Healing hearts

Chapter fifteen

Xander's pov

As I looked down at my newborn son, I felt a surge of emotion. I was so happy, it was almost overwhelming. He was perfect, and I couldn't believe I was a father now.

When Cassie named him after me, I was surprised. But it was also a sweet gesture, and it made me love her even more. When I kissed her after she gave birth, something inside me stirred. I hadn't felt this way in a long time, and I know that I shouldn't feel this way as she just gave birth but God I love her so much.

But just as the moment was perfect, but Brian just had  to ruin it. His remark hung in the air like a dark cloud. I couldn't help but wonder why he hated me so much, and what I could have possibly done to deserve his animosity.

Without a word to Cassie, I went after him, following him out of the room. I wasn't sure what I was going to say to him, but I knew I had to confront him.

"Hey, Brian," I said. He stopped, surprised that I'd followed him. I could tell he was a bit angry, and I was a bit scared of him. But I swallowed my fear and stood my ground. "I know we haven't always seen eye to eye," I said. "But for Cassie's sake, can we try to put our differences aside?", He scoffed.

"Don't you dare mean what I think you do smith ," he spat, his voice dripping with venom. "I can't ever like you, even for my nephew's sake? I hate you, Smith, and never forget that."

"For goodness' sake," I said, my voice shaking. "What did I ever do to you to make you hate me this much? Can't you just let go of your teenage pride? If anyone has a reason to hate, it's me. After all you and your friends put me through in high school", he looked at me harshly.

"How dare you say that to my face you bastard?" he said dangerously , his face red with anger. "You have no idea how much you disgust me. And now you've forced yourself into my sister's life and you've ruined my nephew with your disgusting blood. I will never forgive you for that and will forever hate you ."

"You know what? I'm done. I guess you can't let go of the past, and I can't make you. Cassie has forgiven me, and I know that I don't deserve it, but she's a better person than you are . Sometimes I wonder if you're really her brother, because you don't have her pure heart."

With that, I turned about to walk away when he spoke.

"Congratulations on the birth of your son," he said, his voice hollow. "And I hope you never forget that the only reason you have this happiness is because you hurt and  forced yourself on my sister ."

With that, he turned and walked away. His words stung, but I chose to ignore him and go and meet my son.

Cassie's pov

A few days later, I was discharged from the hospital and driven home by Xander. In my arms, I held my baby, gazing down at his little face. He was so cute, and I couldn't get enough of him. I loved this tiny, precious soul more than anything.

Xander parked the car at our home , helped me out it and opened the door for me. As I walked to the door , I was greeted by Stella, Kelly, and another girl I didn't recognize. They were all smiling, and I saw that they had put up a "Welcome Home" sign on the door. I guess they had been working on it all day.

"Oh my God, can I please see my beautiful Godson?" Kelly gushed, reaching for the baby in my arms.

I handed him over, and she cooed, "Oh my God, he's so beautiful. He looks like an angel."

"Yeah, he reminds me of a baby Xander," his mom said, smiling.

"Congratulations, Xander," the other woman said, smiling. "But I still think he looks way better than you did as a baby." She had a distinct accent that I couldn't place.