Their Miracle Baby

Epilogue

Venetia felt like her insides were being ripped out as the new life inside her fought to get out. Once again, she questioned her plan to do this naturally; an epidural was beginning to appeal to her. But then Lewis squeezed her hand, bringing attention back to him.

“Hey, look at me. Squeeze my hand, you can do this. You’re almost there,” he said, smoothing the hair back from her sweaty face.

She been in labor for almost eight hours, long hours that had at first been charged with the excitement of finally seeing their baby, but as time had worn on with little progress, she’d become tired and grumpy. Lewis had been at her side the entire time, coaching her and taking her abuse with a huge smile on his face, which had infuriated her even more.

“I want an epidural,” she said, though clenched teeth. “Now!”

“Sweetheart, you’re really almost there, just a few more contractions and you can push.”

“I don’t have the energy,” she wailed, horrified to hear the screech coming out of her mouth.

“Yes, you do. I know because that strength saved my life.”

Lewis’ words floated through the haze of pain, and she focused on his eyes. “That’s right. Look at me, I’ll tell you when to push. Not long now and we’ll have our baby in our arms. Hang in there, love.”

Venetia closed her eyes and breathed like she’d learned, then tensed as another contraction squeezed her body. Lewis held on to her, whispering soothing words in her ear until the doctor give him the signal.

“Okay, it’s time for you to push. On the count of three,” he said, looking to the doctor again.

In less time and with more pain that she’d ever imagined, their daughter fought her way into the world, screaming loudly when the cold air hit her skin. The doctor put her on Venetia’s chest while Lewis cut the umbilical cord, tears streaming down his face. Their daughter was perfect in every way, but they allowed her to be taken away for a few minutes to be cleaned and examined.

Venetia was exhausted, her legs shaking with the effort to give their daughter life, but she was already completely in love with the little bundle who was placed in her arms only moments later. Lewis stood back awed by what he’d just witnessed; it had been moving bring life into the world in the Amazon, but nothing compared to seeing his own child enter the world.

He already felt fiercely protective of the little bundle in Venetia’s arms, but he was also afraid to get too close. She was so small that even he, who was known for his steady hands, was afraid to hold her.

“Come meet your daughter, my love,” Venetia said, her eyes meeting his. “She’s been waiting to meet you for a long time.”

“I’m afraid I’ll drop her,” he said, surprised when the baby turned at the sound of his voice.

“Look, she already knows you,” Venetia said, grinning at him.

Lewis took the small bundle from her hands, his eyes meeting his daughter’s blue ones, and he knew that of all the times he’d lived his life in the moment, this was the best moment so far. He knew that there would be many more moments like this one, but he’d live this one now, so that he would remember it forever.

The End.