Accidentally Married

Chapter Thirty

WONHO'S POV...

Amber's grandma, my parents, and my grandparents gathered around, their eyes fixed on the tiny figure lying in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Mom's face was streaked with tears, her emotions pouring out as Dad held her tightly, both captivated by the sight of their grandson.

My grandpa, usually a pillar of strength, stood at the window, his weathered hands gently rubbing his weary face. For a fleeting moment, he closed his eyes, and a solitary tear escaped, tracing a path down his cheek. It was a sight I had never witnessed before, my grandpa shedding a tear. He had always projected an image of toughness, both to me and everyone who knew him. Feeling a mix of reverence and vulnerability, I quickly averted my gaze when his eyes met mine.

As I wiped away my tears, I mustered the strength to approach the gathering where everyone was huddled. My gaze fixated on a miniature representation of Amber and me. Tubes and machines intertwined with my son's tiny body, mirroring the same lifeline that sustained his mother. Witnessing their battle for survival only intensified the weight of my perceived shortcomings as a husband and father.

"No time for self-pity," I scolded myself, determined to rise above my own despair. With resolve, I made my way towards the makeshift scrubbing station positioned to the left of the room. Warm water cascaded over my hands and upper arm as I diligently cleansed them for what felt like an eternity, a ritual of purification. Finally, I adorned a disposable medical gown over my clothes. Summoning courage, I nudged the door open with my left foot and stepped into the room.

As I entered the room, a sudden hush fell upon the nurses who were diligently tending to the other infants. Their curious eyes fixated on me, openly observing my every move, except for one. Amidst the sea of inquisitive gazes, a middle-aged woman with a striking jet-black Afro, adorned with a few strands of gray hair, remained focused on her task. A warm, genuine smile graced her lips as she directed her attention towards my son.

Breaking the silence, she introduced herself with an infectious enthusiasm, "Hi, I'm Mrs. Mildred Jones, but you can call me Milly."

A sense of relief washed over me as her genuine warmth enveloped the room. Returning her smile, I introduced myself, "My name is Lee Wonho, and I'm his dad."

"Oh, honey, I can see that," Mrs. Jones responded warmly, acknowledging the bond between my son and me. With a gentle gesture, she directed my attention to a cozy, dark brown rocking chair positioned next to a matching baby bed. Understanding her unspoken invitation, I settled into the chair, cradling my son in the crook of my arm. Mrs. Jones observed us for a few precious seconds, her eyes filled with tenderness.

"He's such a gorgeous little fella," she remarked, her voice brimming with admiration.

"He takes after his mom," I replied softly, my gaze fixed on my son, overwhelmed by the love that radiated from within me.

"Well, his father doesn't look too bad himself," one of the nurses who had been staring at me earlier chimed in, accompanied by a playful wink. I swiftly looked away because I didn't want to make her think that I welcomed the flirtatious attention she was showering upon me. In truth, I had eyes only for one woman, my wife. Since the day we exchanged vows, my heart had been devoted solely to her.

Tuning out the lingering stares, my focus shifted entirely to the precious being cradled in my arms. A surge of joy washed over me as I beheld my son, peacefully slumbering, his innocence captivating my heart. A wide smile stretched across my face, unable to contain the overwhelming happiness that engulfed me. "Hey, buddy, I'm your daddy," I whispered tenderly as he stirred in my embrace.

Mrs. Jones, sensing the depth of my connection with my son, inquired about his name. Her genuine curiosity prompted me to share my thoughts. "I haven't settled on a name just yet. I want to wait for his mom to wake up so that we can decide together. It's important to me that she doesn't miss out on such a significant moment. I know she would cherish being a part of naming our son," I explained, emphasizing the importance of our shared journey as parents.