Page 79 of Bound

Grabbing the side rails, I gave a heavy push. Over and over I pushed, bearing down hard, using every ounce of strength I had. Porter had moved to the end of the bed, his eyes eager to see our child.

“I can see the head, it's right there. Come on, one more push!” The doctor called out loudly.

Grunting, I closed my eyes, and pushed as hard as possible. I was tired, I was so so tired. I had nothing left in me to give, but somehow I found the strength to give one more push.

I felt my body release as the baby slipped free. Everything had gone silent around me. Opening my eyes, I glanced up at Porter, his face white as a ghost.

“Wha—” I started to say as a loud cry suddenly filled the silence. “Is that—” My eyes were still on my husband.

His eyes rolled back in his head, and he fell backwards. He had passed out.

The nurses quickly rushed to his side to help him as another nurse placed the baby on my chest.

“Here she is, here's your baby girl, Mama,” she said, as she wiped her little head clean and then took a step back.

Climbing to his feet, a nurse guided Porter into the chair at my side. His eyes teared instantly as he looked at our daughter. Leaning against the arm of the bed, he gently ran the tips of his fingers over her head.

“Hello, baby girl, I'm your dad.”

I swear, I swear on everything in that moment she smiled. Her eyes were on his, and her lips curled up. I know babies that young aren't supposed to be able to smile, but ours did.

The sun began to peek through the blinds, casting a long beam of sun into the room. Kissing the top of her head, I whispered.

“Welcome to the world, Oriana.”

This new life was incredible. For everything we had gone through, I ended up with a husband and now this amazing child.

Life was perfect.

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