More Than a Soldier

Chapter 86 - First days

Y/n's POV:

We have a little boy. Leo James Johansson. He couldn't be more perfect. Our family feels complete with him in it. I can't stop looking at him. When he's with someone else, I'm desperate to hold him. Unless he's with Scarlett. That I can watch all day. Seeing her holding our son, bouncing him around, talking to him softly. It's everything.

The birth wasn't the best experience. Leo really has made me realise how much easier I had it through my pregnancy and labour with Ava. But it was all worth it. Though seeing the fear on Scarlett's face was hard to watch. I've put her through a lot these last few years. But Dr Callahan was so calm. She never faltered, just like she hasn't through our whole journey. I was safe in her hands and it's because of her that I'm still here and able to watch as my daughter cuddles with my son.

The moment that we heard his cries it was like the world just stopped. All the pain and struggle just disappeared and all that I could feel in that moment was complete and utter joy. He was with us, and he was healthy. That was all that mattered in that moment.

Holding him for the first time brought back all the memories of when I first held Ava. The unconditional love flowed through my body as my eyes took in every tiny detail of the baby in my arms. I knew that I would do everything in my power to make sure he lives a happy and healthy life. That is my only goal in life now. Making sure my whole family are happy and safe.

I loved watching his first moments with Ava. She held him so comfortably but at the same time with such caution. All those days we played house with her dolls clearly paid off. I couldn't stop the tears that fell as I saw the love she held in her eyes for her little brother. She was so desperate for a sister. I worried it would take a while before she warmed to Leo. But instead, she instantly fell into the role of being the best big sister she could be. How did I get so lucky to have two amazing children?

Our family also instantly fell in love with him. As much as I adored seeing him with his grandparents. The moment he was held by his two Godparents was a moment I'll not forget. Lizzie and Tom have been such great friends to Scarlett and me, it was a no brainer for them to take up that mantle. They both are the perfect example of what a good human is. Leo is very lucky to be able to have them help guide him through his life.

With the adrenaline of meeting Leo wearing off, and everyone falling into a comfortable quiet in the room, taking their turns in holding the baby. I could feel the aches in my body take over and tiredness sweep over me. I was struggling to keep my eyes open, but I was determined to fight it. I didn't want to miss a moment in his first few hours with us. But I knew I was on to a losing battle. So, at Scarlett's insistence, I let sleep take over me.

I wake up about two hours later, ready to try breastfeeding. For the first 6 weeks we plan to breastfeed and then move Leo onto the bottle, and I'll pump so he still is getting that nutrition. It's important that Scarlett is able to build that bond with her son, so bottle feeding means that we're both able to have those moments with our son.

As it was getting later into the evening, everyone decides that they're going to head home. It's been a long day and I know they'll be back tomorrow! Mum and dad are taking Ava home with them, much to her dismay. But they'll be back in the morning so little Leo can meet Exton and Avri. Everyone reluctantly leaves and its eventually just Scarlett, Leo and me.

Scarlett lifts Leo and brings him over to me whilst I adjust my gown so I can attempt to get him to latch. It takes a few tries, but he eventually gets comfortable and starts to feed. I forgot how weird a sensation this is. But with the skin on skin contact, I feel so connected to him.

Scarlett is watching on fondly as our son feeds, a gloss over her eyes. "I can't get over how perfect he is." She smiles, gently running her hand over his head. "Just like his mama." I smirk, earning an eyeroll. After a moment, Scarlett looks up to me. "Is it weird I'm jealous of him?" She asks with a glint in her eye. "What do you mean?" I ask with a confused look. "They're my boobs." She grins and I groan. "Way to ruin the moment Johansson." I roll my eyes at her as she laughs. "Well, these boobs are temporarily off limits to you whilst he gets used to feeding." I tell her, earning a pout. "It's a good job he's cute." She jokes through a pout.