Page 90 of Ready or Not
The aching pain comes to an end after what feels like an eternity.
Vale’s exhaustion slams into the bond. Why doesn’t anyone warn dads how helpless they’ll feel watching the woman they love give birth? I’ve legitimately never felt so useless in my entire life.
Mercy moves up to the head of the table on Holt’s side, kissing her cheek and murmuring soft praises. “Each time, she’s making it a little farther out. You’re doing an amazing job.”
“No, I’m not. I have no energy left,” she whispers. I’m not sure what most births look or sound like, but she hasn’t screamed yet. She seems to be internalizing the pain. At this point, I’d be content for her to yell at the top of her lungs, if it would get the baby out.
I nod at Bishop, asking for him to take her leg. He gives me a look that says it’s the last thing he wants to do, but he does.
I swap places and lean over the head of the bed, wrapping her hand in mine. “I’m so fucking proud of you. You’re doing great.” I kiss her cheek and move close to her ear. “I think I’ve been in love with you since DC, but I just needed you to know before Aurora makes her arrival. You mean the world to me. I’m so fucking grateful to be by your side for this.”
She nods, squeezing the hell out of my hand as another contraction rips through the bond. I study her face as it contorts in pain.
“One more, and she’ll be in your arms,” the doctor says. “The shoulders are the worst part, and then it’s smooth sailing.”
Vale’s head falls back against the bed, and it feels like no time passes before another contraction hits. Our sweet little omega actually wails this time, but a fierce but tiny cry follows.
My head whips between Vale and the doctor.
“It’s a girl,” Holt chokes out.
“She’s just a little early. Give us a quick second to check a couple of things, and we’re bringing her to you, Mom,” the nurse says. “Would someone like to cut the cord?”
All three of the guys’ heads fly in my direction.
Vale tilts her face, looking up at me.
“Bishop should do it,” I say, cradling her cheek in my hand. “He’s the one who looked after you for most of your pregnancy.” I peck a kiss on her lips and turn to him. “You should do it.”
“Are you sure?” he asks. “She’s yours.”
“I’m positive. She’s our daughter. You cut it.”
His joy buzzes in the bond, and I know I made the right call. It’s a gift, having teammates I can count on to keep an eye on Aurora while I focus on Vale. I peck another kiss at the edge of her mouth this time.
“I love you so much. You did it,” I whisper against her cheek.
It’s only another minute before the nurse comes up, helping Vale pull down her gown. She places Aurora on her chest, and I swear my entire world flips upside down.
She’s an entire human being.
A whole new person for us to love and protect.
My eyes ache as I grab the bed rail to keep myself upright. Vale runs her hand over Aurora’s thick head of blonde hair, and my knees shake.
We made a person.
Holy fucking shit.
I move to brush a finger over her tiny cheek as her lower lip quivers.
Vale whimpers, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. My chest burns as I exhale heavily to keep from bursting into tears. I almost missed all of this because of that son of a bitch.
“Lean close,” Mercy says, gesturing for me to snuggle closer.
I do, and I’m sure he captures the absolute awe on my face. She’s pink and a little gooey, and I make a vow to slaughter anyone who ever tries to hurt her.
Vale is exhausted after she gives birth. There are all sorts of things left, like delivering the placenta and stitching up the tear that Dr. Sanderson swears is completely normal.