Page 83 of Revenge

“He isn’t going anywhere. You go to work. Baby, tell auntie Lisa she has to go.”

“Fine. But I’ll be back when I get off.” she smiles.

“You’ll be tired. Go home and get some rest. Once we are home, you’ll quickly tire of us. This little man will be waking you at all hours of the day.”

“Text me if you need anything.” She squeezes my shoulder.

“I will. Thanks for coming.”

“Always.”

She leaves, and I’m left admiring my sweet boy. I know they tell you babies don’t look like anyone when they’re first born, but I swear he has Viktor’s jawline. Looking at my baby boy is like looking at a mini-Viktor.

“You’re as handsome as your father. I just hope you won’t be demanding like him.” I hear a chuckle. I spy Viktor standing at the door. “What?” I can’t help but smile.

“Nothing. He’s barely opened his eyes, and you’re bossing him around. Yet you say I’m demanding.” He kisses the top of my head and gently caresses our son’s cheek.

“I’ve never felt a bigger love than the one I feel for him,” I say, looking at our son.

“I know exactly what you mean. Are you up for visitors?” I look at him, confused. “My mother is here. She wants to know if she can see him.”

“Of course, she can. She’s his grandmother. What is wrong with you? Why would you keep her waiting? Go get her.” He smiles as he exits. A minute later, he returns with Anita.

“Sweetheart, it’s so good to see you.” Anita walks over. I notice her eyes are bright with unshed tears.

“It’s good to see you too. But why are you crying?”

“I’m just happy.” She squeezes my shoulder as she smiles.

“Would you like to hold him?” I ask her.

“Can I?”

“Anita, that is such a silly question. Of course, you can.” She opens her arms, and I hand her my son. A few tears escape me.

“Those better be happy tears,” she teases.

“They are. I’d love to take a shower if you don’t mind,” I lower my voice. “I don’t really trust the nurses with him.”

She laughs.

“I was the same with Viktor. I wouldn’t let him out of my sight. It wasn’t until he could talk that I eased up a little.”

“I know he’s in capable hands.”

“You take a shower. I’ll be here loving this handsome little man. Viktor, why don’t you help the woman who just gave birth to the most perfect boy on this earth.”

“I thought I was perfect,” he retorts, pretending to pout but failing.

“The title has been stripped from you.” We all laugh.

“Come here.” Viktor takes my hand and gently helps me out of bed.

Our son is a few days old now. Even though it was a natural birth, I still feel weak and sore.

“Thanks. There should be clean clothes in the closet.”

I enter the bathroom while he gets my things. I turn on the shower and get in, letting the water wash over me. It feels so good. Relaxing. Especially since I know my son is being taken care of. I want to go home. I want to sleep in my own bed. I’m over the hospital.

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