The world outside is a frenzy—charts, podcasts, shows, paparazzi—but in this moment, in this apartment, it’s just us. Him, me, and the life we made, saying hello in the only way she knows how.
He wraps his arms around me and buries his face in my neck, breathing me in as if I’m air. The sweet nothings he whispers make my heart sing. Never in my life did I expect to end up here.
In a world in which Hayden Hale exists, I never had a chance to fall out of love with him. He’s always been it for me, and now, we’re finally on the same page.
A page marked with ink, with the lyrics to our love story—the song I never want to stop listening to.
42
our iris
HAYDEN
I’ve never beenthe biggest fan of hospitals. The smell, the constant beeping of machines, the fact that no one ever really goes there for a good reason. It’s always about something being wrong. Honestly, the whole place makes my discomfort shoot through the roof.
But I don’t want to feel that way right now.
Today is special. Today isthe day.
I pull my shoulders back and head toward Riley’s room, breathing in and out, trying to ease the tension in my muscles. I had time to prepare for this. Riley and I signed up for childbirth classes at the hospital, and by the end of it, I was sure I’d be ready.
Judging by how my extremities are trembling, I’m starting to doubt they did me any good.
With a slow exhale, I push the door open and step inside. My heart is somewhere in my throat, making me feel slightly nauseous.
Riley’s face lights up the moment our eyes meet. Her shoulders visibly relax as I walk over to her.
“I’m glad you’re back,” she says.
“I’m sorry, babe. Pip called, and somehow she managed to make me even more nervous with all her questions.” I take her hand in mine. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay.” She laces our fingers together.
I lean down and press a soft kiss to her lips. “Pip said your mom is already on her way to the airport. Mine too. Apparently I should be expecting a lecture from both of them. At least that’s what your sister said.”
“Why?” Her brows knit together.
“Because I didn’t call them the second I brought you to the hospital. Or better yet, we should’ve called yesterday when your contractions started.”
“Oh my God, they’re impossible.” She laughs, but the sound fades almost instantly as she grimaces. “The pain is getting stronger with every minute.”
A sharp pang pierces my chest. I fucking hate seeing her in pain...especially when there’s nothing I can do.
“What did Dr. Bell say?”
“I’m almost seven centimeters dilated, and my water already broke. She said that should make things move faster.” She takes a deep breath, closing her eyes. “I heard her heartbeat, Hade. It’s so steady and so familiar.” She meets my gaze, a soft smile spreading across her lips. “I’ve been looking forward to this day for so long, but I think I’m going to miss being pregnant. And her kicks.”
“Oh yeah, I’ll miss those kicks too.” I grin. “Remember last weekend? We woke up and stayed in bed forever, and I was rubbing your belly. She kicked you every time I moved my hand away.”
“Well, what can I say?” She smiles softly. “She just loves her daddy.”
We fall into a comfortable silence, smiling at each other. The understanding between us feels almost unreal.Soulmate-level. I honestly don’t have better words to describe what I feel when she’s around. I cherish every second I get to spend with her.
“Hade, are you sure about all this?” she asks quietly. “I know you said you’d be there for me, but…the view might not be very pleasant. I’m afraid you’ll be disgusted with me.”
“Riley, stop.” My voice comes out firm but gentle. “I’m here with you, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. You and our little girl are the most important people in the world to me.”
I cup her cheek, and she leans into my palm while I brush my thumb over her skin. Her eyes sparkle with that familiar warmth. She’s happy, and that’s all that matters to me.
