Journey of the heart(3)

Chapter 62: The Countdown Begins

Mya's due date was just around the corner, and the house buzzed with anticipation. Every day, it seemed like they were waiting for a signal that the baby was ready to make their entrance into the world. The nursery was complete, stocked with everything they needed, and Zaria's excitement had grown as she started to grasp more of what "baby" meant.

Despite the growing physical discomfort of her final trimester, Mya couldn't help but feel a calm sense of readiness. She had Jaylen by her side, and the support of family and friends gave her confidence that they would handle whatever came next. It was a stark contrast to her first pregnancy when everything had felt overwhelming. This time, she felt like they were stepping into this next chapter on solid ground.

One evening, as she lay on the couch, rubbing her belly and feeling the baby move, Jaylen sat beside her, scrolling through something on his phone. He looked up, noticing her thoughtful expression.

"You good?" he asked, reaching over to place his hand on her belly.

Mya nodded, smiling as she felt the baby kick against his hand. "Yeah, just thinking about how different everything feels this time around. I don't feel as scared. I feel ready."

Jaylen's face softened, and he leaned in to kiss her forehead. "That's because we are ready. We've got everything we need this time. And we're not in it alone."

Mya sighed, feeling the warmth of his words wash over her. "I think that's what makes the difference. We have each other, and we have the support we didn't have before."

Jaylen nodded, his hand still resting on her belly as the baby kicked again. "This little one's ready too, huh?"

Mya laughed softly. "Definitely feels like it."

The days blurred together as the due date approached. Mya's pregnancy had gone smoothly for the most part, but as she neared the end, she began to feel the familiar aches and exhaustion set in. She spent most of her days at home, resting and preparing for the baby's arrival, while Jaylen took on more of the responsibilities with Zaria and around the house.

One evening, after putting Zaria to bed, Mya found herself pacing the living room, unable to settle down. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to happen soon—that the baby was coming sooner than expected. Her body felt different, heavier in a way that signaled change.

Jaylen noticed her restlessness as he walked into the room, rubbing the back of his neck. "You alright? You've been on your feet all day."

Mya stopped pacing, turning to him with a tired smile. "I just feel... off. Like something's about to happen. Maybe it's just me being anxious, but I don't know."

Jaylen raised an eyebrow, stepping closer and placing his hands on her shoulders. "Maybe your body's telling you the baby's getting ready. You want me to call the doctor, just in case?"

Mya shook her head, leaning into him. "No, I think I just need to rest. If anything changes, we'll go, but I don't think it's time yet."

Jaylen kissed her gently on the forehead, guiding her to the couch. "Alright, but take it easy. We don't need you overdoing it."

Mya settled into the cushions, her mind still racing as Jaylen turned on the TV and sat beside her. She knew it could be any day now, and the thought both excited and terrified her. They were ready, but nothing truly prepared you for the moment you met your child for the first time.

The following morning, Mya woke up to a sharp, unfamiliar sensation in her lower back. She shifted in bed, hoping it would pass, but when the sensation came again, she froze. This was it.

She nudged Jaylen, who was still sound asleep beside her. "Jaylen, wake up."

Jaylen stirred, blinking sleepily as he turned toward her. "What's wrong?"

Mya took a deep breath, her hand resting on her belly. "I think it's time."

It took Jaylen a second to process her words, but as soon as they registered, he sat up straight, wide awake. "Wait—now? You mean the baby's coming?"

Mya nodded, her voice calm despite the building intensity in her body. "Yeah, I think so. I've been feeling it all night, and now... I'm sure."

Jaylen jumped out of bed, his usual calm demeanor quickly replaced with a nervous energy. "Okay, okay. Let me grab the bag. We'll get to the hospital."

Mya chuckled softly, watching him scramble around the room. "Breathe, Jay. We've got time. Let's call your mom to come over for Zaria, and we'll head to the hospital."

Jaylen stopped in his tracks, taking a deep breath as he pulled out his phone. "Right. I'm calm. I got this."

Within half an hour, Jaylen's mother had arrived to stay with Zaria, who was still sound asleep, blissfully unaware of the excitement happening around her. Mya and Jaylen headed out the door, their bags packed and ready, but as they drove to the hospital, Mya couldn't help but feel the weight of what was about to happen.

This was it. They were about to meet their second child.

The hours at the hospital seemed to stretch on forever. Mya's contractions became stronger, more intense, but she remained focused, breathing through the pain as Jaylen stayed by her side, holding her hand through every wave.

"You're doing great, babe," Jaylen whispered, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "Almost there."

Mya nodded, squeezing his hand tightly as another contraction hit. She had done this before, but it didn't make it any easier. The pain was real, but so was the reward waiting on the other side.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the doctor gave the signal that it was time to push. Mya braced herself, summoning every ounce of strength she had left as she pushed through the pain. Jaylen's voice was steady in her ear, encouraging her, grounding her, reminding her that she was strong enough to do this.

And then, just when she thought she couldn't take it anymore, the sound of a baby's cry filled the room.

Tears sprang to Mya's eyes as the doctor placed the baby in her arms, the tiny body wriggling against her chest. She looked down at the little face, overwhelmed with emotion as she took in the sight of her child.

"It's a boy," the doctor announced with a smile.

Mya's heart swelled as she cradled her newborn son, feeling the weight of him in her arms. She glanced up at Jaylen, who was staring down at the baby with awe in his eyes.

"A boy," Mya whispered, tears streaming down her face.

Jaylen smiled, his voice thick with emotion. "We've got a son."

He leaned down, kissing Mya's forehead before gently placing a kiss on their son's tiny head. "He's perfect."

Mya nodded, feeling an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude. Their family was complete. They had a daughter and now a son, and the future stretched out before them, full of new possibilities.

As they sat there in the quiet of the hospital room, holding their newborn son, Mya knew that this was the start of something beautiful. They had built a life together, one full of love, resilience, and hope. And now, with their new baby in their arms, they were ready to face whatever came next—together.