Can I love again? [a Roman Reigns story]

31 So happy

"Alright, how are you feeling Mrs. Reigns?" the doctor asked as he came into the room to check how far along I was.

"I think it's time to push. Can I push please?" I asked as the pressure inside me increased.

"I'm checking how far dilated your cervix is," he said.

I looked at Roman, who was looking at me worriedly. It was clear to me how difficult it had been for him during the many hours I had been in labor. Every time I had another contraction he apologized to me and held my hand or rubbed my back. He probably would have done anything in the world to take away the pain. But since that was not possible, he had no choice but to support me with words.

"Okay, Mrs. Reigns. You're right, it's time. When you feel the next contraction you can start pushing." the doctor said and I breathed a sigh of relief.

I hoped it wouldn't be long from here until I could hold our daughter in my arms for the first time. And honestly, 20 hours of labor was more than enough. I had hoped it would go faster with the second baby, but obviously Anastasia didn't agree. Jimmy was probably right when he said she was as stubborn as all of them.

"You're doing so well, angel." Roman praised me as I practically crushed the hand I was holding.

But Roman was smart enough not to say anything about it, because this was definitely not the right moment.

"Very good, keep going...keep going...keep going.... good job. The head is out. You've almost got it. We'll give her a minute and then we'll continue." said the doctor as I leaned back, panting, to gather strength for the final stretch.

I was so exhausted, but I was so close. And I so deserved to finally hold my baby in my arms.

"Now one more big push!" the doctor demanded.

Roman supported my back as I pushed as hard as I could. It felt like I was being ripped in two. I had totally forgotten about that part, or probably blocked it out.

"Good Lord... She inherited your shoulders!" I gasped in pain.

But then it was done and the first loud cries of the little one echoed through the room. The doctor wiped her face and held her so that we could see her. She was absolutely perfect.

"I am so so so proud of you both. You did it." said Roman who was sitting next to me and gave me a kiss on the forehead.

"Would you like to cut the cord, Mr. Reigns?" the doctor wanted to know.

Overwhelmed and unable to find the right words, Roman just nodded. The doctor gave him the scissors and I watched as my husband cut our baby's umbilical cord. The proud smile remained on his face the whole time.

Then they put the baby on my chest so I could have a close look at her. The moment she looked at me with her big, round eyes, the pain and the effort of the last hours were forgotten. It was the best reward one could imagine.

"Hello my princess. You took your time." I said to her and then gave her a kiss on the forehead.

"Do you like your daughter?" I asked Roman as I turned my head in his direction.

"You have no idea how much! She's perfect and she looks so much like you! Thank you for making me a daddy, angel." he said, gently stroking a finger over Anastasia's head before leaning in and giving me a loving kiss.

"Thank you for coming into my life, Romeo. Without your love I would not be here today. And we wouldn't have this precious gift. I love you and Ana so much," I replied softly.

"I love you two too. Much more than I can put into words. And I'm so proud." he said to me and I saw how much this moment truly meant to him.

"Do you want to hold your daughter?" I asked.

"Yes, of course." he replied.

Carefully he took her in his arms and when he held Anastasia like this against his chest, she looked so tiny. Her daddy looked at her very closely. He was soaking up every detail. It was a special moment that we would remember forever.

"Hey, my little angel. I'm your daddy." he cooed, sounding totally in love.

I expected it to feel a little bittersweet for me, but I was wrong. I was happy, so happy and so was Roman. And I knew that my angels were happy for us.