Beneath the Surface

Epilogue: Welcome to the World, Noah

Chapter 51 - Welcome to the World, Noah

Valerie's Point of View

Two Years later

"Push!" Dr. Lizzy's voice cuts through the haze of pain, firm but encouraging. "You're so close, Valerie. I can see the head. One last big push!"

Jake leans down beside me, his grip on my hand grounding me, his other hand gently brushing sweat-soaked hair from my face. His lips press against my temple, warm and comforting. "You've got this, Butterfly," he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion. "You're so damn strong. Just one more push. For me, for him."

But I don't feel strong. I feel like my body is giving out, my muscles trembling and tears streaming down my cheeks. I shoot him a glare through the haze of exhaustion. "I hate you, Graham," I gasp. "This is all your fault! How is this fair?!"

Jake looks like he's about to laugh, but wisely thinks better of it when he sees my expression. His lips twitch into a sheepish half-smile. "You're absolutely right, baby. Totally unfair. If I could take the pain for you, I would."

"Push, Valerie!" Dr. Lizzy calls out, her tone sharp but supportive. "You're almost there. Just one more big push."

"Lizzy, I can't," I sob, shaking my head as my strength falters. "I can't do this anymore."

Jake gently turns my face to his, his green eyes locking with mine. They shimmer with tears, but also with an unshakable certainty that pulls me back from the edge of despair. "Yes, you can," he says, his voice steady but thick with emotion. "You've already done so much. One more, and we'll meet our baby boy. You're almost there, Butterfly."

Somehow, his words light a fire in me. Gritting my teeth, I tighten my grip on his hand—earning a soft hiss from him—and I push with every ounce of strength I have left.

A sharp cry pierces the room. It's raw and loud and perfect. My entire body goes slack with relief as I collapse back onto the bed. Tears pour down my face, but this time, they're not from pain.

"It's a boy!" Dr. Lizzy announces, beaming. "You did it, Valerie!"

The sound of Noah's first cries fills every corner of my heart, sweeping away the exhaustion and the pain. I lift my head just enough to see the nurses holding him up, his tiny body wriggling as they gently clean him. His little arms flail, his face scrunched into the fiercest expression I've ever seen. He's pink, wrinkled, and absolutely perfect.

Jake lets out a shaky laugh beside me, brushing a kiss across my damp forehead. "That's our boy," he whispers, awe and pride filling his voice.

Dr. Lizzy approaches Jake with the scissors, her smile wide. "Dad, would you like to cut the cord?"

The word dad makes my heart skip. Jake glances at me, his expression almost asking permission, and I nod, my face breaking into a watery smile.

He steps forward, his hands trembling slightly as he takes the scissors. "Welcome to the world, little man," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion, and with one careful snip, he cuts the cord.

The nurses wrap Noah in a soft blue and pink blanket, securing a tiny hat over his head. As they weigh him on the nearby scale, Dr. Lizzy offers an update. "Seven pounds, six ounces. Healthy heartbeat, strong lungs—this little guy is perfect."

Jake laughs softly, a mixture of relief and joy washing over his face. "Perfect," he repeats, his gaze fixed on Noah.

When they finally place him in my arms, my world narrows to just him. His dark hair peeks out from under the hat, and his tiny features are a breathtaking mix of Jake's sharp jawline, my nose, and hints of our families in every detail. My chin trembles, and fresh tears spill over as I cradle him close.

"He's beautiful," I whisper, my voice catching.

Jake sits beside me, his arm wrapping around my shoulders as he gazes down at Noah. His voice wavers as he says, "You did amazing, Val. I love you so much."

I tilt my head toward him, smiling through my tears. "I love you, too."

Jake leans down, pressing a tender kiss to the top of Noah's head. "And I love you, little man. Noah." His voice softens as he says the name, his lips curving into a smile.

I nod, wiping at my cheeks. "It fits him, doesn't it? Abuelo would've been so proud."

Jake's hand rests gently on my shoulder. "He would've loved this. You naming him after him—it's the best way to honor him. And if he'd been a girl..."

"Nora would've been just as perfect," I finish with a small laugh.

Jake grins, his finger tracing over Noah's tiny hand until it curls around his finger. "You've already got me wrapped around your finger, Peanut," he murmurs, his voice tinged with playful awe.

I chuckle, leaning into Jake's warmth as we both marvel at our son. "God, he's already stolen my heart," I whisper. "Look at him, Jake. He's everything."

Jake kisses my forehead, his voice a soft promise. "No, baby. You're everything. Both of you."

For a moment, everything else fades—the pain, the chaos, the exhaustion. All that's left is this tiny, perfect boy in my arms and the love of my life by my side. My family.

I press a kiss to Noah's forehead, smiling through my tears. "I love you, Noah," I whisper, my voice trembling with emotion. Then I glance up at Jake, my heart swelling as I add, "And I love you."

Jake grins, his gaze never leaving Noah. "I love you both more than anything."

In this moment, nothing else matters. We're here, together, and the future feels brighter than I ever imagined.

936 Words.