Page 159 of Claim

“He’s so perfect, Miki,” I gush. I can’t stop smiling, it almost makes the pain bearable.

“Just like his momma, then.”

Miki leans down and kisses the top of Misha’s head.

“You’ve given me the greatest gift, Ana. And the best possible life.” He nuzzles his face against mine.

In this moment, having my new little family cuddled against me, I close my eyes and enjoy the calm.

This is everything I could have ever dreamt of. My heart is so full of love and joy, I will never forget this.

Every single bit of pain was worth it.

And just like he promised all those months ago, he held my hand through all of it.

“Hey, big man. Can you help me?” I throw my legs over the edge of the bed.

Everything aches so damn much.

Mikhail has been incredible with Misha. He told me I had to get my rest. Miki holds Misha on his chest. His huge hand nearly spanning our baby’s whole body.

He walks over and holds out his arm, getting me to my feet.

“I hate being this weak.” I tell him.

It’s annoying me, I want to get up and help out. I want to just go home. But they have to monitor my iron levels and blood pressure.

I’m hoping to leave today, two days is quite enough in this bright white room.

“The doctor came while you were napping, he said you’re both clear to go.”

I tip my head back, relief washing over me.

“Oh, thank God.”

He wraps his arm around my waist and cuddles me against him. I stroke the side of a sound asleep Misha.

“My god, you look so hot being a daddy.” I look up at him.

“Hmm. You can call me daddy all you want, pretty girl.” He winks.

It’s going to be a long six weeks.

“Daddy Miki.” I slide my hand up his chest.

“Has quite the ring to it, maybe we can try it out.”

He leans down and captures my lips.

“You mean when we can make another one of these beautiful creations?” He smirks.

My eyes nearly pop out of their sockets.

And then he chuckles and my blood pressure lowers.

“I’ll give you a year.”

“I can deal with that. See if I can give you a little girl to run circles around you.”

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