Forever Yours

Thirty-Four

When I wake up, it's dark outside and I'm alone in our bedroom. There's a low chatter coming from the living room and kitchen as I make my way down the stairs.

"She's up!" Manuela calls out as I make my way into the kitchen.

I smile, walking up to her. "Hey." she pulls me into a hug and I watch as she cuts up some vegetables.

My brothers are here, along with Juan's family, Marlli, Luis, and Manuela. "How are you feeling?" Mark asks, making his way over to me with Santos.

"Rested." I admit, laughing lightly as I take Santos into my arms. "When did you guys get here?" I ask.

He shrugs. "Like an hour ago." he says. "Eduardo and all of them are on their way too."

"What's the occasion?" I ask, walking over to the living room, taking a seat next to Juan on our couch.

He rests an arm around my shoulder. "Celebrating that you and the baby are well and at home." he smiles.

I ask Juan if he can go grab my cover from upstairs so that I can breastfeed, and he does. "How'd you sleep?" Juan asks me, placing his arm around my shoulder as we sit next to each other again. Everyone is in the kitchen, dining room, formal living room, or literally anywhere that isn't here, with Juan and I. I sense that they probably want to give me my space while I feed the baby, being that Im new at this.

"Like I hadn't slept in ages." I smile, laughing lightly.

He nods, squeezing my shoulder gently. "I'm glad."

"I'm gonna be up all night though. That nap was way too long" I roll my eyes.

He chuckles. "We'll stay up together." he nods.

"Thank you." I say, settling deeper into his side. "You know," I clear my throat, getting serious. "That was close." I say. "You almost missing the birth."

He sighs, nodding. "Yeah, I know. Were you mad?" he cringes, looking over at me.

"In the moment, no. I was just happy to finally have you with me. But it kind of does bother me now." I nod slowly. "You were way too close to missing it." I say, shaking my head.

He nods again, scooting away from me so that I can see him clearly. "I know, I know." he caresses my face gently and I lean into it, closing my eyes. "I had Stephen driving like a maniac, I swear I think he broke every law possible as we drove here." Juan chuckles. I can't help but laugh a little at the thought of Stephen, one of our chauffeurs speeding down the highway.

"I guess there's no reason to be upset about it now." I shrug, looking down at Santos.

Juan kisses my temple gently. "I'm so sorry. Really."

I nod and give him a small smile, letting him know it's okay.

***

"Merry Christmas!" my dad chuckles, pulling me into a tight hug, giving Juan a firm handshake next.

I smile, nodding. "Merry Christmas, dad."

"Y mi nieto?" he asks, walking further into the house.

Juan and I follow after him, Angelica, and the kids. "He's taking a nap." I say. Santos is now about to turn two months old, and he has simply been the best baby we ever could've hoped for.

We're celebrating Christmas in our Colombia house this year, and will be celebrating New Years in California. I flew my family out for the holiday and for New Years, Juan will do the same, flying his family out to California.