Page 35 of Naughty Elf: Shimmersnap

The doctor nodded. “Within minutes, Shimmersnap.”

“What? How can that be possible?”

A nurse, an alpha named Judy, gently placed a hand on my arm. “Lean back, relax. Let’s get your feet up. Just breathe. You’ll know when it’s time to push.”

It all happened so quickly. One moment I was breathing through it, the next, my body told me it was time. I hadn’t been prepared for the intensity of the pain, sweat breaking out across my skin. Walter held my hand, wiping a warm cloth across my face, his calm presence helping me through it.

Then, just as suddenly, the pain stopped, and a musical cry filled the room.

“Is that her?” I gasped, trying to push myself up.

The doctor lifted her up. “Here she is.”

My eyes widened as I took in her tiny form, her skin covered in a slight shimmer. The first thing I noticed was her pointed ears, a sure sign of her elf heritage. But the rest of her? All Walter. Grumpy little face and all, scrunched in a fierce cry that let the world know she was here and not happy about it.

“She’s beautiful,” I whispered.

The nurses cleaned her up and placed her in my arms, her warmth instantly calming me. “Walter, she’s so beautiful.”

He leaned in, gazing at our daughter with awe. “She really is.”

I looked down at her, a name coming to me in a rush of love and joy. “Our little Holly.”

“Holly,” Walter echoed, smiling softly. “I like that.”

I kissed her tiny forehead. “Welcome to the family, Holly.”

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