Page 151 of Toxic Attraction
"I can't do this." She's exhausted, crying, and overwhelmed. "It's too much."
"You can." I brush sweat-soaked hair from her face. "You're the woman who faced down Patrick O'Rourke. You can do anything."
"That was easier than this!"
Despite everything, I laugh. "Almost there,Milaya. Almost done."
Dr. Hale confirms. "I can see the head. Next contraction, push."
Valerie bears down. Screams. Pushes with everything she has.
And then crying. Not Valerie's. A baby's.
Loud. Healthy. Furious at being born.
"It's a boy." Dr. Hale holds up our son. Red-faced, squalling, perfect. "Congratulations."
She places him on Valerie's chest. Our son. Our boy.
He has dark hair. My nose. Valerie's mouth. Tiny fingers that grip everything within reach.
I'm crying. Can't help it. Can't stop.
This is what I lost five years ago. What Patrick stole. But the universe has sent another to me.
"Alexander." Valerie looks up at me. "We said Alexander if it was a boy. Xander for short."
"Alexander." I touch his tiny hand. He grips my finger with surprising strength. "Welcome to the world, Xander."
Dr. Hale finishes the delivery. Cleans Valerie up. Checks the baby thoroughly.
"Ten fingers, ten toes, perfect health. He's a strong one."
Like his mother.
I hold Xander while Valerie rests. His weight in my arms is surreal. Precious. Terrifying.
But my hands are steady. No trembling. No fear.
Just overwhelming love for this tiny person who has no idea what he was born into.
Mila meets her brother an hour later. Climbs carefully onto the bed beside Valerie, stares at Xander with wide eyes.
"He's so small."
"You were this small once." Valerie adjusts her hold so Mila can see better. "Want to hold him?"
"Can I?"
I help position her. Place Xander in her arms carefully.
Mila stares at her brother with absolute wonder. "Hi Xander. I'm your big sister. I'm going to teach you everything."
The image of them together cracks something open in my chest.
My family. All of them. Safe. Healthy. Alive.
"I love you, Mrs. Volkov."
