Damian paced the hospital hallway, his hands clasped tightly behind his back. His heart raced with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. He barely noticed the passing nurses or the sound of footsteps around him. All he could think about was Aurora and their baby.
A nurse walked toward him, her face kind but professional. She stopped in front of him and placed a gentle hand on his arm. “Mr. Wolfe,” she said softly, “please sit down. Everything is under control. Aurora is strong.”
Damian stopped pacing and looked at her, his expression unreadable. “I can’t sit,” he said, his voice tense. “I need to know that they’re both okay.”
The nurse gave him a reassuring smile. “The doctors are doing their best. I promise, you’ll see them soon.”
He nodded slightly but remained standing, his body still filled with restless energy. He turned his gaze back to the door of the delivery room, his heart pounding.
Finally, the door opened, and the doctor stepped out. His face lit up with a broad smile as he approached Damian.
“Congratulations, Mr. Wolfe,” the doctor said warmly. “Aurora has delivered a healthy baby girl.”
Damian’s breath caught in his throat. “A girl?” he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. Relief and joy washed over him, and for the first time that day, he felt like he could breathe.
The doctor nodded. “Yes, a beautiful baby girl. Aurora is resting now, but she did wonderfully. You can go in and see them.”
Damian didn’t wait for another word. He pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The room was quiet except for the soft hum of machines. Aurora lay peacefully on the bed, her eyes closed, her face serene despite the exhaustion etched into her features. Beside her, Luna stood holding a tiny bundle in her arms. She rocked the baby gently, her soft murmurs filling the space.
Luna turned when she heard Damian enter. A warm smile spread across her face. “Mr. Damian,” she said softly, “come meet your daughter.”
Damian walked closer, his footsteps hesitant at first. He stopped in front of Luna, his eyes fixed on the tiny baby in her arms. His heart swelled with an emotion he couldn’t quite describe.
“She’s so cute, Mr. Damian,” Luna added, her voice full of admiration as she carefully handed the baby to him.
Damian cradled the baby in his arms, his hands surprisingly steady. He stared down at her tiny face, taking in every detail-the little nose, the delicate eyelashes, the soft curl of her lips. She let out a small sigh, her tiny chest rising and falling with each breath.
“She’s perfect,” Damian said softly, his voice filled with awe. He leaned down and placed a tender kiss on her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment.
Luna smiled as she watched him. “Aurora will be so happy when she wakes up and sees you with her,” she said.
Damian glanced at Aurora, who was still fast asleep. Her chest rose and fell with steady breaths, her face calm and peaceful. “She’s been through so much,” he murmured. “She deserves this peace.”
Luna nodded in agreement. “She’s one of the strongest women I’ve ever known,” she said. “And now, she’s a mother. She’ll be amazing.”
Damian’s eyes softened as he looked back at the baby. “She already is,” he said. He adjusted the baby in his arms, her tiny fingers curling slightly as she shifted in her sleep. “This little one is so small… so fragile. I’ll protect her with everything I have.”
“You’ll be a great father,” Luna said with confidence. “I can see it already.”
Damian looked at her, his lips curling into a small smile. “Thank you, Luna. For being here, for helping us through this.”
Luna shook her head. “You don’t need to thank me, Mr. Damian,” she said. “Aurora is like a sister to me. I’d do anything for her.”
Damian nodded, appreciating her words. He looked down at the baby again, his heart filled with love and a newfound sense of responsibility. “I’ll name her after my sister,” he said suddenly, the decision feeling right. “She deserves to have a piece of her aunt’s strength.”
Luna smiled. “That’s a beautiful thought,” she said. “Aurora will love it.”
Damian sat down in a chair next to Aurora’s bed, still holding the baby close. He watched Aurora sleep, his mind filled with gratitude and hope for the future. For the first time in a long time, everything felt right.