Page 33 of His Omega Bear

Feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude, I nodded. “Alright, I’ll give it a try.” I wasn’t sure why it was the first song that came to my head, but I started humming The Climb by Miley Cyrus.

As Emilia watched me, I took a deep breath and started humming the familiar tune. To my amazement, she continued to gaze up at me with curious eyes.

Rhys watched with a warm smile, his gaze filled with pride. “See? You’ve got this, Jaxson. She already adores you.”

As I continued to sing the song about not giving up on the difficult things in life, I realized how the lyrics mirrored my life. Difficult things were going to come up, but learning to deal with it meant I was growing as a person. I had to be patient and enjoy the process.

When I’d finished, Emilia’s eyes were getting heavy.

“Babies are incredibly perceptive,” he explained, gently running his fingers over her head. “They pick up on our emotions, even when we try to hide them. My guess is Emilia can sense your worry.”

I sighed heavily, feeling the weight of my own insecurities pressing down on me. “But how do I stop worrying?” Some days, it felt like that was all my brain had to give me. How I was doing this wrong, and how it would be different if it Jayson and Leanne were here to do this for her. How much I was fucking this up.

Rhys leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. “It’s not about trying to suppress your emotions,” he said softly. “It’s about finding ways to manage them.”

I sighed deeply.

“Everyone gets overwhelmed, but what works for me are deep breathing and mindfulness exercises to help me stay grounded in the present moment.” He met my gaze. “Come on, let’s practice together.”

I felt a sense of calm wash over me, replacing the frantic whirlwind of worry that usually consumed. If my team could see me now, they wouldn’t recognize me. How did a little wisp of baby have me hyperventilating more than going into combat?

For one, you had training.

And before Emilia, I wasn’t sure I’d even held a baby.

“It’s okay to feel overwhelmed,” Rhys reassured me, his voice steady and reassuring. “But remember, you’re not alone in this. I’m here.”

I nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope flicker within me. With Rhys’s guidance and support, I knew that I could learn to navigate the challenges of parenthood.

“It’s almost bedtime,” I said. “Would you want to get her ready with me?”

He grinned. “Of course. I’d love that.”

Seriously, was this man real?

I leaned forward. Rhys met me in a sweet kiss over Emilia’s head. “Then maybe we can spend some grown up time together.”

As the warm bathwater enveloped Emilia, I gently washed her delicate skin, feeling the tension release from my shoulders. Rhys was standing behind me, his firm hands kneading away the knots of stress that felt like they had been accumulating since the day I buried my best friend and then my sister a few months after. With each soothing touch, I felt a sense of peace come over me, mirroring the serene expression on Emilia's face.

We bathed, fed, and sang to Emilia. Despite my initial doubts and insecurities, I relaxed as more time passed. With Rhys’ steady presence and unwavering support, it didn’t feel like my chest was going to explode.

Once Emilia was settled into her crib, I felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude wash over me. Exhausted but relieved, I sank back into him, leaning into Rhys’ comforting embrace. As I nestled against him, I felt the weight of the day's worries begin to lift from my shoulders.

In that moment, with Rhys's arms wrapped around me and the gentle rhythm of Emilia's breathing filling the room, I allowed myself to let go of the fears and uncertainties that had been weighing me down. With Rhys by my side, I knew I could handle whatever challenges parenthood threw my way.

We quietly left the room, baby monitor in hand, and made our way to his favorite spot on the sofa.

“Why don’t you rest for a while. Lay your head here in my lap, and I’ll listen for her.”

My eyes were heavy. If I took a short nap, I could rebound. So I did as he asked. Rhys ran his long fingers through my hair, instantly relaxing me.

As sleep began to claim me, I found solace knowing that no matter what tomorrow brought, I had Rhys by my side, ready to face it together. And with that comforting thought, I drifted off into a peaceful slumber, feeling grateful for whoever sent him to me.

Chapter 10

Rhys

Iwasn’t sure how much time had passed with Jaxson’s head resting gently on my lap. As I watched the steady rise and fall of his chest under my palm, my fingers traced gentle patterns on his forehead as he slept soundly.

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