Page 75 of Second Draft

Tick.

Each moment that passes, I prepare my heart for the worst. Bracing myself for the impact of losing the only woman I’ve ever loved.

Live, I pray silently.Live, damn it.

A deep, guttural sound fills the air, and it takes me a moment to realize that it’s coming from me. I bury my hand in my face and let grief wrack through me, because my strength is completely shattered.

“Sir?” A nurse crouches beside me.

I blink up at her, pleading with my eyes for good news, not ready for anything else.

“She’s stable. You can see her now.”

Chapter 28

Layla

When I try to open my eyes, it’s like they’re being weighed down by cement. Sluggishly, I blink them open. Fluorescent lights, and the sound of beeping, make me feel like I’m on a really bad techno acid trip. It takes me a moment to realize I’m in a hospital room.

The baby. Panic surges through me, causing the beeping to speed up. Frantic, my eyes dart around the room.

Carter is instantly beside me, taking my hand, stroking my cheek. “Hey, it’s okay. You’re all right. I’m here.”

“Carter.” My voice feels like it’s coated in asphalt.

“I’m here.” There are dark circles under his eyes.

“The…baby.”

“He’s fine.” He continues to stroke my cheek.

“He?”

Carter’s lips twist up in a small smile, and when he starts to move away, I instantly panic.

“I’m not leaving.” He kisses my forehead, then straightens.

I watch him move around my bed to a small bassinette that’s positioned beside the chair he must have been sleeping on, evidenced by the pillow and blanket, and I wonder how long I’ve been out for.

Carefully, Carter reaches in and picks up the small bundle, eliciting a small cry.

“Your Mommy wants to meet you,” Carter whispers, cradling the small bundle against his chest like he’s the most precious thing in the world.

I try to sit up, but I’m so weak, I can barely shift myself even an inch.

Carter moves beside me and holds the baby, so that I can see him.

He’s beautiful. Tiny little nose, full bow lips that purse in his sleep. Instantly my eyes cloud with tears.

“Hello Joshua.” I’m able to bring my hand up to gently stroke my fingers across his cheek. I want to hold him, but already the heaviness of sleep pulls at me, and I know I’m not strong enough.

“Joshua?” Carter says, smiling. “That was my father’s name.”

“I know.” I try to smile back, but my face feels heavy, and despite my efforts to keep them open, my eyelids flutter close. It takes all my strength to open them again. “What…happened?”

“You don’t remember?” His brows draw down.

“Travis came back,” I say, as images start to form a memory.

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