Chapter 222

DianeThe first thing I noticed was the pounding in my head, It felt as though someone had driven nails into my skull. I winced before I even opened my eyes and then came the dryness in my throat.I swallowed, only to discover my mouth felt like sandpaper."What" My voice came out weak, "what's going on?"I blinked several times, trying to focus as the living room slowly came into my view.Then I noticed the IV taped to my arm and my eyes widened."Kumba?"He was sitting in the armchair across from me, elbows resting on his knees. The worry etched across his face made my heart ache.Beside him stood Dr. Valentina, quietly packing away the last of her medical supplies and then the memories came flooding back.I slowly pushed myself into a sitting position."What happened?"Valentina offered me a small, reassuring smile."You drank far more than your body could handle, I gave you fluids. You are going to have one terrible headache, but you will be okay."I couldn't even look at Kumba, a

Chapter 223

GesareI never thought I would be afraid to leave a hospital.After everything that had happened over the last few months, hospitals had become familiar, the smell of antiseptic, the endless beeping of monitors.The nurses checked on me every few hours, it wasn't comfortable but it was safe.Out there life was waiting and for the first time in my life, I wasn't just responsible for myself, I had Lola.A tiny human who depended on me for everything. The thought was both beautiful and terrifying.A gentle knock interrupted my thoughts."Come in."The door opened, and Dr. Valentina walked inside with a tablet tucked beneath one arm.She smiled the moment she saw Lola sleeping peacefully in the bassinet."Well."She looked between Kumba and me."My favorite little family is looking much better today."Kumba smiled politely."I'll take that as a compliment.""It is."She walked over to my bed and began checking my chart."How's the pain?""Better.""The incision?""It still hurts when I mo

Chapter 224

GesareThe first pain steals my breath and i freeze in the middle of the nursery, one tiny blue onesie clutched in my hands as a sharp cramp slices across my lower stomach."No" I squeeze my eyes shut, willing it away, the doctor said I still had a little time atleast three more weeks.Another contraction crashes through me before I can even finish the thought and this one is stronger.It wraps around my back and tightens around my belly until I can't breathe.The tiny onesie slips from my fingers and lands on the floor.I grab the edge of the crib, my knuckles turning white as I fight to stay standing."Easy" I whisper to myself. "Just breathe Gesare."I immediately start breathing in and out slowly as I learned in my birthing class but the pain doesn't care about breathing, it keeps coming. It's sharp and relentless. A warm trickle suddenly runs down my legs and I immediately look down.For one terrifying second my heart stops, my water just broke, this baby was coming an it was co

Chapter 225

KumbaThe house was unusually quiet for the first time in days.I stood in the doorway of our bedroom, watching the two people who had become my entire world.Gesare lay asleep on her side, one hand resting protectively against the edge of Lola's bassinet, even in her sleep, she was reaching for our daughter.Lola was fast asleep too, making the occasional little sigh that somehow made my chest ache, I smiled to myself.For the first time since the delivery, I felt like I could breathe.I quietly pulled the bedroom door almost closed, leaving it open just enough that I'd hear if either of them woke up.One of the housekeepers looked up as I came downstairs."Sir?""I'm stepping out for a little while Alba."She nodded, "We will keep an eye on Mrs. Kumba and the baby.""Call me immediately if either of them needs anything.""Of course sir."I glanced upstairs one last time before I grabbed my keys and headed for the door. The drive to my mother's house took less than twenty minutes, w

Chapter 226

Gesare I couldn't stop looking at her no matter how many times I blinked, she was still there,so tiny and perfect. Lola slept peacefully against my chest, her little mouth twitching every now and then as if she were dreaming. One of her tiny hands rested against my hospital gown, her fingers curled into the fabric like she already knew I was her safe place and I smiled through fresh tears."My beautiful girl."She let out the softest sigh, and my heart melted all over again.I traced the curve of her tiny cheek with my fingertip, afraid to touch her too hard."Do you know how many people already love you?" I asked her like she could talk back. "I loved you before I even knew what you looked like.""I loved you when all I knew was your heartbeat.""And I would do it all over again."Every sleepless night, every doctor's appointment, every terrifying diagnosis.Every kick that reminded me to keep fighting. Every moment of pain.I would choose it all again it it meant I get to Just ho

Chapter 227

GesareSunlight spilled through the curtains, warming my face as I stretched slowly before the events of last night came rushing back. It had all been perfect atleast it was before our daughter demanded our attention. "Our daughter really does have impeccable timing," I whispered to myself as if she had heard me, a tiny giggle floated through the baby monitor on the bedside table.I climbed carefully out of bed and made my way downstairs.The smell of coffee and pancakes greeted me halfway down the staircase.I rounded the corner to find Kumba standing at the stove in gray sweatpants and a white T-shirt, flipping pancakes with far more confidence than skill.Lola sat in her little baby bouncer nearby, happily kicking her tiny legs while watching him as though he were putting on the greatest show on earth.I leaned against the doorway, folding my arms."You know" I said, "I was wondering why the house smelled like something was burning."Without turning around, Kumba chuckled."I will