AllFreeNovel
Share Us
With that one last push, our precious baby slides into my waiting arms.
Everything around me fades into nothingness.
A tsunami of love tackles my heart the second I lay eyes on her tiny face.
Love at first sight… just like with her mom.
I stare at her in complete awe. Her tiny fingers grasp at the air, and her eyes, still puffy from the journey into the world, blink up at me with an innocence that steals my breath.
Adelina Ingrid De Marco takes her first breath at dawn at precisely five twenty-two. It’s the exact same time I supposedly took my last all these months ago. It was when my second chance at life began.
What is it with this universe?
My daughter’s cry is a sound unlike any other I’ve ever heard. A mix of vulnerability and strength, a declaration of arrival in this world. It fills the room with the music of new life.
My gaze fixes on Ella. Her face is flushed with exertion yet radiant with joy.
I cut the umbilical cord and Barb covers Adelina with a blanket as I lift to my feet, feeling light as a feather. Sitting down beside my angel on the bed, I place our precious bundle of joy in her arms.
Her tears mix with mine as we share a silent, knowing look, a moment of pure connection that transcends words. I lean in closer and brush my lips against hers.
“Thank you, angel. I love you so much. You’re everything to me. And now you’ve given me the most perfect gift. Thank you.” I kiss her again, letting my soul speak through the connection of our lips.
It’s a slow, lingering kiss that leaves an indelible mark on my heart.
When we pull apart, we both stare at our little girl. She’s a miracle.
In that instant, I know that I would do anything, absolutely anything, to protect her. The room fades away, and it’s just the three of us in a bubble of love and wonder, ready to embark on this incredible journey together.
“She’s the most beautiful, most perfect thing I’ve ever seen,” Ella whispers.
I kiss her temple in agreement before leaning over to press my lips to Adelina’s soft forehead.
“My sweet girl, I promise to always love and protect you. I’ll be there for every scraped knee, every heartbreak, and every triumph.
“You and your mom are my heart, my joy, and my purpose, and I’ll cherish you for all the days of my life.”
Epilogue – Ella
One month later
TieroandIarecuddling on our bed when a loud gurgling sound, followed by an audible ‘phhhooo’ fills the air. Seconds later, a horrible stench drifts up our nostrils.
We share a look, scrunching up our faces and move to peek into Adelina’s bassinet.
Our little angel greets us with bright, happy eyes.
“Uhh, Schatzie. That’s a stinker,” I murmur, trying hard not to gag. “Your turn to change her,” I tell Tiero.
Unperturbed, he lifts Adelina into his strong arms and takes her to the change table. Perhaps a soiled diaper is a walk in the park after what he used to deal with.
“Oh wow! This one was explosive. There’s poo everywhere. I think I better wash her.”
He picks her up and heads into the bathroom. I hear the shower turn on.
Ahh!
Inside I’m doing a happy dance. Have you seen those two together under the rainbow showerhead?
