16. Blake

Chapter 16

Blake

Three Months Later

The scent of lavender and antiseptic filled the air as I positioned myself at the foot of the bed. This was it. It was happening. My heart was about to pound right out of my chest as I took a deep breath to calm my mate. “You’ve got this, Ri. Just breathe.”

Riley's face was flushed and his chest heaved with each contraction.

My mom stood beside him, dabbing his brow with a cool cloth. "You're doing great, sweetheart. Just a few more pushes."

Riley nodded, gritting his teeth as another wave of pain washed over him.

My hands were steady but everything else was vibrating like a live wire. Even after years of medical training, nothing could have prepared me for delivering my own child. "I see the head! Keep going, Riley."

With a guttural cry, Riley bore down for one final push.

That was all we needed. I guided the baby's shoulders out, supporting her tiny body as she slipped into the world.

Silence filled the air for a long moment until a piercing wail filled the room.

"It's a girl." My throat was thick with emotion as I stared down at our perfect angel. “You did it, Ri.” I placed her on his chest.

“I’m so proud of you both.” My mom beamed, clutching her hands together as she watched us with tears in her eyes. "Welcome to the world, little one."

I cut the umbilical cord with trembling fingers, then helped clean and swaddle our daughter. Once I knew she and Riley were safe, my training kicked in and muscle memory took over, making quick work of the final stages of the delivery.

Riley gazed at our sweet girl in wonder, stroking her downy head. "She's perfect. Our little Audrey Beverly Brown."

I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. Settling beside them on the bed, I marveled at Audrey's tiny features. She had Riley's button nose and my dark hair.

"Do you want to hold her, Papa?" I nodded as I took her into my arms, overwhelmed by a fierce surge of love and protectiveness for my family.

Baby Audrey blinked up at me with unfocused eyes, and then smiled as if she knew who I was.

"Hey there, princess. I'm your daddy."

She turned into my chest, rooting around.

“I’m going to start the laundry and get Riley something to drink.” My mom got up and kissed the top of the baby’s head. "And I think she's hungry."

I handed Audrey back to my mate, watching in awe as he guided her to his chest.

She latched on instinctively, her tiny fist curled against his skin.

I pressed my forehead to the side of his head, so happy to have the two most important people in my life safely in my arms. "You did amazing, love."

Riley smiled tiredly and sighed. "We did it. We're parents."

I pressed a kiss to his forehead and then Audrey's, savoring this perfect moment with my family. “We’re gonna be the best parents ever.”