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I focus on his voice, letting it anchor me. The pain crests and then slowly ebbs.
Dare wipes my forehead with a cool cloth, his touch infinitely gentle. "You're amazing," he says. "Our baby is so lucky to have you as their mom."
Despite the circumstances, his words make me smile. "Suddenly you're full of positive and affirming thoughts," I gasp.
"That's what I'm here for."
"Uh huh. You're full of it, but I appreciate it anyway."
Dare grins, though there's an edge of nervousness behind it. I can feel him growing apprehensive.
"Hey," I say, taking his hand. "Our child is going to adore you."
Dare squeezes my hand, emotion shining in his eyes. He starts to reply, but he's interrupted by another one of my powerful contractions. I cry out, clutching his hand tightly as this one peaks. It leaves me shaking and spent.
"Breathe, just breathe," Dare murmurs. "I've got you."
I nod, focusing on my breathing as the contraction fades. We're getting closer now.
"I've got you, I've got you," he murmurs.
This one seems to go on forever. When it finally passes, I'm trembling and covered in sweat.
I cling to his hand, overwhelmed by the reality that our baby will soon be here.
"Just focus on me," Dare murmurs. "Breathe through the contractions. You've got this."
I anchor myself to the sound of his voice. The pain crests and falls like waves but Dare remains my rock amidst the storm.
ChapterThirty-Eight
DARE
Ihold my sweet baby girl in my arms as Talia lays exhausted in the hospital bed. I honestly could look at her forever. Her eyes are a vivid shade of blue. She has the tiniest hands, the smallest fingernails, and thesoftest tufts of red hair. I can't believe I'm a father. And yet, the knowledge fills me with a sense of wonder and awe.
Talia looks up at me, her eyes shining with tears. "She's beautiful," she whispers.
"She is," I agree, marveling at themiracle in my arms. "And so are you."
Talia smiles, but it's a dogged smile. I know she's been through so much. I can't help but feel responsible for it all.
As if sensing my thoughts, she holds up a hand to touch my arm. "I love you."
I manage to rip my eyes from the baby in order to pay attention to my wife. Opening my mouth, I'm quite surprised to find I'm all choked up with emotion.
"God, Talia. I love you, too. Both of you. I feel so... overwhelmed with gratitude?"
She squeezes my arm. "Me too, Dare."
My daughter's tiny fingers curl around mine. My heart swells, tears pricking my eyes. This perfect angel is our daughter.
"Hope," Talia murmurs. "We should name her Hope."
"Hope," I echo. "I’ve always loved that name. It's beautiful, just like her."
Talia closes her eyes. "What do you think her middle name should be?"
I reply without even thinking, my voice cracking. "Hope Grace."
