The Love That Grew

Ch. 35 Cheers

Two weeks later ....

Loud wails sounded off on the baby monitor Xavier promptly sat up in bed arm reaching for Jashae her side of the bed cold, empty. Stretching his limbs he walked out heading to the nursery.

Xavier quickly crossed the room, taking in the sight of Jashae struggling with Amara.  "I've tried everything she won't stop. Maybe somethings wrong" Jashae said swaying back and forth in the rocking chair while caressing the fussy baby's back.  He didn't miss the way her shoulders slumped, the tears streaks and bags under her eyes or the exhaustion in her voice.

He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. "Hey, love. Let me take her."

Jashae hesitated, her grip tightening slightly around Amara as she sniffled. "I've tried feeding her, changing her, burping her nothing's working, Zay. I don't know what else to do." Her voice cracked, the frustration and drowsiness catching up to her all at once.

"It's okay" he reassured her, carefully lifting Amara from her arms. "You've been up for hours lets switch. You go to bed, and I'll take the night shift"

Jashae nodded reluctantly, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "I'm sorry, Xavier. I just—I feel like I'm failing her. Like I should know how to fix this."

Xavier shook his head, cradling Amara close and rocking her gently. "You're not failing, Jashae. You're doing everything you can, and sometimes babies just cry. It's not your fault."

He began humming softly, his deep voice vibrating through his chest as he bounced Amara lightly. Slowly, her cries softened to whimpers, then to soft hiccups. Xavier continued rocking her, pacing around the room while keeping his eyes on Jashae. She looked so worn out; the responsibilities of new motherhood was pressing down on her from all angles.

"You're doing amazing, Shae," Xavier said softly, catching her gaze. "Being a mom is hard, but you're not alone in this. We're a team, remember? I got you; I got us."

Jashae nodded, finally allowing herself to sink back into the rocking chair, her body surrendering to it's soft interior. "I just want to be good for her. To be the mom she needs."

A small frown formed on Xavier's face as he watched Jashae, the weight of her words sinking in. He knew how much motherhood meant to her—especially after losing her mom and grandmother. It was more than just a role; it was a connection to the women she'd loved and lost.

He gently placed a hand on her knee, his touch firm yet tender. "I know it's hard, Shae. But you're doing everything right. They'd be so proud of you."

Jashae glanced down, her fingers tracing the floral pattern on the rocking chair cushion. "I just... I don't want to mess up. I want her to feel loved, to always know I'm here."

"She will," Xavier reassured her, his voice steady. "You're giving her everything you didn't get to have. And that makes you an incredible mom. You're breaking cycles and building something beautiful for her."

Jashae watched as Xavier paced with Amara, her cries now replaced with the soft rhythm of her breathing as her own eyes grew heavy, the exhaustion pulling her down.

"Get some sleep, love," Xavier whispered, noticing her eyelids drooping. "I'll be right here."

With that reassurance, Jashae finally closed her eyes, letting the soothing sound of Xavier's low humming pull her into a much-needed rest. Xavier continued to rock Amara, whispering to her softly, "We've got you, baby girl. You're safe. Mommy and Daddy are always gonna be here."

As he held his daughter close, Xavier glanced over at Jashae, now peacefully asleep in the rocking chair. He knew it was going to be a journey, full of sleepless nights and endless worries, but as long as they had each other, they'd make it through.