The Brightest Stars ✨

Chapter 42

Gabe spent the next few hours in a blissful haze, alternating between gazing at his newborn daughter and checking on Natalia. The gravity of the situation lingered in the background, but a deep sense of calm and gratitude had begun to settle over him. The magnitude of what had just happened—bringing a new life into the world—still felt surreal. It was as if the world had simultaneously shrunk and expanded, all his focus now centred on the two most important people in his life.

Natalia, though still recovering from major surgery, was slowly regaining her strength. She was being closely monitored for her blood pressure, a constant reminder of the fragility of her condition.

With his mother and Shaneese's help, Gabe took on the role of Baby Nico's primary caregiver, feeling both proud and terrified by the responsibility. He got a crash course in diaper changing, battling a mix of fascination and horror when he encountered his baby's first poop—a tar-black substance that had momentarily frozen him before recalling his mom and Shaneese's warnings.

Visitors began to trickle in, bringing with them a mix of excitement, relief, and congratulations. Elizabeth and Shaneese were the first to arrive, their expressions softening the moment they saw the baby nestled against Natalia. Shaneese, ever the expert, gently took the baby into her arms when Natalia drifted off to sleep, cooing softly as she rocked her. Gabe watched, his heart swelling with emotions he couldn't even begin to describe.

"She's beautiful," Elizabeth whispered, tears glistening in her eyes as she gazed at her first grandchild. Her voice was thick with emotion, each word a testament to the love she already felt.

Gabe nodded, his own eyes moist as he looked at his daughter. "She really is. Her name's Nicole."

Nicole was a vision with her shock of curly light brown hair, honey cream complexion, and almond-shaped eyes inherited from her mother. Gabe marvelled at the perfection of her tiny features—her long eyelashes, small button nose, and pursed pink lips. Even in her fragile state, she looked perpetually annoyed, a tiny furrow between her brows giving her an air of seriousness that made Gabe chuckle.

At just under 5 and a half pounds, she was too small for even the tiniest baby clothes, the onesie she wore dwarfing her already delicate frame. Every time someone else held her, Gabe's heart pounded in his chest. Did they realise how precious she was? Did they know how much she meant to him? The nurses reassured him repeatedly that babies were more resilient than they appeared, but his worry lingered.

Dr. Karonovsky returned to check on Natalia and Nicole, his demeanor professional yet kind. After examining Nicole carefully, he reassured them that both mother and baby were doing well.

"We'll continue to monitor Natalia closely," he said, "but everything looks good so far."

Gabe felt a surge of gratitude towards the doctor and the entire medical team. "Thank you," he said earnestly. "For everything."

The doctor nodded, a faint smile touching his lips. "You're welcome, Gabe. Congratulations to both of you."

Lima joined them next, her usual vivacity muted by the awe of meeting her niece for the first time. She leaned over the crib, her face breaking into a broad smile as she took in the sight of Nicole.

"Look at my beautiful niece though," she whispered, her voice filled with wonder. Then, with a playful nudge to Gabe, she added, "What do you know, you can make cute babies, knucklehead."

Gabe grinned, feeling a rare moment of lightness. "Thank you. I didn't know there was a doubt?"

"Don't get too cocky," Lima teased, her eyes sparkling. "I'm sure it's all Natalia's doing."