AllFreeNovel
Share Us
At the same time, she nodded in agreement, Dina waved her hand. “You don’t want me in there. I’ll only get in the way.” Mentally, she wasn’t prepared. Dina was accustomed to dealing with business owners and disgruntled employees. A packed restaurant with limited staff she could handle, but that was something entirely different. Dina had never been around a baby in her life, and being in the labor room was definitely out.
Alina was not accepting that. “I do,” she said firmly. “I really do. I need you.” Then she added. “I don’t want to have this baby by myself. Please, Dina.” There was moisture in Alina’s eyes as she looked to Dina as her only salvation.
Dina took a deep breath and released it. “I promised my brother I would take care of Alina, so by going into the labor room, I’m simply keeping my word.” That’s what Dina told herself to deny the fact that she actually didn’t want to leave Alina alone. She didn’t want her to go through such an experience by herself. Despite all her condemnation, Dina still cared.
She resumed her pace then as she accompanied Alina to one of the most important events of her life, holding her hand as the newest member of their family came into the world. It was an experience to remember, one that touched the protective sister and warmed her heart.
When the labor was over and the nurses tended to the new mother and the crying newborn, Dina strolled out of the room in a daze. She almost passed her brother, who ran towards her in haste. “I’m an aunt,” Dina said as her brother clung to her shoulder, breathing heavily. “I’m an aunt. And you’re a dad.”
“And Alina. How is she?” Dereck rocked his sister back and forth. Normally, she would snap at him, but all she did was smile, a smile so warm all his worries went away.
“Alina’s fine. They’re settling her in her room now,” Dina said, her eyes still looking past her brother.
“That’s great,” he said and pulled his sister into his arms, squeezing her tightly. “This is the most joyous day of my life. I’m glad you’re here with me.”
49
“Welcome back.” Laura was the first to greet her daughter as Dereck escorted her to the apartment. Alina had a strained look on her face, which disappeared as soon as the baby cooed in her hand.
“Congratulations on becoming a mother,” Alina’s mom said. “Now you’re going to see how hard it is to care for a life.”
Lewis scoffed, and Laura added, “I’m just saying. Alina criticized my methods so much. Now she’ll understand why I made the choices I made for her.”
“This is not a teaching moment, my dear,” Lewis tapped her on the shoulder just as Taylor walked up, drink in hand.
“No, it is a celebration.” She shimmied her body and gave Alina a side hug, her voice taking over the room. “Congratulations Alina. And thank you for saving me from being the first one to get knocked up.” Taylor raised her glass to Bailey and Peyton, who stood back. The sisters shook their heads at her, both in shock and embarrassment.
“May I hold my nephew?” Dina came to Alina’s side, her voice subdued and composed.
“Of course. After all, your face was the first one he saw.” Alina carefully gave Dina the little bundle wrapped up in a blanket, but froze in the middle of accepting a champagne glass from Taylor.
Alina eyed her friend suspiciously, which prompted Taylor to say, “It’s nonalcoholic. Come on, I know you have to breastfeed. I wouldn’t give you alcohol.” Then she pulled back the drink. “You do plan on breastfeeding, right? Because if you don’t, I can go swap this right now and we can really get this party started.”
“Just ignore her,” Lee said right before he pulled Taylor away. Taylor seemed content to Lee lead her, but the moment his hand brushed her waist, she eased away.
The rest of Dereck’s friends came up to get him then, smacking him on the shoulder and knocking each other with their fists. Before Dereck used his glass to gain the attention of everyone, the room was an echo of congratulations and inaudible baby sounds.
“I want to thank you all for coming here today and for making Alina’s first day out of the hospital special.” He began. “You all are very important to us, and we hope you’ll be an important part of our son’s life as well.” He took a deep breath and gave all his attention to Alina. “You burst into my life like a whirlwind, turning everything upside down, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m thankful for the restaurant for mixing up our reservation and for Bailey for bringing you to that hospital.” He lifted his glass to Alina’s friend, and Bailey nodded to him, remembering the first time they met. “We’ve had our ups and down but I wouldn’t trade any moment with you for anything in this world.” Dereck huffed and pushed air out of his body. “I had intended to do this last Saturday but somebody…” he eyed his son with a twinkle in his eyes, “…wanted to be a part of it. So here I go.”
Dereck fidgeted as he reached into his pocket to reveal a small red velvet box. Then he went down on one knee, swallowing hard. “Alina, will you marry me?”
There was an overall gasp around the room as eyes widened and smiles brightened. Peyton and Bailey held on to each other while Dereck’s friend nodded in approval of his big question. Alina’s parents held their breaths, but Taylor, who grew tired of waiting, felt obliged to answer for her friend. “Of course she will.”
Lee narrowed his eyes at her and she mumbled under her breath. “I’m just saying. We all know she’ll say yes.”
“Then let her say it.” Dina’s voice floated through the room. She took a step forward with the baby in her hand and a smile on her face. “Go ahead, Alina. Would you be a part of our family?” She spoke in a soft, delicate voice. “Because I would love having a sister around.”
Dina’s words brightened Alina’s face. “Yes, Dina. I will be your sister,” Alina said and ran into Dina’s arms.
The room erupted in laughter as Dereck rose from the ground. “Just to be clear,” he said. “Which one of us are you marrying?”
Alina released Dina and sauntered her way to Dereck. “You, of course.” Then she mumbled. “Only because I don’t think Dina swings that way.”
“Who knows?” Dina crossed the couple. “I might make an exception for you.” She winked at Alina as her brother chased her away.
“I love you so much, Dereck,” Alina said to him. “Nothing would make me happier than becoming your wife, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together.”
Dereck pulled Alina into his arms and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “Now we just have to find things to pass the time.”
