The rhythmic echo of hurried footsteps filled the sterile white corridors as Kerian half-carried, half-guided Catalina through the hospital entrance.
Her grip on his hand was fierce — fingers clutching his like a lifeline. "Kerian—!" she gasped, another contraction gripping her.
"I've got you, KittyCat. I've got you," he murmured, trying to keep his voice calm even as his pulse raced. He didn't think anything — not gunfire, not the missions that haunted his past — could rattle him like this moment did.
A nurse met them at the door, ushering them quickly into a private birthing suite. "Deep breaths, sweetheart," the nurse said, smiling kindly at Catalina. "Looks like your little girl's in a hurry to meet you."
Catalina laughed weakly between contractions. "She gets that from her dad."
Kerian brushed sweat-damp curls from her forehead, heart in his throat. "Let's just say she's got her mother's timing — dramatic and perfect."
Maire and Jack burst into the waiting area moments later, Erica and Jonathan right behind them.
"How far apart are the contractions?" Maire demanded the second she spotted Kerian stepping into the hallway.
"Less than three minutes," he said, running a hand through his hair. "Doctor says it's almost time."
Maire's eyes softened. "My baby's having a baby," she whispered, covering her mouth as tears welled up. Jack wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"Come on, sweetheart," he said gently. "Let's sit before you wear a hole in the floor."
Inside the room, the world was a blur of light and sound — monitors beeping, nurses moving efficiently, soft encouragements blending with Catalina's labored breathing.
Kerian never left her side.
When she squeezed his hand hard enough to nearly break it, he didn't flinch. "You're doing amazing," he whispered. "You've fought through worse than this. You've got this, KittyCat."
Catalina gave a tired laugh. "You're comparing labor to gunfights now?"
"Only because you're tougher than me in both," he said with a crooked grin.
The doctor's calm voice broke through the haze. "Alright, Catalina — one more good push. Let's meet your daughter."
Kerian's breath caught. He leaned closer, forehead pressed to hers. "Go on, baby. Bring her home."
The air shifted — and then, a sound so small yet so powerful filled the room.
A cry.
Soft. Pure. Perfect.
Catalina collapsed back against the pillows, tears streaming freely. "Is she—?"
"She's perfect," the nurse said warmly, lifting the tiny, wiggling bundle before placing her gently in Catalina's arms.
The world fell silent around them.
Catalina looked down at her daughter — tiny fingers curling instinctively around her own, dark wisps of hair crowning her little head. She was wrapped in a soft yellow blanket, bright and warm like the morning sun.
"Kayani Angelia," Catalina whispered, voice trembling. "Welcome to the world, sweetheart."
Kerian leaned close, his hand trembling as he touched his daughter's cheek for the first time. "Hey, little warrior," he murmured, voice breaking. "You took your time, huh?"
The baby blinked up at him, making a small cooing sound that undid him completely.
Outside the room, Maire's phone rang through the quiet waiting area. She fumbled for it, tears already spilling as she hit "speaker."
"Mom?" came Claire's voice, sleepy and anxious.
"She's here, baby," Maire said through a shaky breath. "Your sister did it. Kayani Angelia — six pounds, ten ounces."
"Oh my God," Claire squealed. "Is she okay? How's Cat?"
"They're both fine," Maire laughed, her voice trembling. "Kerian's right there with them."
Brian's voice chimed in from another call Maire had patched through. "Tell her I said congratulations — and that I'm calling dibs on being the cool uncle."
Jack chuckled, pulling Maire close. "I think that's already taken, son."
Hours later, the chaos had settled into a soft, peaceful rhythm. Catalina rested against her pillows, exhaustion painted across her face, but peace radiated from her every breath.
Kerian sat beside her, Kayani tucked securely in his arms. The hospital's low lamplight bathed them in gold — a father, a mother, and the little miracle that made the world new again.
"She's got your nose," Catalina whispered sleepily.
Kerian smirked. "And your attitude. She already gave me a death glare when I tried to hand her to the nurse."
Catalina smiled, eyes fluttering shut. "Good girl..."
He leaned down, brushing a kiss against her forehead. "Rest, KittyCat. You've earned it."
As she drifted into sleep, Kayani stirred softly in his arms, her tiny hand closing around his finger. For the first time in years, Kerian felt something he hadn't believed in anymore — absolute peace.
Jonathan peeked quietly into the room, Erica just behind him. They exchanged a smile, watching the small family from the doorway.
"Think it's over?" Erica whispered.
Jonathan's gaze lingered on the sleeping trio. "For them, yeah. For now."
He glanced down at the encrypted message glowing faintly on his phone — a new one, from an unknown source.
"Phase Three: Initiate."
He locked the screen and slipped it into his pocket.
"Let them rest a while," he said softly. "They've earned their peace. We'll handle the next storm."
And as the stars blinked faintly beyond the hospital window, Kerian held his daughter close — unaware that even now, the shadows were shifting again.
YOU ARE READING
Curves For The Agent Cowboy
Romantik"I'll be right back.. I need to go and find out what's taking Nick so long. I'm thirsty!" With that being said she ignored the scared look on Catalina's face and walked away. Catalina watched her go and when she turned back around she was surprised...
