Kitten

Chapter 54: Losing hope

James

Hours had passed since Isabella collapsed in the hallway and now we were awaiting permission to go back and see her.

I wanted to run back and hold my wife, but we were refused entry. Ethan waited outside the room as he told us that they were conducting tests to determine why Isabella had fallen so ill all of a sudden.

As much as I wanted to scream and plead with them to let me in, I was preoccupied in Granddad duties. The little kicker was taken away so the midwives could conduct the compulsory health checks. But as soon as she came back, I held my arms out to her and the little kicker was given to me.

"You know, you should really name her".

Lily sighed heavily and placed her finger in her daughter's hand with the biggest smile on her face.

"We will. We just haven't had a chance to discuss names together".

Alexander had gone to grab us some coffee whilst we waited for permission to see my wife. Ethan had no idea of Alexander's miraculous return, as did none of us until recently. Even though I was pleased to see him, I could tell how nervous he was every time he looked at me or Lily. We needed to clear the air, and Alexander needed to give us answers.

"Dad, are you ok with Alexander being back and being a part of this baby's life after everything that happened?".

Resting my free hand on Lily's shoulder, I smiled at her reassuringly and nodded my head slowly.

"Yes and do you know why?".

"Why?".

"Because that man saved your life. He loves you, anyone with eyes can see that. He may have done bad things, but that doesn't make him a bad person. He was manipulated and had the truth twisted. He wanted vengeance, but instead he found love. Sounds very much like how I was when I first met your mother".

My dad raised his hand to wipe away the tears I didn't even know I was shedding.

I knew how sorry Alexander was, I could tell through his words on the letter he had left for me. I know he had a lot to make up for, but knowing Alexander I'm certain he already had plans for that.

"Mr Richardson?".

One of the doctors stepped out of the room and stared straight at my dad with a sad smile.

"That's me. How's my wife? May I see her?".

Lily

Dad jumped up and tried to peer into the room but the doctor shook his head and gestured away from the room.

"May we have a word in private?".

Dad's face paled and nodded before handing over my baby and following the doctor into a private consultation room.

My heart began to sink. I knew it wasn't going to be good news. I had just got Alexander back, I wouldn't be cope losing someone else I loved.

"Hey. It's gonna be alright. Have you named her yet?".

Ethan sat himself down next to me and cooed at the little munchkin lying peacefully in my arms.

"I, we"-

"Here's your coffee kitten".

Alexander stopped dead in his tracks as his eyes met Ethan's stern blue eyes judging him relentlessly.

Ethan was always suspicious of him and now he had returned and was instantly accepted back into the family by all of us, except Ethan.

"Ethan, please" I begged, hoping he'd let Alexander explain first.