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Chapter 30 - Visitors

The morning after Rebecca was born felt like waking up in a dream I didn't want to end. The light filtered softly through the hospital blinds, casting a warm glow over the room. I lay in the bed, exhausted but completely mesmerized by the tiny, perfect human sleeping in my arms.

Rebecca.

Every time I said her name in my head, it felt surreal, like I was still trying to grasp that she was real, that I was her mom. Her little fingers curled around mine, her soft breaths steady and soothing.

The peaceful moment was interrupted by a soft knock at the door, followed by it creaking open. My mom peeked in, her face lighting up when she saw us. "How are my two favorite girls?" she asked in a gentle voice, stepping into the room.

"Good," I whispered, smiling tiredly. "She's been sleeping like an angel."

My mom came over and sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes brimming with emotion as she looked at Rebecca. "She's beautiful, Mia. Absolutely beautiful."

I felt a warmth spread through me at her words. It meant so much to hear that from her. After everything, after all the doubts and the fears, seeing my mom's pride and love was everything I needed.

"Thanks, Mom," I said softly, my voice catching a little.

She reached out and stroked Rebecca's cheek gently. "You did amazing. I'm so proud of you."

Before I could respond, there was another knock at the door, this time louder, followed by the sound of voices outside. My dad's familiar laugh broke through, and a second later, he pushed open the door with an excited grin.

"Well, well, look who's here!" my dad boomed, stepping inside with a bouquet of flowers in hand. Behind him, Tara followed, her face lighting up with excitement as soon as she saw Rebecca.

"Oh my god, Mia, she's here! She's really here!" Tara squealed, rushing over to my side, careful not to jostle me or the baby. She leaned in close, her eyes wide as she gazed at Rebecca. "She's so tiny! And so, so cute!"

"She is, isn't she?" I said with a grin, my heart swelling with pride. It felt good to have my best friend here, sharing in this moment with me.

Tara practically bounced with excitement. "Can I hold her?"

I hesitated for a second—part of me still not quite ready to let go of my baby girl—but I nodded. "Yeah, of course. Just be careful."

I handed Rebecca over carefully, and Tara cradled her with a tenderness I hadn't expected. "Hi, little Rebecca," she cooed softly, her face full of awe. "Your mom's pretty awesome, you know that?"

I laughed softly, watching as Tara held her like she'd been around newborns her whole life. My dad came over and stood beside her, peeking down at Rebecca with a huge grin on his face.

"Look at that," he said, shaking his head in wonder. "She's perfect, Mia."

"She really is," I said, feeling a lump form in my throat. This was the first time my dad had seen her up close, and his reaction meant more to me than I could say.

He leaned down and kissed the top of my head. "I'm so proud of you, kiddo. You're gonna be an amazing mom."

Tears stung at the corners of my eyes, and I quickly blinked them away, not wanting to get too emotional. But it was hard not to, especially with all the love and support surrounding me. This was my family, and they were here for me—and for Rebecca.

Just as I was about to respond, the door creaked open again, and a familiar face I hadn't been expecting poked through.

Ethan.

He stood in the doorway, looking unsure of himself, but when his eyes landed on me and the baby, he smiled. "Hey, Mia. Can I come in?"

"Of course," I said, my heart lifting at the sight of him. I hadn't been sure if he would show up or not, given everything that had happened with Justin. But I was glad he was here.

He stepped inside, his hands shoved deep in his pockets, looking a little awkward. Tara passed Rebecca back to me, and I gently cradled her in my arms as Ethan approached, his eyes fixed on her.

"Wow," he breathed, looking amazed. "She's really here."

"Yeah," I said with a soft smile. "She is."

Ethan hovered beside the bed for a moment before sitting down in the chair next to me. "She's beautiful, Mia. Just like you."

I blushed a little, looking down at Rebecca as she stirred in my arms. "Thanks."

For a few moments, we just sat there in comfortable silence, Ethan watching Rebecca with a mixture of awe and tenderness. I could tell he was still processing everything—the fact that I had a baby now, that we'd all grown up faster than any of us had expected.

"So... how are you feeling?" he asked, his voice softer now, more serious.

I shrugged, letting out a small laugh. "Tired. Sore. But... good. Really good."

He nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I'm glad. You've been through a lot, Mia. I just want you to know I'm here for you. If you ever need anything."

"Thanks, Ethan," I said sincerely, feeling a wave of gratitude for him. He'd always been there, even when things got messy. "That means a lot."

The conversation was interrupted by yet another knock at the door, this one sharp and quick. My heart sank a little as the door swung open and Justin walked in, looking nervous but determined.

Everyone in the room went silent. My mom and dad exchanged wary glances, while Tara shot me a look of concern. Ethan stiffened, his eyes narrowing at the sight of Justin.

I held my breath, not sure what to expect.

Justin walked over, his eyes on Rebecca, who was still peacefully sleeping in my arms. "Hey, Mia," he said quietly. "I... I wanted to come see her."

I nodded, trying to keep my voice steady. "Okay."

He stood awkwardly for a moment, then gestured toward the baby. "Can I... can I hold her?"

I hesitated, glancing at my mom for reassurance. She gave me a slight nod, though her expression was guarded. I turned back to Justin, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Yeah," I said finally. "Just be careful."

I passed Rebecca over to him, my hands shaking a little as I let go. Justin held her like she was made of glass, his eyes wide with wonder. For a moment, the tension in the room seemed to melt away as he looked down at his daughter for the first time.

"She's... she's so tiny," he whispered, his voice full of awe.

"She is," I agreed, watching his face closely.

Justin swallowed hard, his eyes glistening with emotion. "I'm sorry, Mia. For everything. I was a total asshole, and you didn't deserve that. I want to be better—for her."

I didn't know what to say. Part of me wanted to believe him, to hope that maybe he really had changed. But another part of me was still cautious, still unsure if I could trust him.

For now, though, I let the moment be what it was—just Justin meeting his daughter, trying to be present. There would be time for everything else later.

As Justin handed Rebecca back to me, the room felt heavy with unsaid words, but also a sense of fragile hope.

Visitors came and went, each bringing their own feelings, their own weight. But in the end, it was just me and Rebecca—my little girl, my new world.