The next day, I sat beside River's hospital bed, holding her hand and waiting anxiously for her to regain consciousness. The machines surrounding us beeped softly, monitoring her vital signs.
Meaghan sat on the other side of the bed, her eyes fixed on River's face, as she munched on a cookie.
I'd never seen River in such a pitiful state. The scrapes and bruises on her face, legs and arms, were all I could see. As if they kept reminding me that I couldn't protect her.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, River's eyelids fluttered open. She hissed in pain, her eyes scanning the room in confusion.
"Hey, River," I said softly, squeezing her hand. "You're awake."
River's gaze locked onto mine, and she tried to smile. But it was clear she was in pain.
"Water," she whispered, her voice hoarse.
Meaghan quickly grabbed a glass of water from the bedside table and helped River take a sip.
She placed a hand on her belly. It was like she could no longer feel the babies presence.
"M... My babies. Where are the babies?" she asked, her voice trembling with concern.
"They're fine," I reassured her. "They're in the nursery, and they're doing great."
River's face lit up with a radiant smile.
"I want to see them," she said, her voice filled with determination.
The nurse helped us arrange for River to see the babies, and as soon as they were wheeled into the room, River's face lit up with joy. She gazed lovingly at her little ones, tears of happiness streaming down her face.
She took them in her arms one by one, kissing them gently, as her tears refused to cease. "I'm sorry my little ones. I almost lost you back there. Please forgive me."
My heart swelled as I looked at her. I can't believe I once misunderstood this girl. She's covered in injuries, but caring more about our babies.
—
As the days passed, River's expression turned serious. One day, as I was sitting beside her bed, she turned to me with a troubled look.
"Ilay, I need to tell you something," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"What is it?" I asked, my heart racing with concern.
River hesitated before speaking.
"I didn't slip and fall," she said, her eyes locked onto mine. "Someone pushed me."
My eyes widened in shock. "What?" I exclaimed. "Who?"
River shook her head.
"I don't know," she said, tears welling up in her eyes. "I didn't see who it was. But I felt someone's hands on my back, before I lost balance, and fell."
I felt a surge of anger and determination.
"Don't worry, River," I said, holding her hand tightly. "I'll investigate. I'll find out who did this."
River nodded, a small smile on her face.
A week later, River was discharged from the hospital, and I brought her home. As we settled into the house, Meaghan came over to help with the babies.
"Thanks once again, Meg," I say to her as she teaches me how to change diapers again. She patted my shoulder. "It's cool, Ilay. I'm doing this for my girl. No need to thank me."
Marianne was supportive as well, helping River take baths, and giving her the nutrition she needed. I was glad I had many capable people around me.
I watched River, who was sitting on the couch, surrounded by her little ones. She looked happy and content, but I knew she was still recovering from her ordeal.
I made a silent vow to myself to protect her and the babies, no matter what.
—
As the days passed, River settled into a routine with the babies. I made sure to be by her side every step of the way, helping with feedings, changings, and soothing the babies when they cried.
River was still recovering from her C-section, and I could see the pain and discomfort etched on her face. I made sure to help her with her medication, and even helped her get out of bed when she needed to use the bathroom.
One day, as I walked into Rivers' room, I caught her standing in front of the mirror, staring at the scar on her belly. I walk up to her, holding her waist gently.
"How are you feeling?" I asked, holding her gaze in the mirror.
River smiled weakly, as she tried to cover her scar with her shirt.
"I'm okay," she said. "Just a little sore."
I nodded, feeling a pang of concern.
"You're doing great," I said. "And don't worry. I still think you're beautiful. Even with a scar."
River's eyes welled up with tears, and I quickly pulled her into a hug.
We sat in the nursery, surrounded by the three tiny humans who had taken over our lives. I was glad River had calmed down, and was now curled up next to me.
She sat up with a start. "Okay, let's get serious about names," River said, grabbing a notebook and pen.
"I've been thinking," I said, "what about names that start with R, and middle names that start with I, to represent our names?"
River's eyes lit up. "I love that idea! For the boys, what about Ryder Igor and Reed Ian?"
I smiled. "I like those! And for the girl, what about Ruby Iris?"
River nodded, a soft smile on her face. "Ruby Iris is perfect."
I grinned, feeling a sense of excitement. "I'm glad you like it! Ryder, Reed, and Ruby - I think we have our names."
"Would your dad like them?" she asked.
"They're my kids. I can freely choose names for them." I told her.
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Pregnant By The Playboy
RomanceWhen a one-night stand with wealthy playboy Ilay, results in an unexpected pregnancy, River's life is turned upside down. Desperate to terminate the pregnancy, she's stopped by Ilay's father, who will stop at nothing to ensure the child is born. Wit...