When sparks fly... [a Roman Reigns story]

42 Day one

Amali POV

Grunting, I tried to turn to the other side, but it was anything but easy. Everything hurt and was so uncomfortable. I just couldn't relax enough to take a nap. That's why I gave up. However, it was just as hard to get out of bed.

I sat on the edge and tried to catch my breath while my hands stroked my big baby bump.

"You not in the mood to be born yet, Missy? I guess not, huh? You know you still have 2 weeks to go." I said to my daughter as I supported myself with both hands so I could stand up.

I slowly waddled into the kitchen because I could hear music coming from there. Roman could probably hear me coming. A big grin spread across his face as soon as he saw me.

"Hi, baby girl. I thought you wanted to sleep?" he asked and switched off the stove.

"Please tell that to your daughter. She's not in the mood for a nap. Why are you looking at me all lovey-dovey?" I wanted to know.

"Because I love you and you look great," he replied.

Now he stood in front of me and ran his hands over me and my curves. However, I wasn't in the mood. Everything just hurt.

"I love you too. And that means I know exactly when you're lying. Nothing about me looks great right now. Look at my feet, for example. My feet are so swollen that only your shoes fit me and that's why I look like a clown. The only thing missing is the red nose," I grumbled exhaustedly.

"Oh Amali, are you in a bit of a bad mood? What are we going to do about it? Hmm... how can I cheer up my super beautiful fiancée? Ah, I know. Maybe with this delicious spaghetti in cheese sauce I made you for lunch..." he replied as he slowly rocked us back and forth.

"I'm not hungry," I said before clinging to him.

I took a deep breath as I closed my eyes. His closeness helped me to distract myself a little and relax. Roman rubbed my back gently and then pressed a kiss to the top of my head. I sighed.

"What can I do for you then? How about pain relief?" he wanted to know.

I immediately heard the mischievousness in his voice. So I lifted my head and looked at him. I liked the way he was thinking and it had worked many times before.

"I think a lot of that, Mr. Reigns. And if we do it right, we can start the new year in bed," I replied.

"And I think a lot of that..." he murmured before simply lifting me into his arms and marching off.

I put my arms around his neck and reached up so that I could kiss my hot fiancé. But suddenly he stopped and looked at me in surprise. He quickly put me back on my feet before looking down at himself. I frowned in confusion.

"Why are your pants wet?" I wanted to know when I saw that his gray sweatpants had darkened.

"Well, I'd say your water broke. Apparently Lilac thought she wanted to make a grand entrance," he said, chuckling as his words sank in and I looked down at myself.

*****

"Very good, Miss Stryker... Very good. Keep up the walking. There are only 2 centimeters to go, then we can start pushing." said the doctor after he had examined me for what felt like the 100th time.

I threw the covers aside and Roman helped me out of bed so I could walk around. That seemed to help best with the pain. Because of my history, I wanted to take as few painkillers as possible. It was good that I had a relatively good pain threshold.

"If anyone has to push the baby out it's me. Although I wouldn't mind if you did it yourself Doc." I said to him.

"I bet that's how every woman feels in this situation. I'll see you in an hour. The homestretch is near. Hang in there." he laughed.

"You're doing great, baby girl. I'm so proud of you." Roman said as he kept holding my hand while I paced back and forth around the room.

"Proud enough to do it yourself?" I wanted to know as another contraction came.

"I would be if it was physically possible." he replied as I squeezed his hands.

"Too bad we'll never find out..." I gasped.

At this point, I didn't know how many hours we had been in the hospital. But it must have been many, because it was already night.

"I wonder if she really has as much hair on her head as it appeared on the ultrasound..." I mused as Roman helped me back to bed.

The doctor wanted to examine me again. And I hoped he had good news. I was already so exhausted, but the hard part was still to come.

"I think so. Jojo will probably do her little pigtails as soon as we get home." He chuckled and gave me a kiss on the forehead while stroking my head.

"You're fully dilated. We'll get everything ready and then we'll deliver the baby. Shall we take bets on whether the young lady will be born this year or next?" laughed the doctor.

His good mood was starting to get on my nerves. Even though I knew he meant well and was trying to lighten the atmosphere.

"Oh, I hope no one bets on after midnight. She doesn't have to take so much time," I said.

"Well in that case we have an hour to get this done. When the next contraction comes, push." the doctor replied.

And that was exactly what I did. Well, and a whole lot of swearing. I just couldn't help it. Even Roman's supportive and encouraging words didn't really help me.

"One more time, Amali. So close. We've got the head." the doctor finally said.

But suddenly there was noise from outside. Was that? Indeed... It was the fireworks. The new year had begun. And our daughter entered this world on day one and with her own personal pyro show.

"Congratulations..." said the doc as he placed the screaming little bundle on my chest.

Exhausted, I sank into the pillows as I held my baby. She was so beautiful. Love and relief rushed through me as the tears began to fall.

"Hi baby..." I breathed.

"Hi princess..." Roman whispered, stroking her tiny hand with his index finger.

"Look at her... She really looks like you..." he then said softly with a little sniffle.

"With a lot of you..." I replied, looking up at him.

"I love you and Lilac so much." Ro breathed.

"We love you too. And thank you... Thank you for always being there." I said quietly as he leaned towards me.

Roman gave me a loving kiss before resting his forehead against mine. At least for a brief moment. Because neither of us could take our eyes off our perfect little addition to the family for long.