AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I nod, biting my lip and trying to steady my breathing as we finally reach the delivery room. The nurse pushes open the door, revealing a simple bed with monitoring and IV equipment next to it. As soon as I’m finished changing into a hospital gown, Dr. Jaffee walks in.
“Alright, Mrs. Sanders,” the doctor says gently, guiding me onto the bed. “Are you ready to meet your baby today?”
Another powerful contraction washes over me, rendering me speechless, my belly tightening to steel.
After checking me, Dr. Jaffee cheerfully announces, “You’re fully dilated, Ana. Your baby wants to come out. With your next contraction, I want you to push as hard as you can.”
The pain surges through me again, and I do as I was told, groaning and gripping the sides of the hospital bed. Brando stands beside me, his hand firmly wrapped around mine. “Keep breathing, Ana. You're doing great,” he whispers. I close my eyes in the short interlude, exhausted and dreading the next wave. It's hard to think of anything else.
“Ana, when you feel the next contraction, I need you to push with all your strength,” the doctor instructs. Her voice is steady and reassuring. I nod, sweat beading on my forehead, my chest heaving from the effort.
Soon enough the next wave of pain hits, and I bear down, pushing with every ounce of energy I have.
“Almost there, just a few more pushes,” the doctor encourages. I feel like I'm on the brink of collapse, but I can't give up now. We’re meeting this baby today.
My vision blurs as I push again. I've never felt so exhausted or vulnerable in my life. But I remind myself that it will all be worth it when I finally get to hold my baby in my arms. “Ana, one last big one!” the doctor commands.
With a primal scream, I give it everything I've got. Finally, the pressure eases, and our baby's cries echo off the walls. Relief washes over me, and I collapse onto the bed, panting. Brando leans down to kiss my forehead, and I feel a sense of overwhelming love for him.
“Congratulations, it's a healthy girl!” the doctor announces, holding our beautiful, wriggling daughter. Brando and I beam with pride as we look at our baby for the first time. Tears stream down my face as I take in her little fingers and toes, my arms extending to her. She's perfect in every way.
The nurse wraps her in a towel and places her on my chest, allowing our skin to touch. Her small body is warm and fragile against mine. She is still covered in remnants of blood, amniotic fluid, and an ethereal, creamy coating.
“Dawn,” I say to her, then look at Brando expectantly.
He smiles and nods his head. “Dawn is beautiful,” he affirms and strokes my hair.
“Hello, Dawn,” I whisper, touching her cheek. “I'm your mommy.”
Dawn looks into my eyes, as if recognizing me and greeting me. Then she moves her head weakly, searching for my nipple, and I instinctively help her find it.
“Ana, she's beautiful,” Brando murmurs, leaning down to press a gentle kiss on Dawn’s forehead. “Just like her mother.”
I can't help but smile through my tears at his words. “She’s perfect.”
Brando whispers, “I love you, Ana. You were amazing.”
I smile weakly and reach for his hand. It's hard to believe that our lives have changed so much in just a few short hours. But in this moment, as I look at our daughter and feel Brando's love, I know that everything is going to be okay.
“Would you like to cut the umbilical cord, Mr. Sanders?” the nurse asks, handing him the scissors.
“Uh, sure,” Brando stammers, his hand steady as he reaches for the scissors and makes the cut. “Please check on Ana again. Is she alright?”
“Ana is perfect,” the nurse reassures him.
“Would you like to hold her?” My voice cracks, but the exhaustion fades slightly when his face lights up.
“Of course,” he replies, carefully taking our daughter from me and cradling her in his strong arms. He radiates pure adoration as he gazes down at her. “Hey there, sweetheart,” he whispers. “I'm your daddy, and I promise to always protect you and love you with all my heart.”
As I watch Brando holding our child, I can't help but think about how far we've come.
“Mom, Dad, can we come in now?” Addison's excited voice echoes just outside our door.
“Of course, pumpkin,” Brando calls out, his eyes never leaving our daughter.
The door swings open, and Addison rushes in, followed by Brando’s father, Charlotte and her husband, Race and his boyfriend, Megan, and other close friends who have been patiently waiting for news. Their faces light up when they see the newest addition to our family, and the room fills with joyous laughter and congratulations.
“Meet your baby sister, Dawn,” I say, beaming at Addison.
