Six months later
The past few months have been a wild ride, I’ve been fortunate to have a supportive network, always ready to help at a moment’s notice.
Ethan has been incredibly supportive, and Sydney has been a rock for me too.
As I gaze at my newborn son, Shawn, I’m struck by his beauty. He’s the spitting image of Logan – the same piercing eyes, nose, mouth, and smile.
Even his hair color is identical. Sometimes, I feel like I’ve been cheated; I carried him for nine months, and he came out looking just like his father!
But I love my son to pieces and would do anything for him. Seeing him every day brings up memories of Logan. But as I look into Shawn’s eyes, I know that my love for him is pure.
More often than not, I find myself wishing Logan would come crawling back, begging for forgiveness, and asking me to take him back home.
But after his sudden appearance at the hospital, he vanished into thin air.
Now, I’m left wondering if I should be relieved he hasn’t returned or worried that he’s still lurking in the shadows.
Logan’s power and influence are undeniable, and I know he’s always aware of what’s happening around him. Nothing escapes his notice, which makes his disappearance all the more unsettling.
I’m certain Logan would have contacted me by now, especially after investigating and discovering I wasn’t the one in the picture with Asher.
However, I’ve been unable to call anyone outside of Canada, except for using phone booths to reach my loved ones, like my mom, when I need to hear her voice.
On a positive note, Ethan has been incredibly supportive, visiting almost daily. Shawn has grown to love his visits, eagerly awaiting his arrival each day.
Whenever Ethan walks in, Shawn’s eyes light up with joy, knowing his playmate is there to spend time with him.
“Earth to Nadine!” Kate’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts, and I look up to see Sydney’s mom standing in the doorway.
We’ve grown close over time, and I appreciate her concern for me.
Although she’s brushed off the rumors about Isabelle, I sense she’s trying to protect me from worrying due to my condition.
I’ve rented my apartment to avoid being a burden to others, despite the Blake family’s insistence that I stay with them.
“How’s my boy doing?” Kate asks, beaming with affection as she gazes at Shawn.
“He’s sleeping peacefully,” I reply, smiling. “He latched on like his life depended on it.”
“What do you expect? He’s a boy, and I’ve heard boys nurse more than girls,” Kate says with a chuckle. “But I wouldn’t know, since I only have a girl.”
I laugh and tease her, “Oh, Kate, please! You have an amazing daughter who can fit into any role, even traditionally male ones. Sydney is a force to be reckoned with – she seals deals like it’s second nature to her!”
Kate beams with pride. “True, Nadine, I couldn’t be prouder. Sydney’s got a business gift, and she’s fearless in the boardroom.” She pauses, smiling fondly.
“I’m so grateful to be her mom.”
Then she walks over to gently stroke Shawn’s hair. “I’m so glad to see him thriving,” she says, her eyes shining.
“And how are you doing, dear? You’re not overexerting yourself, are you?”
Just then, Shawn’s loud cry pierces the air, and I groan inwardly, thinking it’s too soon since his last feeding.
Kate chuckles and says, “Good luck with that!” as she nods towards Shawn.
“I’ll take care of him.”
Kate nods gratefully, settling back into her chair. “Thanks, Nadine. I love spending time with Shawn, but I don’t know how you do it all day, every day when he cries.”
I laugh and shake my head, “It’s just part of the job, Kate. And besides, someone has to keep this little one in line.”
I smile and shake my head at Kate, knowing she adores my son, but also aware that she doesn’t have the stamina to handle his ear-splitting wails.
I walk over to my boy’s cot and gently lift him into my arms. As soon as he sees me, he unleashes another round of cries.
I smile warmly and whisper, “Shh, big man, Mama’s here.”
I’m trying to calm Shawn down, bouncing him gently in my arms and whispering soothing words in his ear, but he’s still wailing.
I’m wondering what could be causing his distress, so I take him to the changing table to check.
As I lay him down and undo his diaper, I notice that he’s soiled himself – that must be the reason for his tears.
I quickly cleaned him up, trying to make the experience as comfortable as possible for him. Shawn’s cries start to subside as I gently wipe him clean and fasten a fresh diaper.
I pick him up again, cradling him in my arms. His wails gradually fade away, replaced by sniffles and then silence.
He nuzzles into my chest, exhausted from his outburst, and I hold him close, with relief.
This little guy has me wrapped around his finger, and he doesn’t even know it. I change his clothes, trying to make the process as enjoyable as possible, and settle him onto his bed.
But he protests, holding on tight to me, and I realize he might be hungry after his bowel movement.
First, I wash my hands thoroughly as I make my way back to him. Then, I sit down beside him and bring out my breast, helping him latch on.
He nurses while his tiny hands grasp my skin as he sucks.
For the past six months, my life has been consumed by caring for Shawn. Now, with my leave coming to an end, I’m preparing to return to work at the flower shop and as a social media manager.
I’ve been considering hiring a nanny to help me balance my responsibilities and focus on my job.
Just as I’m lost in thought, my phone starts ringing, startling me. I glance at the screen and my heart races when I see an unregistered number.
I wonder if it could be Logan, and my mind fills with anxiety. I fear he might try to take Shawn away from me, and I’m determined to do everything in my power to prevent that.
I hesitate for a moment, wondering if I should answer the call. My hand trembles slightly as I reach for the phone, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios.
I take a deep breath and try to calm myself down, telling myself it could be anyone on the other end. But the fear of losing my son lingers, making me worry.
As I swipe to answer the phone. But as soon as I hear the voice on the other end, my fear is replaced by a smile spreading across my face.