Page 104 of Velvet Chains
A rush of something indescribable surges through me, and suddenly, my chest feels like it’s about to burst.
I’m a father.
Hell, I’ve never felt this protective in my life.
I can’t take my gaze away from the screen. This overwhelming, all-consuming need to protect and cherish?
I glance over at Laura, who’s lying on the examination table, her shirt pulled up to expose her still-flat stomach. Tears stream down her face as she stares at the monitor, her hands trembling at her sides.
“I know it’s a lot to take in,” Dr. Claire says, smiling at us sympathetically. “But everything looks perfect. The baby is growing right on schedule, and Laura, you’re doing great.”
Laura nods, sniffling as she wipes at her tears with her free hand. “Thank you, Dr. Claire. I just… I can’t believe this is really happening.”
That makes two of us.
I swallow hard.
“It’s normal to feel overwhelmed,” Dr. Claire assures us. “Especially since it’s your first pregnancy. But you’re not alone in this. I’m here to support you every step of the way, and there are plenty of resources available to help you navigate this new journey.”
I nod, trying to focus on her words, but all I can see is that tiny little blob on the screen. That’s my kid in there, a piece of me and Laura, and I have no fucking clue what I’m supposed to do.
How the hell am I going to be a father?
Panic is rising in my throat.
I’m a goddamn mobster, not a nurturing caregiver. What if I fuck this up? What if I ruin this kid’s life before it even starts?
Dr. Claire helps Laura sit up, gently wiping off the ultrasound gel from her stomach. Laura’s face is flushed, her cheeks pink, and her eyes brimming with unshed tears. It looks like she’s about to burst out crying again, just like she has been since yesterday.
Ever since we left the restaurant, it’s been a cycle of crying, sleeping, and eating. But now, there’s a different kind of light in her eyes. She’s still angry at me, I can tell. She won’t even look me in the eye.
“Thank you, Dr. Claire,” Laura says, her voice soft and trembling.
“You’re welcome, Mrs. Morozov. And congratulations to both of you,” Dr. Claire replies warmly.
I nod, watching as Laura smooths down her top, her hands shaking slightly.
“Here’s your baby’s first photograph,” Dr. Claire announces, handing us a small, glossy print. “A little keepsake for you to treasure.”
Laura reaches out and takes it, her breath catching in her throat. As soon as her fingers touch the image, a stream of tears begins to flow down her cheeks yet again. She looks so vulnerable, so fragile, and it hits me hard.
I instinctively step closer to her, suddenly feeling like the biggest asshole in the world.
Mama would be so ashamed of me. Treating my own wife like this, making her cry.
My heart clenches, and I reach out, using my thumb to gently wipe away her tears. At first, she flinches, trying to turn away from my touch. But then she looks up at me, her deep green eyes glistening with emotion, and I feel like I’m seeing her for the first time all over again.
Bozhe moi, she’s so beautiful.
My breath catches in my throat. Even with her face blotchy from crying, her hair a mess, she’s the most stunning thing I’ve ever seen.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper into her ear. “I’m so fucking sorry. I’ve been a complete dick.”
“I know,” she murmurs, her eyes searching mine. “I’m still mad as hell…”
“We’ll need to talk about this,” I tell her.
She starts to reply, but a knock at the door interrupts her. A nurse pokes her head in, looking slightly frazzled. “Dr. Claire, I’m so sorry to bother you, but we’ve got a situation. Mrs. Peterson just got admitted to the birthing ward, and she’s in active labor. A week early, and it looks like it’s going to be a tough one.”
