Comeback (Sequel to 'Before the Storm')

Chapter 43: M

Joe's POV:

The world had narrowed down to just the three of us in that hospital room. The soft beeping of machines, the quiet rustling of sheets, and the faint hum of distant voices seemed to fade away as I looked down at my son, cradled in my arms.

He was so tiny, so perfect, his delicate hands opening and closing in the air, his little face scrunched up as if he were already trying to make sense of the world around him.

Ally was exhausted but radiant, her eyes locked onto the baby, her hand gently brushing his tiny head. The love between us was palpable, so thick in the room that it was almost tangible.

"He's so beautiful," she whispered, voice soft and hoarse with the effort it had taken to bring him into the world.

I couldn't find words. Not enough to describe the weight in my chest, the swell of emotion that took over me every time I looked at him. He was ours. He was finally here.

A soft knock at the door broke the silence, and before either of us could speak, the door swung open.

Kevin, Nick, Franklin, Dani and Pri, crowded into the room with eager smiles and eyes full of wonder. Even Anna was there, standing behind the others, her expression filled with warmth. The energy in the room shifted immediately.

There was a collective intake of breath as they all saw him. Our son.

I felt a rush of pride as they approached, their gazes fixed on the tiny baby in my arms.

"Jesus, Joe," Nick whispered, shaking his head, his voice thick with emotion, "He's real. He's really here."

Kevin stepped closer, grinning. "Dude, you look like you're holding the whole world in your hands."

Franklin's eyes softened as he watched, the quiet intensity of his gaze showing how deeply he was feeling the moment.

"He's perfect," he said, his voice full of awe, "I can't believe it."

I nodded, holding him even tighter, not wanting to let go, not even for a second.

Then, my mom entered the room, followed by my dad. She was already wiping her eyes as she saw her grandson for the first time. My dad stood behind her, his face softened with the kind of pride that only comes with becoming a grandfather for the first time.

"Oh, Joe," Mom whispered, tears streaming down her face. She reached out, touching my shoulder gently, "He's beautiful. You did it."

I choked on my own words. "We did it."

Then the attention turned to Willa and Delphine, who were both standing by the door, wide-eyed and holding hands. They were quiet at first, hesitant to enter the room, as if they didn't know how to approach this new reality.

At five and three years old, they were so young, but they had been waiting for this moment, the arrival of their little brother, with more excitement than they could express.

"Can we see him, daddy?" Willa asked in a soft voice, her eyes wide with wonder.

I could see the curiosity, the love, and just a little bit of nervousness in her gaze. She wanted to hold him, but I knew she didn't quite understand how fragile he was.

"Of course, princess," I said, my voice barely more than a whisper.

I gently moved toward the edge of the bed, the baby cradled in my arms, and beckoned for her to come closer.

"Willa, you can touch him, but you have to be very gentle, ok?"

Delphine's eyes were practically sparkling with excitement, but she stayed rooted to the spot, hands wringing in her little dress.