Page 161 of Baby Surprise for my Brother's Best Friend

“Mom and baby will be fine. They’re being closely monitored. It’s still early, but so far, the baby’s heartbeat is strong.”

I close my eyes. A sob breaks loose before I can swallow it. Relief hits so hard it’s almost painful.

“You can see her soon. She’s asking for you.”

I nod, unable to speak.

The doctor walks away, and for a second, I just stand there, hands behind my head, with my eyes closed.

She’s okay. They’re okay.

I look to Denver, needing some sort of permission. He meets my gaze and gives me a small nod.

“Go. You heard the doctor. She wants to see you.”

I straighten, wipe my face, and head down the hall toward her room. I need to see her and tell her everything.

The door clicks softly as I push it open. The room is dim, the only light coming from the soft monitor glow and the early haze of morning bleeding through the blinds.

She’s pale, lying in bed with wires and monitors beeping steadily. But her chest rises and falls. She’s here.

And then, her eyes flutter open.

“Hey.” Her voice rasps like it hurts to speak.

My breath catches. I cross the room in two strides and sink to my knees beside her, reaching for her hand.

“I’m sorry. I should’ve stayed. I shouldn’t have left you.”

“You’re here now. That’s what matters.”

I press a kiss to her knuckles, holding them against my lips.

“I want this. You. The baby. The whole messy, terrifying, beautiful life. I’m in,dolcezza. I’m all in.”

A tear slips down her cheek, but she doesn’t say anything right away. Her hand is limp in mine, her gaze flicking away, toward the ceiling.

“I was so scared,” she finally whispers. “Not just today. Before. When you left, I felt like I was drowning. And I hated you for it.”

“I know. You had every right to.”

Her throat bobs as she swallows. “I didn’t need a hero, Alessio. I neededyou.And you ran.”

Her words hit me square in the chest.

Shame prickles down my spine, and my grip on her hand tightens without thought.

I want to explain, to defend myself, but there’s no excuse that could make it right. All I can do is take the weight of her truth and hold it.

I nod, my chest cracking open. “I was scared too, Soph. I told myself walking away would protect you, but the truth is…I was protecting myself. From failing you. From not being enough.”

Her eyes meet mine again, and for a second, there’s something unreadable there. Wounded. Guarded.

“I never stopped loving you.” My voice breaks.

Sophie looks at me, her eyes glassy and wet. “I want to believe you.”

“You can,” I say instantly, my heart thudding.

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