Im here with you- CHARLES LECLERC

Fourty-Six

Charles POV

It was a peaceful evening when the contractions started to get stronger. Angelina was sitting beside me, her hand gripping mine a little tighter with every wave of pain. I could see the tension building in her body as she tried to breathe through it, but her eyes told me everything. It was time.

"Charles," she whispered, her voice strained but determined. "It's time."

I nodded, my heart racing. I quickly called my mom, asking her to come pick up Leo and Jules, who was already fast asleep in his room. We had decided to have a home birth this time, avoiding the mad dash to the hospital like last time. I wanted it to be as calm as possible, for Angelina and for our baby.

Once the midwives arrived, they helped Angelina into the birthing pool we had set up. The contractions were coming harder now, and I stayed by her side, holding her hand, whispering words of encouragement.

By one in the morning, it was time. With each push, I could see how strong Angelina was, how determined she was to bring our baby into the world. And after only fifteen minutes, there she was — our daughter.

We had already decided on the name: Caterina Leclerc.

The midwife handed me the baby, and with my shirt already off, I held her against my chest for skin-to-skin contact. She was so small, so perfect. I looked down at Angelina, her face flushed from the effort but glowing with pride.

"You did it, Nina," I whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Our Caterina... she's perfect, just like you."

Angelina smiled through her exhaustion, her eyes fixed on our newborn daughter. I kissed her softly, thanking her for everything. My heart was full, more than I could ever express.

The Next Morning

The next morning, Angelina was struggling to move around. I could see the toll the birth had taken on her body. She winced with every small movement, so I helped her with everything I could. She was wearing one of my oversized t-shirts for comfort, along with her underwear, her body still sore from the night before.

I had Caterina in my arms as I made breakfast, preparing something light for Angelina and Jules, who would be arriving soon. Just as I was finishing up, the doorbell rang.

Angelina, lying on the couch, tried to get up. "I'll get it," she murmured, but I stopped her, handing her Caterina instead.

"Stay here, love. I've got it." I gave her a quick kiss before heading to the door.

Jules practically flew into my arms the moment I opened it, grinning from ear to ear. "Papa!" he squealed, hugging me tightly.

Pascale stood behind him, smiling warmly. "How's everything, Charles?" she asked softly.

"Perfect," I said with a nod, my heart swelling as I looked back at my mom. "Come in."

Jules ran ahead into the living room, where Angelina was waiting with Caterina in her arms. He stopped a little short, unsure at first, his eyes wide as he took in the sight of his new baby sister.

"Maman?" he asked, his voice soft, not quite knowing what to do.

Angelina smiled, reaching out a hand. "Come here, Jules. It's okay."

Jules hesitated for a moment, but then, with a little encouragement from me, he moved closer. He stood by the couch, looking down at the tiny bundle in Angelina's arms. His eyes lit up, full of wonder and curiosity.

"She's beautiful, Maman," he whispered, his voice full of awe.

Angelina beamed at him, brushing a hand through his hair. "You want to say hello to your sister?"

Jules nodded eagerly, his shyness fading. "Hi, Caterina," he whispered, his little fingers gently touching her tiny hand. He looked up at us, his face glowing with pride.

"Why don't you go put your things away, Jules, and then you can come back and hold her," I suggested. Jules nodded enthusiastically and ran off to his room to drop off his bag.

Pascale moved closer to Angelina, smiling down at her granddaughter. Angelina gently handed Caterina over, and I watched as my mom held her for the first time, her eyes filling with tears.

"She's beautiful, just like her mother," Pascale said softly, looking up at Angelina with so much warmth.

I sat down next to Angelina on the couch, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and kissing her temple. "Thank you, for everything," I whispered, my heart full. She leaned into me, giving me a tired but content smile.

After a few moments, Jules came back, bouncing with excitement. "Can I hold her now, Papa?"

I smiled, nodding. "Of course, buddy." I gently took Caterina from Pascale and sat Jules on the couch next to me. "But let's do it together, okay?"

Jules nodded seriously, watching closely as I placed Caterina in his arms, my hand supporting her head. He stared down at her, completely mesmerized.

"She's so tiny," Jules whispered, his eyes wide.

"She is," I agreed, my hand still supporting Caterina's head as I watched Jules interact with her.

"Is she gonna grow up to be a racer like me, Papa?" Jules asked, his face lighting up with excitement.

I chuckled softly. "Maybe, or maybe she'll be a singer like Maman."

Jules grinned, looking up at Angelina, who smiled warmly at the sight of our son holding his baby sister.

At that moment, everything felt perfect. Our family was complete, and I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together.