Maria
The delivery room is a battleground, and I’m the one fighting for a life. Sweat beads on my forehead as another contraction rips through me. My fingers grip Mikhail’s hand tightly, seeking comfort in the strength of his grip. I feel his concern like an electric current crackling between us as he says words of encouragement, urging me on.
“Push, Maria. You’re almost there,” he says. His voice is strong and steady, even though worry is etched into his handsome features. Those intense eyes have seen so much violence and bloodshed, and now they’re fixed on me. Mikhail has been by my side every step of the way, our relationship forged in danger. And now, we’re about to create something beautiful out of it all.
“Maria, you’re doing great,” Dr. Galano chimes in, her tone professional but warm. “One more big push and you’ll meet your daughter.”
My body tenses with the effort, and I think back to how we got here. Nights spent tangled in each other’s arms, trying to forget the chaos of the world. The whispered promises of love and desire, even when our pasts haunted us. The thought of what we’ve overcome gives me strength and I push again.
“Almost there, Maria,” Mikhail repeats, his hand holding mine like a lifeline. “You can do this.”
I take a ragged breath and focus. We’re bound by revenge and redemption. And now, we’re bound by the new life inside me. I grit my teeth and bear down with everything I have left in me. The pain is replaced by relief as I hear that first cry. Tears stream down my face, exhaustion and joy overcoming me.
Our daughter’s tiny cries fill the room. We’ve fought through hell and back for this, and now, we’re here. Together as a family.
I feel the weight of our baby girl placed onto my chest, and my heart swells at the sight of her. Her tiny body is messy and wet, but she’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I glance up at Mikhail, his eyes filled with love. A rare moment of vulnerability shines within their depths.
“Ally.” I know without a doubt that it’s the perfect name for our daughter. “Ally Nikki Ivanov.”
Mikhail’s brow furrows as he looks down at me. “Nikki?” he asks.
I can’t help but giggle, even though my body aches. “For Dominika,” I reply.
He smiles. “Welcome to the world, Ally Nikki Ivanov.” He reaches out to brush his fingertips over Ally’s downy head, careful not to disturb the delicate strands of hair that cling to her damp skin.
His voice cracks, and I can see the tears threatening to spill from his eyes, like the ones streaming down my cheeks.
His lips descend upon my sweaty forehead, pressing a tender kiss there-a silent reassurance that we have done something extraordinary together.
“Maria, she’s perfect,” he murmurs, his eyes alight with a fierce love I’ve only ever seen directed at me before. “Absolutely perfect.”
“Congratulations,” Dr. Galano interjects, catching Mikhail’s attention. “You’ve made a life, not taken one. That’s something to be proud of.”
A soft lightfrom the window falls on Ally as she sleeps peacefully in my arms. My heart swells with love for this tiny life that Mikhail and I have created and fought for. Her delicate features are squished tight in a sweet frown, and wisps of red hair rest on top of her head. I feel a pang of sadness, knowing the woman responsible for all our happiness will never meet her granddaughter.
“Hey,” Mikhail whispers, pressing his lips against my forehead before gazing down at Ally.
“It hurts knowing that Ally will never meet her grandmothers,” I say. “They would’ve loved her to pieces.”
“More than anything,” he replies tenderly. “But we’ll make sure she knows how incredible they were. We’ll keep all their memories alive.”
The weight of grief lessens as joy takes hold. “They’re watching over you, my little angel,” I whisper to her.
“I think you’re right,” he says.
“Maria. Mikhail.” I look up, and Mercy and Larissa stand in the doorway, juggling gifts. A large balloon announcing “She’s a Girl” with a cute duck on it drifts toward the ceiling. Their arms are weighed down with gift bags, and their faces wear matching toothy smiles.
“Hey,” I greet them as they head straight for me and the baby. They make cooing noises as they awww at Ally sleeping.
“Look at those chubby cheeks!” Larissa reaches out to stroke Ally’s face while Mercy reaches for one of her tiny hands.
“Look at you, Marie,” Mercy says. “You’re a mom. I still can’t wrap my head around it.”
“I’m so happy for both of you.” Larissa smiles at Mikhail.
“Would you like to hold her?” I ask Larissa.
A storm of emotions crosses over Larissa’s face, and a tear leaks from the corner of her eyes as she nods. Carefully, I pass Ally into her waiting arms, and she purses her lips as she gingerly holds my daughter against her breast.
“Oh,” Larissa says, rocking Ally in her arms as she blinks back her tears. “Do you know how special you are, malyshka?”
I smile at them both. “You came together?” I ask Mercy.
Mercy smiles at Ally over Larissa’s shoulder. “Larissa picked me up. It didn’t make sense for us to take two cars to go to the same place.”
I glance at Mikhail, who conceals his smirk behind his hand. Everything has changed so smoothly, like it was never any other way. The baby is bringing our families closer together quickerthan I had hoped. The bad blood still exists among those who had tragic losses over the years, but the truce won’t be broken.
I smile at them both. “There’s actually something I’ve been wanting to ask you both.”
“Anything,” Larissa replies as she rocks Ally gently in her arms.
“Would you two be Ally’s godmothers?” I ask, feeling a bit nervous.
“Of course,” Larissa smiles. “I’d be honored.”
“More than honored,” Mercy adds. “With us as godmothers, you bet your ass that no one will ever mess with this kiddo.”
Ally’s eyes blink open, and she makes a noise that’s a cross between a burp and a sigh. Her eyes look up, searching for me, and a moment later, she starts crying.
“I think she wants her mom.” Larissa gently hands her back to me.
I gaze down at my daughter and make a silent vow. No matter what it takes, I will keep her safe. We’re a family now, and that’s the only oath that matters. “Welcome to your big and wonderful family, Ally.” I touch a gentle kiss to her forehead and inhale her clean baby scent.
“Mommy and I will always love you and protect you.” Mikhail leans in beside me. “I promise.”
And I know that’s a promise we’ll keep forever.