‘You’re amazing.’ He breaths.
But I can’t. No, I hold my breath waiting.
And then I hear it, the sweet cries of my baby.
‘Here you go mom,’ Pam coos as she places my wailing child on my chest. ‘Shhh, moma’s got you.’
Chapter forty-eight
Liam
I’m a blubbering mess. I can’t help it. Call me all the names in the world, I couldn’t care less because it is impossible not to feel such a swell of emotion for the two most important beings in my life.
Cradled in my arms are my world, my heart and I vow to do everything in my power and more to keep them safe.
‘He’s a boy,’ Pam smiles. ‘Isla, hunny. I’m sorry but you’re not finished.’
‘Right,’ she nods.
My chest hurts for my girl. She feels so exhausted in my arms but she never fails to leave me feeling awed by her strength.
‘Fauna dear,’ Pam calls out and the brunette comes rushing in. ‘Will you hold your nephew for a second?’
‘Yes, yes.’ She gently cradles my son, not moving further than a hair's breadth away.
Pam massages Isla’s stomach and she tenses in pain as I hold her.
Isla mewls in agony and the sound stabs straight in the heart. I will do everything for this woman, everything and anything she needs.
‘That’s it, very good.’
Isla once again collapses back into me. ‘I love you.’ I whisper as I rock her back and forth.
‘Would you like to cut the cord together?’
Isla nods, clutching my hand for support and Fauna gently brings our son over. With a quick snip, his umbilical cord is cut, and Pam shuffles off.
‘You’re incredible, Isla.’ Fauna says, a tear slipping free.
She gently places our son back in Isla’s arms, ‘I’ll give you both some time alone.’
‘Let’s get you somewhere more comfortable,’ I lift my two worlds. Cautious not to cause any additional pain to Isla and lay us all out on the bed we put in here for the birth.
I remain behind her, not moving until she asks.
‘Would you like to try and feed?’ Pam says.
‘I don’t know how.’
‘You will. With time it will come.’
Isla adjusts her dress and I watch as my son searches, unsure and then latches. Isla giggles, looking back at me with the biggest smile.
And I burst out into the happiest tears of my life.
‘Why are you crying?’
‘I’m so fucking proud of you, baby. You’re the most incredible person I’ve seen in my life.’
