Broken

Married Life

Two years passed, and we were happier than ever. Henry and I are expecting our first child, which is terrific news. We were anxious to be parents and give our children the best life possible.
"You look so beautiful." Henry smiled with smitten eyes when he saw me get up that morning. "Thank you," I wasn't feeling particularly beautiful that day because I was eight months pregnant and felt too big. I wore a white bathrobe over my nightgown, and my pink slippers covered my swollen feet.
Henry walked to me to touch my face, "You're the most beautiful woman in the world." he gave me a gentle kiss.
I giggled, "Henry Creel, you make me bashful." I kissed him softly. He sweetly kissed me back and nuzzled my neck. Henry always had a way of making me feel good about myself, especially when I was feeling like a giant balloon.
Henry smiles and tenderly touches my stomach, feeling our child. "I can't wait to meet our little princess." he croons in a sweet voice. "Me neither, she is going to be so loved and happy." I grinned excitedly. Together, we dreamed of the future, imagining all the joys and challenges parenting would bring.

The nursery was already painted a soft pink, with a crib assembled in one corner and stuffed animals on every shelf.
I took everything in with a sense of wonder, overwhelmed by the thought that soon, a tiny new life would occupy this space. I had always wanted to be a mother and now it was finally happening. The room already felt filled with love, and I pictured bedtime stories and lullabies echoing softly between the walls.
I felt a song in my heart as I sat down in the rocking chair, and I began to sing to my child:

Stars shining bright above you
Night breezes seem to whisper "I love you"
Birds singin' in the sycamore trees
Dream a little dream of me.
As my voice filled the room, I could almost hear the gentle coos of our baby joining in harmony. Henry watched me with warmth in his eyes, moved by the moment and the melody.
He knelt beside me, resting his hand on my knee, his eyes glistening with love and anticipation.
"You have a beautiful voice," he whispered. "Our little girl is so lucky to have you as her mommy."
A soft laugh escaped my lips, and I leaned over to kiss his forehead. "She's luckier to have you as her daddy," I replied, feeling blessed beyond words.
Henry smiled, brushing his hand gently over my bump.
"I've been practicing my dad jokes just for her," he said with a playful grin.
I laughed, "I can't wait to hear them, darling." We shared a moment of quiet, simply basking in the anticipation and excitement of what was to come.
Another month passed, and I would give birth to our daughter. But tonight, we cherished the serenity of this intimate moment, dreaming of the future awaiting us, filled with love and laughter.
I woke up in the middle of the night in the worst pain of my life. Henry stirred beside me, instantly alert. "Is it time?
he asked, his voice tinged with both excitement and concern.
I nodded, unable to speak through the intense waves of pain. "She's ready to make her grand entrance," I managed to gasp out between heavy breaths. We hurried to the hospital, the reality of it all setting in with each passing moment.
The drive felt endless, yet time seemed to pass in a blur.
Henry gently guided me into the hospital, and soon, we were taken to the maternity ward. The room was bustling with nurses and doctors preparing everything for our daughter's arrival.
My body was wracked with so much pain that I could barely focus on anything around me. Each contraction felt like a tidal wave crashing over me, leaving me breathless.
"Alright, Mrs. Creel, it's time to push."The nurse encouraged with unwavering calmness. Despite the turmoil, I summoned every ounce of strength and willpower.
Henry was by my bedside, holding my hand, "You can do this, Janet. We believe in you," he was referring to our daughter we were about to meet. With each push, anticipation grew. The pain was relentless, but so was my determination.
Suddenly, the room fell silent as the first cries of our daughter filled the air.
"Congratulations , she's beautiful," the doctor said, handing the tiny bundle to me.
Looking down at the tiny face, tears of joy welled up in my eyes. Her little fingers curled around my thumb, and in that moment, everything else faded away.
All the pain and exhaustion turned into love and awe.
I knew our lives had changed forever.
Henry wiped tears from his own eyes and whispered, "Welcome to the world, little one."
"What are you two going to name her?" One of the nurses asked with curiosity.
Henry and I looked at each other and smiled knowingly, an unspoken understanding passing between us.
"Rachel," we both agreed. It was a name we had chosen months ago, but hearing it aloud now felt like it was truly hers.
As Rachel nestled into my arms, her soft coos were a melody that spoke of promise and new beginnings.