After The Road Trip

19

I was squeezing Emma's hand as hard as I could while I was trying to push this baby out. Tears streaming down my eyes. Screaming at the top of my lungs. I stopped knowing I can't push any longer. I needed to catch my breath.

"One more Regina. He's nearly here" the doctor said with a smile as she glanced up to me.

"You can do this" Emma said as she rubbed my shoulder to help reassure me.

I nodded and took another big breath. I pushed again. This time as hard as I possibly can. I squeezed Emma's hand so tight I may have broken it. I don't care though. I'm pushing as hard as I can to get this baby out. I then finally felt him leave my body and allow me to relax back down on the bed. I sighed in relief it was finally over. I could just hear the sound of him crying.

"It's a boy. A beautiful healthy boy" the midwife said with a smile as she wrapped it up in a blanket.

I then felt a weird feeling in my stomach. I put my hand over my mouth to try stop it but I couldn't. I was gonna puke. The midwife handed my baby straight to Emma and grabbed me a bucket. As soon as she gave it to me I threw up. No longer being able to hold it.

"Is she ok" Emma asked in that over protective voice that shows she's worried.

"Yes. Some women throw up a lot after having a baby. We just need you to keep hold of him" the midwife said while she was holding a second bucket next to me.

After 3 buckets full I finally stopped vomitting. I led down on the bed and rested my head back. Trying to gain my energy and strength back. I then heard the sound of a baby crying and Emma trying to calm him down. I looked around and saw her smiling and holding my son close to her. The sight made my heart melt. I'm so weak and tired but I want to see him.

"Emma" I whispered as I couldn't even speak properly from being sick that much.

She looked over to me and smiled to see I was ok. I held my hand out to her and smiled back. She walked over and carefully placed the baby into my arms. He was so beautiful and tiny. I smiled and let a tear fall from my eye. All that pain and sickness went away as soon as I looked at him. I never thought I'd have this feeling again.

"Congratulations mummy" Emma said as she sat on the edge of the bed next to me.

She went to kiss my head but I moved it a little. I looked up at her and kissed her softly against the lips. I don't know why but I did. I then looked down at the little boy in my arms and smiled.

"Hi little guy. Hey" I said as I saw him just looking up at me with his tiny eyes.

"He's so gorgeous. Just like his mum" Emma softly said as she was just smiling down at the baby.

"Thank you. Can you help me hold him? I'm so weak" I asked as I could feel my arms dropping from my lack of energy. Emma placed her hand under the baby to help hold him. "Thank you. I have no idea what I'm calling him"

"You never picked a name" Emma questioned as she knew how organised I usually am.

"No. I didn't know. All the kids were named after someone" I replied still looking at the tiny cutie in my arms.

"What about Ryder" Emma suggested with a small smile as she gently stroked the top of my head.

"After the man that killed my parents" I questioned as I looked at her like she was crazy.

"No. After your big brother" Emma replied with a soft smile as she continued to stroke my head.

I smiled at the sweet idea. Before I could speak I saw the door open. I looked over to see Ethan running in.

"Is he here" he asked as he rushed into the room in a hurry.

"Yeah. Ryder's here" I replied with a smile as I looked across at him.

"Ow my god. He's beautiful" Ethan said smiling down at the little boy in mine and Emma's arms. That's when he noticed her. He looked at us cuddled together and I know what he's thinking. I haven't got the energy or the answer to correct him. "Can I hold him"

"Yes. Please. I can't move" I replied as I can feel my arms growing weaker by the second.

Ethan took the small baby from me and smiled at him. I can feel my weak body loosing all strength. I need sleep. More than I need food right now. I placed my head on Emma's chest and closed my eyes. Falling asleep instantly. I didn't care I was on her. To be honest it felt good to be on her.

[ Emma's pro ]

"Is she asleep" I asked looking down at the brunette with confusion.

"Yep. She's exhausted" Ethan replied with a small chuckle at how face Regina fell asleep. I looked down at her and I can just about see her face if I move her hair. I continued to stroke her head to keep her relaxed and safe. "Emma what are you doing here" Ethan finally asked as I knew he'd been waiting desperately to.

"I went to apologize to her today and she went into labour. I'm not trying to hurt anyone. I swear. I know you of all people wouldn't want to talk to me but I'm sorry for everything I've done. I love her more than anything in this world and I love that little boy already" I replied softly as I looked up at the man holding his son.

"I know exactly how you felt. Regina doesn't know this but back when I was 16 and we were about to have a baby I was terrified. I was going to leave and act like it never happened. I was 16 and couldn't raise a child" Ethan explained as she looked between me and his son in his arms.

"What made you stay? I never wanted to leave but I didn't see another option for me in the moment" I asked knowing now there was so many options for me.

"Her parents died. Them dying was the only reason I stayed. I felt sorry for her and knew she needed someone who cared about her. Thanks to me staying I got to be a father to a beautiful little girl and then 3 more and now this little guy. If her parents hadn't died then I would have done the same as you. I know it's scary and I know it's hard but you don't realise how amazing she is with children and how amazing it is to watch her raise a child" Ethan replied smiling mostly at me but a few times at his sleeping son.

"I want another chance. I should never have left. I held that baby in my arms and I fell in love with him. I want to be apart of his life and I want to be apart of hers. I love Regina more than I've loved another soul... But she hates me now and there's no coming back from how I left" I said as I kept my eyes locked on the woman I love most.

"I'll talk to her. I got my second chance. Granted she didn't know but you deserve one too. I'm happy for you to be apart of this parent thing with us but Regina has the final word. Deal?"

"Deal. Thank you... So much"