A Ruin Of Roses (Used to be: My Mysterious Husband)

TWENTY-SEVEN

𝙳𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚗, 𝙸𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝟷:𝟹𝟻 𝙿.𝙼 𝙹𝚄𝙽𝙴 𝟸𝟷𝚜𝚝 𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟾
[𝙿.𝙾.𝚅 𝚁𝙾𝚂𝙴]

"Are you ready to see your baby?" the doctor asks, her voice gentle and reassuring.

"Are you ready?" I ask, looking at Jayden, who's sitting next to me.

"I'm ready!" He giggles with anticipation, his eyes glued to the screen.

The doctor puts the transducer on my stomach and starts moving it slowly, her expertise evident in her every move. I lie back, patiently waiting until a tiny white blob appears on the screen.

"There they are," she says, pointing to the screen.

Jayden's eyes widen with amazement. "That's my sibling?" he asks, a mixture of curiosity and excitement in his voice.

I manage a weak smile, my heart heavy with the absence of Jaxon at this crucial moment. "Yes, it is."

The doctor then suggests, "I'm going to run a few tests, but first, let's get you cleaned up." I nod in agreement, and Jayden offers a subdued smile as he realizes that his mother's health is a top priority.

"I'm excited, Mom," he says, his voice soft but filled with warmth and hope.

"Me too," I reply, my own excitement mingled with a sense of apprehension. A part of me is thrilled to welcome a new addition to our family, but I can't ignore the weight of responsibility and the uncertainty that comes with raising two children without financial support. The challenges ahead are daunting, but the love and excitement shared between Jayden and me give me the strength to face the future with determination and hope

𝙳𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚗, 𝙸𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝟸:𝟸𝟻 𝙿.𝙼 𝙹𝚄𝙽𝙴 𝟸𝟷𝚜𝚝 𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟾
[𝙿.𝙾.𝚅 𝙹𝙰𝚇𝙾𝙽]

I sit in the hospital lobby, my mind consumed by worry for Jayce and Jill, who are facing complications with their child's birth. As I lean back in my chair, my thoughts inevitably drift to Rose and Jayden. The unexpected appearance of Jayden and Rose in the hospital lobby takes me by surprise.

"Dad!" Jayden shouts, rushing over to hug me. I'm stunned but overjoyed to see them both. I hold Jayden tightly in my arms, cherishing the warmth of his presence.

"What are you guys doing here? Is everything okay?" Rose inquires, her eyes reflecting genuine concern.

Jayce, who has been pacing anxiously, interjects, "My wife is in surgery due to pregnancy complications."

Rose's eyes widen slightly, and she offers her sympathy. "That's terrible. I'm sorry to hear that. I went through a similar experience when I was pregnant with Jayden."

I can see that Rose is hiding something, something significant. Her demeanor reveals a sense of unease.

"Why are you here? Did something happen?" I ask, my concern deepening with every passing moment.

Rose motions for a private conversation and says, "Let's talk over here."

In the quiet corner of the lobby, she finally reveals the hidden truth. "We came in today for an ultrasound, I'm pregnant."

I'm utterly speechless. The realization that I am the father of Rose's unborn child hits me like a tidal wave. We had been together only one time, and I never thought it would lead to this.

"I'm not expecting you to pay anything," Rose says, her gaze fixed on the floor.

"I don't understand," I reply, my mind racing.

"It's not your problem," she insists, but I can see the worry in her eyes.

"How far along are you?" I ask, needing more information to process this shocking revelation.

"Twelve weeks," Rose answers.

I decide that I won't let her go through this alone, despite the complicated circumstances. "I'm not going to let this go, you know that, right?"

Rose sighs and nods. "To be honest, I don't want you to. But we still can't be together. I won't keep them away from you, but it will have to be in a private place, like your house in Cork or something."

"I'm sorry," I say, struggling with the situation. "But I think they should stay away. I don't know what these guys are planning, and all I want is to keep you safe."

Rose seems on edge but accepts my decision. "Are you sure?"

I reach into my pocket and slide a piece of paper toward her. "You can send me pictures and videos if that helps a little, and I will send some money to help you. I know you said you don't need me to, but I know you need help, and I'm not going to make your job harder."

Tears well up in her eyes as she reads my note, and I offer a faint smile. The emotions are too powerful to contain, and I lean in, capturing her lips in a gentle kiss. It's a shared moment, a brief escape from the turmoil surrounding us. She doesn't resist; instead, she responds with a deep longing.

As we pull away, we both wipe our tears. "I love you," she says with unreserved honesty.

"I love you too," I reply, determined to fix the broken pieces and win her back. Her touch, her scent, the softness of her skin—all these sensations reignite a fire in my heart to fight for my family in every way I can.

Rose turns to Jayden, breaking the emotional tension. "Honey, give hugs. We have to go."

Jayden stands and I pick him up, holding him close. "I love you," I whisper to him.

"I love you too, Dad," he responds, his grip tightening slightly.

"Be good for your mom for me, okay?" I say before putting him down.

"I will," he assures me as they leave the hospital. It's heart-wrenching, but this time, I glimpse a glimmer of hope that I can be with them again, as a family of three.