Last night was." He stopped. "Great. You were perfect.

My face felt hot. "
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter

Latest chapter

  • MARRIED TO MY EX-FIANCE'S RUTHLESS UNCLE   First Birthday

    On a Saturday in March, Evelyn celebrated her first birthday.We got up early. She was up already. Chattering in her cot. As I lifted her out, I said, "Good morning, birthday girl."She smiled. All eight teeth are showing. Kael appeared in the doorway. "There's my girl. One year old today." "Can you believe it?" I asked. "No. Feels like yesterday we brought her home. Terrified and clueless." "We're still clueless. Just more confident about it." Downstairs, we'd set up decorations.Sophie had gone too far.Bubbles and streamers. The words "Happy 1st Birthday, Evelyn," on a banner. It's only family," I informed her. That's right. Family is entitled to the best.At noon, the celebration began. Catherine was the first to arrive. with presents. So many presents. This is too much, mother."My granddaughter is turning one today.Nothing is too much." Sophie came next. Also with gifts. And more decorations. "Did you buy out the party store?" "Maybe. Don't judge me." Marcus arrived with his cam

  • MARRIED TO MY EX-FIANCE'S RUTHLESS UNCLE   Balancing Act

    I decided to go back to work four months after giving birth. a part-time job. Every day of the week.The choice was both thrilling and unsettling. Are you certain you're prepared? Kael asked. "No. But I need to try. I miss my work. Miss being me, not just Mom.""You are always you." You understand what I mean. Something that is mine is what I need.Separate from being a parent." He understood. "What about childcare?" We'd discussed options. Nanny. Daycare. Catherine had even offered to help. "I think a nanny," I said. "Here at the house.So she's in familiar surroundings." "Want me to start looking?" "We'll look together." We interviewed six candidates. All qualified. All experienced. But only one felt right. Maria. Fifty-two. Raised four children of her own. Warm but professional.Evelyn adapted to her right away. After Maria departed, I remarked, "She's perfect." I agree. Shall I give her a call?"Yes. Offer her the position." Maria started the following Monday. A week before, I re

  • MARRIED TO MY EX-FIANCE'S RUTHLESS UNCLE   Going Home

    We stayed in the hospital for two days.Learning. Adjusting. Getting help from nurses.How to swaddle. How to burp. How to know when she was hungry, tired, or uncomfortable.Everything was new. Overwhelming. Beautiful.Evelyn was a good baby. Quiet. Alert. Only cried when she needed something."We got lucky," stated the nurse. "She is very calm." Is that typical?I asked."Every baby is different. But yes, some are naturally calmer. Enjoy it."Kael barely left our side.slept in the chair that was uncomfortable. changed all of the nappies. brought me some food. "You ought to return home," I responded. "Get real sleep." I won't abandon you. Both of you. We're all right. You must get some rest. When we're all home, I'll relax. Together.The paediatrician gave Evelyn the all-clear to return home on day two. I was cleared by my physician. "Go slowly," she said, "and don't lift anything heavier than the infant. No stairs if possible. Rest when she rests."Kael took notes. Literally.Puttin

  • MARRIED TO MY EX-FIANCE'S RUTHLESS UNCLE   Labor

    I felt the gush. Warm liquid is soaking the sheets."Kael." I shook him. "Kael, wake up."He was awake instantly. "What's wrong?""My water broke. This is it. This is real."He leaped from his bed. turned the light on. observed the damp bedding.All right. All right. It's taking place. He was attempting to remain composed. failing. The doctor has to be called.Get to the hospital.""I know. I know." He grabbed his phone. Hands shaking.He called the answering service while I got out of bed. Changed into dry clothes.No contractions yet. Just the broken water.The doctor called back. "Head to the hospital. Once your water breaks, we want to monitor you."Kael helped me to the car. Threw our hospital bag in the trunk."You okay?" he asked."No contractions yet. Just nervous.""Me too. But we've got this."The drive was surreal. Middle of the night. Empty roads. About to have a baby.At the hospital, they took us straight to labor and delivery.Got me into a gown. Hooked up monitors. Chec

  • MARRIED TO MY EX-FIANCE'S RUTHLESS UNCLE   False Alarm

    I woke up at 3 AM with cramps when I was thirty-seven weeks pregnant.Sharp pains all over my stomach. Normal. Very strong.I woke Kael up. "Something is going on."He stood up straight. What? What's wrong?"Contractions. I think. They're regular."He was out of bed immediately. "How far apart?""I don't know." I just woke up. Okay. "Okay." He picked up his phone. Started the clock. "Let me know when the next one comes."We sat there. Waiting. Looking at the clock.Five minutes later, another contraction occurred. "Five minutes," he said. "That's close." "We need to go to the hospital.""It might be false labor. Braxton Hicks.""Or it might be real. We're not taking chances."He helped me get dressed. Grabbed the hospital bag. Called the doctor's answering service.The on-call doctor called back. "It could be false labor. But come in. We'll check you."It was an anxious trip to the hospital. Kael gripped the steering wheel tightly. Knuckles were white. "You're going too fast," I murmu

  • MARRIED TO MY EX-FIANCE'S RUTHLESS UNCLE   Growing

    We discovered the sex at sixteen weeks.I had desired to hold off.Be surprised.But Kael wanted to know. To plan. To prepare."Come on," he pleaded. "Don't you want to know?""Part of me does. Part of me wants the surprise.""We can still be surprised. Just earlier."I laughed. "That's not how surprises work."But I agreed. Scheduled the anatomy scan.The technician moved the wand around. Checked measurements. Took pictures.She said, "Do you want to know the sex?"I gave Kael a look. He gave an enthusiastic nod. "Yes," I said. "We want to know." It's a female. Congratulations.A female. We had a daughter on the way.Kael tightened his hold on my hand. I gave him a look. He was crying uncontrollably. "A female," he muttered. "We're having a little girl."The technician abandoned us. Kael drew me in close. I'm expecting a girl. A young girl who is half of you. Half of you, too."God bless her. She will be quite obstinate.Through my own tears, I laughed."And brilliant. And strong.""L

More Chapters
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status