See You Around~ Grester (completed)

Chapter Seventy-Four

Grace's POV

The next few hours seemed so surreal; holding my baby in my arms after nine long months of imaging what this moment would feel like. Now it was real and I could hardly believe it.

She was a replica of myself and Chester even at this age, I could see every resemblance. Wavy black locks like Chester, her face shaped like mine and big deep hazel eyes like us both. It was hard to comprehend that she was mine but it finally felt like a missing piece of me was filled, in the name of Lottie.

"The midwife said we could go home now," Chester said, as he emerged from the reception, wearing a grin which hadn't faded one bit since our daughter was born.

"Great, can you hold her while I get ready?" I asked, passing Lottie to Chester, his big arms cradling her protectively.

"I'm proud of you Grace, for today." He said, stroking the few strands of our baby's hair gently, glancing at me for a second.

I smiled back at him, walking over to where he was standing.

"I can't believe today really happened." I whispered, kissing my child's head.

"Me neither," Chester said, pulling me into his chest, both of us gazing down at the life we had created.

"Shall we go home then? Start a new chapter of our lives and all?" Chester said, cooing slightly as he tickled Lottie's chin gently.

"I suppose so." I said, carefully placing my daughter into her car seat, strapping her in safely before picking it up and intertwining my hand with Chester's, walking out the place which had allowed miracles to happen.

When we entered our home suddenly everything felt a little different, almost a little safer. Like something was making my world whole and it was warming to me; nothing was as big or scary, the outside becoming a place of adventure and opportunities and there was only one reason why my world seemed a little brighter.

I followed Chester upstairs as he carried a sleeping Lottie in his muscular arms. I held open the door as the two walked through, my smile failing to disappear. 

"You sleep tight yeah little one?" Chester whispered, his voice melodic. Lottie made a few gargles in response and I could see Chester's eye's sparkle.

I've never seen Chester happier, never seen his smile this true. A genuine look of love and pride indented on his face. It means so much to see the ones you love happy, and being not only a witness but a reason to their happiness.

I've seen Chester at his worst and I've seen him at his best but I have never seen him like this. He looks, for the whole time I have known and loved him, content. He looks completed and I hope he feels that way too. Because he deserves every second of his happiness, every minute of his contentment and I am forever grateful that he can make me feel the same.

I sat down opposite Lottie's cot, her small hands wrapped securely around my index finger. Her eyes shut as mine looked back at her lovingly.

"Come on Gracie, let's go back downstairs." Chester's voice rang through the room.

"I'll be down in a minute, I just want to stay for a little longer, with her." I replied, Chester nodded understandingly and shut the door behind him as he walked down the stairs.

There are many things this world can't explain, thoughts and feelings- are they just illusions? Is love a concept we wish we felt so we say it to fit in? How can three words have such a large effect on someone. Why are them three words any more special than every other three-worded phrase. What is love and why has it taken over my body and I feel like I'm drowning in it? And why does it feel so good to be drowning?

I felt a droplet of water slide down my cheek and I quickly wiped it away; my own actions confusing me. I felt exhausted but alive, my world changing and spinning rapidly but it felt right, like the spinning was controlled and I'd been waiting to do this for years; even if I was unaware this would even be a reality.

I untangled my finger from my daughter's, holding my hand up to my face as tears of exhaustion and pride fell like a waterfall. I smiled as I cried but it felt like I was subconsciously trying to wake myself up, like my body still thought this was a dream.

Chester opened the door quietly, holding my phone in his hand.

"Your mum's on the phone." He said, reaching out to pass me the phone before withdrawing his hand as he saw my current state.

"I'll tell her you're too tired, that we'll ring tomorrow." He said warmly.

Chester walked up to me slowly and just seeing him on his feet again made my pride and love grow, seeing how far he had come made me rise to my feet, walking up to him before collapsing into his chest.

His warm arms wrapped safely around me and his hand moved in circles around my back.

"I hope they're tears of happiness." He said, I could feel his smirk as I nodded into his torso.

"You did incredible today Grace, I am beyond proud of you. Thank you for giving me the perfect family." Chester whispered into my hair, kissing my head softly. He took my hand and led us over to the door, his hand lingering on the light-switch.

"Goodnight Lottie." He said, turning the light off and closing the door.