“It’s me...” My throat trembled, emotion hitting me harder than any pain I’d ever known.
“Your dad.”
CHAPTER 13
Elena
I had just finished lunch when I heard commotion outside the room. A soft knock sounded on the door before Judy and Avery walked in, Adrian right behind them.
Judy came straight to me, sitting on the edge of the hospital bed. “How are you doing, my dear?” she asked gently.
Avery stood behind her, one hand resting on Judy’s shoulder as she looked at me. “You okay?”
“I’m okay,” I said, offering a small smile. “Still a little sore, but I’m fine so far.”
They both looked confused for a moment, right before Adrian stepped forward with Haille in his arms.
Judy gasped. “What!?” She slapped a hand over her mouth, eyes instantly filling with tears.
“You didn’t tell me she’d already given birth. Oh my God.”
Avery’s jaw dropped too, though she was grinning. “Elena—oh my God.” Then she shot Adrian a glare. “You didn’t say anything! On the phone you said she was about to give birth.”
Adrian lifted his hands in surrender, a smug little grin appearing. “It was supposed to be a surprise,” he said. “Relax, Ave. You’re welcome.”
She pressed both hands to her cheeks, eyes wide, grin even wider. “Why didn’t you tell me!? I would’ve brought flowers! I would’ve—I don’t know—cancelled my entire life!”
Judy breathed, her hands flying up to her chest. “Oh my God, I can’t believe this...” Her whole face lit up, eyes wide and shimmering. “Elena... oh God... I think I’m going to cry.”
“My grandchild...” she whispered again, almost trembling as she leaned closer, like she needed to confirm the baby was real and not some dream she accidentally walked into.
Then, suddenly, she straightened, flustered and urgent.
“Wait—wait, let me wash my hands first. I can’t touch her like this—oh dear God—”
She practically hustled to the sink with the energy of a woman half her age, mumbling under her breath, “Oh my goodness, my first grandbaby... Adrian, you sneaky boy... making me look like a fool...”
She washed her hands so fast the water splashed everywhere, then dried them in a hurry, shaking her fingers like she couldn’t stand wasting another second before holding her granddaughter. The moment she was done, Judy practically rushed back to Adrian.
He leaned forward, careful and steady, and gently placed Haille into her arms. Judy held her so carefully, her expression softening instantly.
“Oh my... she’s so beautiful. And look at all this hair. Thick just like yours, Elena.”
A tear slipped down her cheek.
“Don’t cry, Mom,” Adrian murmured.
With her free hand, Judy smacked his arm lightly. “You brat. Giving me a surprise like this.”
Adrian let out a soft chuckle, and I watched them with a small smile tugging at my lips.
But then Avery suddenly moved to my side and took my hand. “You’re really okay?” she asked quietly.
I hesitated. There was something in her tone, like she was asking more than one thing.
“Yeah,” I said softly. “I’m okay.”
Avery exhaled, relief softening her shoulders. She gave my shoulder a gentle pat.
