Healing hearts

Chapter fourteen

Cassie's pov

The weeks flew by, and before I knew it, I was just a few days away from my due date. I had been off work for a few weeks now, and my mom and Stella had been taking good care of me. Xander was always there whenever I needed him, and I was so grateful for that.

It was nice to see my mom and Stella getting along so well. They seemed to really enjoy each other's company, and I was happy to see that they were bonding.

I received a fruit baskets and bouquet of flowers from Noah almost everyday.I appreciated the gesture, but I didn't want to open any doors with him. I was married now, and I had to let go of any feelings I might have had for him. I didn't tell Xander about the gifts , though.

I was sitting at home playing a board game with my mom and Stella when evening rolled around, and Xander still wasn't home yet. He usually got home much earlier than this. I felt a sudden sense of longing and anxiety. I didn't understand why, but I needed him to be home with me.

Then, without warning, my water broke. I cried out and told my mom, who immediately sprang into action. Everyone was on full on panic mode.

Stella immediately tried to reach Xander, while my mom helped me into the car. Stella drove us to the hospital as fast as she could, while I tried to stay calm.

When we arrived, I was quickly changed into a hospital gown and a doctor came to check how dilated I was.

Not long after, my dad, brother, and Noah showed up in the waiting room. My dad rushed over to me and gave me a big hug. "My princess," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

"Anytime now, Dad," I said, "my son will be here."

He nodded, a tear rolling down his cheek. "I'm so happy for you, sweetheart," he said.

"How are you doing, Cass?" my brother asked.

"I'm fine," I said, "just a little nervous."

"It's going to be okay," Noah said. "You'll have a baby in your arms soon enough."

Just then, Stella walked into the room. I was hoping to see Xander with her, but he wasn't there. I felt a wave of sadness wash over me.

"Stella, where's Xander?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"He'll be here soon," she said. "He got stuck in a meeting."

"A meeting?" my brother interjected. "Doesn't he know he should be here early? Isn't his child he forcefully impregnated my sister with more important than some stupid meeting?"

My brother's words were harsh. I looked at him and said, "Enough, Brian. That's not helpful right now." I winced a bit

My dad noticed and took Brian, Noah followed and Stella went out with them and I was left with my mom.

Just then, a contraction hit me, and I cried out in pain. "Mom, it hurts!" I said.

"It's okay, Cassie," she said. "Everything will be all right. Just breathe through it."

But I couldn't. I felt panicked and scared. "Mom, I want Xander here," I said.

"I know, sweetie," she said, rubbing my back. "The nurse will take you to the delivery room soon.

Suddenly, the door opened, and there he was - Xander. He rushed over and wrapped his arms around me, kissing my face and apologizing profusely.

"Where were you?" I asked him.

"I got stuck in traffic," he said. "I'm so sorry."

But before he could say anything else, another contraction hit me.

"It hurts," I said, tears streaming down my face.

"It's okay, sweetheart," he said, comforting me as best he could. "Everything is going to be all right."

Soon, the doctor came in and said, "It's time."

I was wheeled into the delivery room, with my mom and Xander by my side. The doctor instructed me to push, and I did, with all my might. After a few pushes, I heard the most beautiful sound in the world - the cry of my baby boy.

"Congratulations, it's a boy!" the doctor said.

Tears of joy filled my eyes, and I looked at Xander, who was beaming with pride. "Thank you so much," he said and kissed me.

I broke the kiss and looked at the doctor. "Can I hold him?" I asked, my voice trembling with emotion.

The doctor carefully placed my baby boy in my arms, and I held him close. He was so beautiful - he had Xander's skin and eyes, but I thought he got his nose from me. He stopped crying as I kissed his head.

"He's perfect," I said, tears rolling down my cheeks.

Later I was taken to the delivery room so everyone can see us.

"Everyone, meet Alexander Jr. Richard Smith," I said, my heart swelling with love.

But my announcement was met with mixed reactions. My dad and brother looked at each other in confusion , while Xander looked at me in surprised.

"What?" my brother said, his voice full of anger. "Why would you name your child after this bastard?"

Xander's eyes narrowed at Brian .

"He's the father of my child," I said firmly, my voice shaking with anger. "And I will not tolerate you calling him a bastard in front of my son."

"Can't you at least give your son a better name?" my brother asked, his voice rising. "Isn't it enough that he looks like him? Now you have to give him his name too?"

I felt my anger rising. "Look, I've made my decision, and I don't need your approval," I said, my voice shaking. "You'll just have to accept it."

My brother looked furious, and before I could say anything else, he turned and stormed out of the room, and Xander went after him.