My Own Worst Enemy

ECY

Christian's leg bounced up and down as he kept his eyes peeled on his phone.

He wanted a notification from Gracie. Anything to prove that she was okay. He was terrified that he lost her. That he lost any chance to apologize.

He landed in Milwaukee at 5:30am, and he immediately rushed to the hospital that Gracie had mentioned off the cuff. He had to make sure she was okay. He had to see his son.

Christian quietly walked into the room, his heart stuttering in his chest as he saw Gracie. She was so pale and frail looking... but she was alive.

She was okay.

A small whine shocked Christian from his reverie, causing him to look over.

His baby boy.

"Hi," he whispered, picking up the infant. He was so tiny in his arms. He looked just like him, but with his mama's sweet demeanor...

He was perfect.

"Daddy's boy," he whispered and sat down, the little man laying across his arms as they rested against his legs and just took in his son. "Your mama is going to be okay. She has to be."

As if on cue, Gracie's eyes fluttered her eyes open and met eyes with Christian across the room.

"Hi," he said quietly, his eyes wide.

"You're here?" She whispered, gasping in pain as she moved to sit up.

"Gracie," he whispered and placed the baby in his cot and rushed over to her side. "I'm so happy you're okay. My god, Gracie."

Gracie was taken aback by his concern, seeing in his eyes how deeply it ran. "Why're you here? You okay?" She whispered, looking anywhere but his eyes.

"I'm worried about you, Grace. I..." he stopped himself from spilling that word. "I care about you. I've always cared about my girl."

Grace scoffed and laid back, the aches rolling through her body having nothing on the pain she felt within. "How do I trust you? I give you everything and you leave me... how can I believe you?" She begged, fixing her eyes on her son. Sweet, sweet Elliott. She couldn't look at Christian.

"I thought I lost you," Christian's voice cracked and he climbed in next to Gracie, holding her close. "You had him and then you were gone. I lost you. And I can't... I can't lose you."

Grace frowned, seeing the pure pain in his facial expression.

"I'm okay, Chris," she soothed, holding him close and just letting him cry a bit. She knew he was likely traumatized by the experience, but they needed to talk.

It was nearly twenty minutes later and Christian had calmed significantly and Gracie was close to dozing back off when a soft cry was heard from across the room.

Almost instantly, Christian went over to his son and picked him up. "Hi baby boy. Daddy's here. I'm here," he whispered and gently nuzzled his cheeks and went back over to Gracie.

"You're good with him," she smiled a bit, longing to hold her son for the first time. "He's so beautiful."

"He is. You did an amazing job," Christian whispered and sat next to her again, laying the newborn in her arms.

Grace let out a shaky breath and felt all of the pieces fall into place. This is what she was meant for. This is why she was here for.

"Hi beautiful boy," she smiled and instinctively coaxed him to latch. "Mama loves you."

The world faded away and she was lost in her son, running her index finger over the thick, dark, and silky hair on his head. He was a clone of his dad, and it made her heart warm.

Christian was here. Christian came back to her.

"You're a great mom, already," he said softly and kissed her forehead.

"He makes it easy. He's a perfect boy," Grace said softly and kissed his forehead ever-so-gently.

Christian watched, beaming with pride but also feeling immense guilt. He couldn't believe he left her. That he claimed he wasn't ready. Now his life had no meaning behind Grace and their son.

Grace leaned against Christian, her eyes heavy. It had been a whirlwind of a day - of a year. And she was ready for it to be over.

"I love you," Christian whispered, holding her close. "I've loved you this whole time. And I'm so sorry I hurt you. I'm going to be here. I'm gonna be in this lil man's life."

Grace looked up at Christian, tears in her eyes. "I love you, too. I... I want you with us forever. I'll move back here permanently. I'll drop out for you. For Elliott. For our family."

"Elliott?" Christian whispered, putting her hand over Gracie's.

"Mhmm... I've gone back and forth about one T or two... but I think I'm set on two," she further explained, shushing Elliott as he fussed. "He needs a middle name... Elliott Christian Yelich," she whispered, looking at Christian.

"Really?" Christian whispered again, brushing Gracie's hair behind her ears.

"Mhmm. After his perfect and loving daddy," Grace smiled and gently kissed Christian.

He felt like home. She finally had some semblance of happiness