world we created, paul lahote

Chapter 41

The following morning had been nothing short of a whirlwind of excitement and panic mixed into one. It started as their usual Sunday mornings, relaxed and slow, with no rush to do anything or be anywhere for the day. Though, what seemingly appeared as a normal day was anything but.

Lucia had been making breakfast with Paul's aid when she felt a warm trickle down her leg. A tightness gripped her chest, a fluttering sensation of shock shooting through her. She can feel sweat forming on her palms, and she's almost scared to look down, but she does so anyway. Her eyes land on the water at her feet and one glance at Paul and they both knew--the baby was coming.

Paul is swift in his movements, retrieving the packed bag and helping Lucia in the truck before making their way to the hospital. He kept her mind off of all her worries, ensuring everything would be fine.

Lucia's contractions start the moment they arrive at the hospital, each one coming in waves, building strength before gradually easing away. It feels as if her body is working in tandem with the baby, preparing for what lies ahead. She can't focus on anything else but the pain--her contractions are strong and frequent. After what felt like hours to the brunette when she finally is ready to give birth.

Tears flowed freely down Lucia's flushed cheeks as another wave of pain wracked her body. Even through the haze of agony, she could feel Paul's gentle touch, brushing her hair aside with care. His other hand was gripped firmly in her own, her head tossed against the pillow as wails escaped her. The pain was unimaginable and she had never expected it to hurt this much. It felt as if she was being split in two.

"You're doing so well, my love," Paul murmured, his soothing voice steady. His touch is gentle and his grip on her hand is firm, providing a sense of stability in the pain. "The doctor says you're nearly there. Just a few more pushes."

Lucia's voice was barely more than a hoarse whisper as she spoke to Paul. All of her remaining strength seemed to have been poured into those final pushes. Her eyes are wet with tears as she looks up at Paul who wipes them away with a tender hand. "I just want to go home."

"I know, my love. And we will," Paul promised, lifting her hand to press a kiss to her knuckles. He smiles at her reassuringly through happy tears. "As soon as our little one is ready too."

As if on cue, the doctor peered between Lucia's legs once more. "I see the head. Next contraction I need a big push."

Lucia groaned softly, fatigue swirling in her eyes. She was so tired and she wished she could just get up and leave at that moment. Paul squeezed her hand reassuringly, murmuring soft encouragement as the telltale tightening began once more in her abdomen. Her body tenses, her muscles flexing as she grips Paul's hand in a vice grip. The physical strain is palpable. A scream split the air, closely followed by a rush of release and an even louder cry as their child was birthed into the waiting hands of the doctor.

Upon inspecting the squalling newborn, a smile broke out on the doctor's face. "Well, Mom and Dad, you've got yourself a healthy baby boy."

Lucia lies back and smiles through heavy-lidded eyes. Paul glances down at his wife, noticing despite her exhaustion, her eyes are bright with profound love and wonder. Paul leaned down to press a tender kiss to her temple. "You hear that, my love? He's here."

The nurses whisked the squirming baby away to be checked and cleaned. Only moments passed but it felt a small eternity before their arms were gently depositing the now quiet infant into Lucia's waiting embrace. A soft sob escaped her, tears streaming down her cheeks which Paul wiped away with a smile that couldn't be removed if he tried to. She gazed down at her son's pink, precious face and couldn't help but be filled with wonder.

"Oh Paul, look... he's perfect," she wept, one shaking hand coming up to support his tiny head as her finger traced the curve of his cheek. The sheer awe of seeing their child for the first time transforms her previous fatigued expression, making her look serene and deeply content. And she was.

The kind nurse leaned over Lucia with a questioning look. "Have you chosen a name for this precious one?"

Lucia gazed up lovingly at Paul, her expression conveying silent communication between them. She feels the warmth of the tiny body against her sweat-damp skin as she holds him closer to her chest. A smile of understanding crossed his lips as he nodded gently. She turned back to the nurse, speaking softly but surely.

"Jedidiah Lahote."

A hush fell over the room at the announcement of the name, heavy with meaning. The nurse beamed. "A strong name for what is sure to be a fine young man. Welcome to the world, little Jedidiah."

She fussed over the new family a moment more before quietly taking her leave, sensing the private moment between them.

Paul wrapped an arm around Lucia's shoulders, carefully resting his temple on the top of her head as they gazed down at their son -- no, Jedidiah's tiny form, chest already rising and falling in peaceful sleep. He fights back tears as he gazes down at his son and, as gentle as a spring breeze, brushes his finger along Jedidiah's rosy cheek. The newborn stirred at his father's tender touch. Then, almost as if recognising the loving contact, his eyes flickered open for the first time.

Two luminous orbs of forest green peered up at Paul with curious focus. He felt his breath catch at the sight and seems almost as if time stands still. The joy that illuminates Paul's features is palpable, akin to that of the sun on a hot summer's day. There, looking into his son's eyes, he sees his darling Lucia. All of her tender beauty, held in miniature form between thick lashes and arched brows.

"He has my eyes," Lucia cooed; her touch was soft and reverent as if she was scared he would break when she caressed her son's downy cheek.

Paul could only nod in stunned agreement, reaching to brush aside a lock of hair from her forehead. "And your lovely cheeks and freckles."

It was true -- even swaddled, Jedidiah's complexion held the same rosy dusting as Lucia's. But then, tucked under that mop of dark tresses that resembled Paul's, was a nose the Lahote man knew could have come from none other than himself. Small imperfections that, woven together, formed utter perfection. He was seeing double of both the woman he adored, and the babe they had made through their devotion to one another.

Gently, Paul leaned down to place a tender kiss upon Jedidiah's brow. "The best of us both, hm?"

Jedidiah gazed up at his father with those shining eyes, so full of innocence and wonder. As if compelled by some newborn instinct, his tiny rosebud mouth fell open in a perfect 'o' of curiosity and contentment. And then, with a grip that belied his delicate size, Jedidiah's perfect little hand closed around Paul's finger. Clutched it tightly as if seeking the only anchor he knew in this new world.

Paul's breath caught in his throat at the feeling. Such fragile strength left him pierced to his core. Despite his best efforts, Paul felt hot tears spill unbidden down his cheeks. He didn't bother to check them; there was no shame here. Only joy, pride, and overwhelming love for this family he was blessed to call his own.

"I love you both," Paul whispered, voice thick with emotion as he gazed down at Jedidiah's perfect little face. "More than I ever knew possible."

"We love you too," Lucia replied as she gazed adoringly between her husband and son, her heart so full it felt fit to burst. "Our beautiful boy."

Admired the little bundle of joy in her arms. His rosebud mouth worked contentedly as he gurgled on some infant thought. Eyes of green wonder remained locked with those of his father before flickering to her own, trusting and true.

As the day went on, family and friends came to see the beautiful boy, marvelling at the baby as he lay, nestled in his mother's embrace. When Lucia had finally gone to sleep, the exertion of the birth catching up to her, Paul cradled the baby boy with such tenderness that belied his towering and gruff form. A smile was permanent on his lips that day and it didn't leave despite Jared and Embry's teasing.

Why would it when he held his entire world in his arms? Their son -- the physical manifestation of their love, radiant and whole and theirs.