Page 207 of The Perfect Spiral
Chapter 71
Finally arriving at the hospital, forty grueling minutes later, we park and burst through the hospital doors, heading towards the reception desk.
“Sasha Thompson, please,” I ask in a rush. The receptionist taps on her computer, scanning her eyes across the screen.
“Fourth floor, east wing, room 404.” She picks up on our urgency and directs us quickly. We run through the hospital, skipping the elevator, and stride up the stairs until the fourth floor.
We need a short breather, but we walk briskly towards the east wing, looking for room 404.
“Alex!” I hear my mom’s voice and run to hug her. “Just in time,she’s in labor right now. Come with me, Knox. The boys are in that room there with your poor mother! Tell her I’ll be back soon.”
I give his hand a light squeeze and follow my mom towards the room where Cole and Sasha are. He sends me a small smile and opens up the door. “I’ll ask later,” my mom smirks, picking up on the interaction between Knox and me.
“I need to talk to you, Delilah, Sam, Andy, and Hannah too. Nothing serious, just... I’ll tell you later!”
We rush into the room and I see Sasha with her knees bent, sweating and gripping my brother’s hand like her life depends on it. He’s whispering into her ear and kissing her head, showing his support.
She’s cursing under her breath, her face bright red.
“Oh thank fuck, Alex! I couldn’t hold it in anymore! I need to push! Fuck, baby!” Sasha screams from the pain and I run over to stand on the other side of her, not before hugging my brother, Sam, and Sasha’s mom.
“It’s alright, sweetie, keep breathing and push! You’ve got this, baby! I love you so much,” my brother comforts her, but she looks like she’s going to kill him with her bare hands.
“Cole, I swear to god! I’m done pushing any more of these kids out! No more! I’m done—fuuuucccckkkk! Oh-ooh-oh-ooh,” she breathes out, trying to control the pain she’s experiencing from pushing a human out.
Cole sends me a pleading look to help him and I can’t help but laugh, earning a smack on the side of my head. The midwife positions herself where the baby will come out and tells Sasha to push as hard as she can.
“Sorry! I couldn’t help it. Well, at least you haven’t fainted! But Sasha, girl, you gotta push this beautiful baby out! You’ve got this, come on, squeeze my hand and scream it out!”
Following my instructions, I begin to tell her over and over to breathe and push and tell Cole to say it too. She does what she’s told and another half hour later, Cole holds his beautiful baby boy, weighing 7 pounds 7 ounces.
Welcome to the world, Reign Alexander Thompson. They gave him my name as his middle name, which wasn’t the best part. I’m also his godmother, along with Austin Carter as his godfather.
I find myself standing next to Cole, who’s cradling his newborn son, while his wife dozes off in the hospital bed. The baby stirs in the white blanket swaddling him, his bright blue eyes opening to gaze at his father. Cole is utterly captivated by his son, and I can’t help but share in his fascination.
“Here, take him out to everyone in the other room and introduce him to the family,” Cole suggests, passing the baby into my arms. Sam follows me as we head into the next room where the rest of the family eagerly awaits the baby’s arrival.
Sam holds the door open for me, and as I enter with Reign cradled in my arms, everyone rises to their feet, their faces lighting up with joy.
“It’s a boy. Everyone, meet Reign Alexander Thompson. Reign, this is your family, buddy.” The room fills with a chorus of ‘awes’ as everyone gathers around to admire the baby, who yawns adorably.
His tiny hands grip the edges of the blanket, pulling it slightly. His head moves around, taking in his new surroundings.
“He’s such a beautiful boy. Oh my goodness, look at those chubby cheeks!” Delilah coos, completely smitten with the little bundle in my arms.
Cole enters the room behind me, and everyone rushes to congratulate him. Lena and Noah join us, smiling down at their new brother.
“Your mother says no more kids, but I think we can squeeze one more out of her,” Cole jokes, eliciting laughter from everyone in the room.
“As long as it’s another girl. I can’t have three younger brothers, Dad. It’s something we have to strongly consider,” Lena says, gently stroking Reign’s cheek without waking him from his slumber.
“Try three older brothers, Lena! Younger ones are easier. Do you want to hold him, Lena? It’s cool if she holds him, right Cole?”
He nods his head, “Yeah, but sit down first. He’s a lot heavier than you think.” I help Lena settle into a seat and carefully place Reign into his big sister’s arms, showing her how to properly support his head.
I give Reign a small kiss on his forehead and stand up to my full height. Cole gives me a kiss on the forehead and I hug him.
“Congratulations, Cole. He’s absolutely perfect. I’m so happy for you both.” He thanks me and gives me another squeeze before sitting next to Lena and lifting Noah onto his lap.
