Paragon

Chapter 38

"Well, the eight hours of labor were worth it... She's the prettiest thing I've ever seen," Olivia says gently, chuckling. Sophie is fast asleep in my arms, now cleaned and dressed. I display her proudly.

I haven't been able to stop looking at her. "Isn't she?"

She leans over, observing Sophie with a warm smile. "Oh yeah. She looks just like you."

"That's what I said," Stellan says from the chair in the corner. Eric is beside him, smirking.

"Yeah, but her eyes are yours," I murmur to him, caressing her head gently. "So blue. And her hair."

"Alright, It's my turn," he says suddenly, standing up, sounding like a toddler himself. I hear Olivia laugh.

"You both are actually taking turns holding her... Oh my gosh. That's cute."

I smirk at Olivia affectionately as I gently set her into his arms. She doesn't move an inch. She's so tired. As Stellan rocks her carefully, humming softly to himself, Olivia takes a seat beside the bed, leaning in.

"Isn't it weird that in a matter of hours- now he's a dad? And you're a mom... I mean, it's crazy."

"I know. I really can't believe it..." I gaze at my husband, talking to Eric quietly, still rocking her. "He really looks like one, doesn't he?"

"Yeah. Stellan's officially a dilf."

"I heard that," he says suddenly from the corner.

"It's true." I laugh, resting my head back against the pillows. I don't think I've ever been this exhausted... ever. They continue to talk amongst themselves as I find myself sinking further and further suddenly into slumber.

...

"Fifty of them," Stellan says, holding the phone to his ear as he paces the length of our bedroom. "No, we don't need five-hundred... fifty."

I admire him from the bed, smiling softly when Sophie clutches my index finger with surprising force. It's quickly become her favorite thing to do.

"I know you will settle it. Have a good night." He hangs up, sighing and looks over to me. "Well at least we won't have five-hundred yards of tool showing up tomorrow."

A smile lights my face affectionately as he loosens his tie, suddenly smirking.

"Come over here."

Walking around the bed, he leans down, careful as he gets onto the mattress on the other side of Sophie. She squirms happily and moves her arms up and down just barely, so small.

We stare at her for a long while, transfixed by every little minuscule movement.

"It's so weird," I finally say, breaking the silence.

"What is?" he asks, softly.

"What I feel for her. I can't... even describe it."

He nods and his lips turn up on the corners, warmly. "I know... I feel it too."

I press my lips to her hair, feeling warmth and close my eyes against the pillow.

"How are you feeling?" he murmurs, resting his hand on my waist. I hum.

"Exhausted. Dari can really talk someone's ear off."

"She was so excited."

"I know... I wonder what she told Vivienne. What Vivienne said."

"I'm sure she's happy for you."

I open my eyes at that and stare at him, unsure if that would be what she felt at the news of her granddaughter. A person I've barred her from seeing. The thought makes me immediately think of Viktor.

What he would think of her too.

I can't help but smile. He would have adored her, I know it.

He speaks up suddenly, warily. "I know we haven't really spoken much about religious things but- I'd- I'd like to have her baptized, if that's alright with you."

I nod immediately, warmed by his suggestion. "I would like that too."

He rubs my hip softly and leans in, pressing his lips to mine. I begin to smile on his lips and he laughs, kissing me more.

"What is it?"

I shake my head, pulling back. "Mommy is going to be her first word."

He clasps my face, chuckling. "Nope."

"Yeah."

"No way."

"Yes way," I persist as his kisses deepen, growing more meaningful by the second.

"Well, we'll see, won't we?"

I nod, pulling back just enough to look into his blue, rather perfect eyes. "Yes, we will." 

A/N: Short, I know, buttttttttt... I will post THE EPILOGUE tonight! Can't wait to share the end with you guys!