Against the Odds A Love Story

Chapter 28

Nothing in this life is sure, except love.

Twenty-eight

The first half hour was a complete blur for me because the contractions were constant now. I was immediately checked by a nurse and an IV was inserted. When Dr. Salem arrived, he ordered an epidural for me. I squeezed Hayden's hand so tightly while it was being administered, I was sure I left bruises.

As soon as the pain eased and I began to relax and breathe easier, the baby started coming. This was the moment we had anxiously waited for. I felt scared, thrilled, and excited at the same time.

Hayden's voice was soothing against my ear as he echoed the doctor's commands telling me to push. Filled with a sudden burst of energy, I did push. It only took a few hard pushes to bring our son into the world. At that moment, I experienced a joy that could not be put into words. I was actually a mother. I had a son. A son by the man I loved more than life. We both laughed and cried. Hayden repeatedly kissed my brow and told me how proud he was of me.

Then he pressed his tear-streaked face against mine as we gazed at our son when the doctor placed him in my arms.

“He's so beautiful,” I whispered.

“He is,” Hayden said against my face. “And so are you,” he added.

I turned and kissed him softly. “I love you.”

“I love you too, baby.”

I sighed, feeling that my life couldn't be any more perfect. I had everything I could ever want. My happiness was complete.

“Let's get this little guy weighed,” Dr. Salem said. I handed our little Dane back to the nurse. The doctor came over and rested a hand on my shoulder. “You did great, Raine, really great. But I honestly haven't seen a first time birth happen that quickly in a long time. And believe me, that was quick.”

Hayden grinned and squeezed my hand. “I guess he was anxious to get out here and see the world. He's just like his mama.”

I smiled at him, or at least I tried to smile, and at that moment I realized something was wrong. I couldn't seem to get my face to cooperate. When the right side began to twitch suddenly, I looked at the doctor, then at Hayden.

The last thing I heard was the sound of Hayden's frantic voice calling my name.