Page 50 of Between Power and Passion

Alexei jumps to his feet as well, looking between Dmitri and me with wide eyes.

“What do we do? Should we call an ambulance?”

“No need for that,” I say, holding up a hand to calm them both down. “The bag is already in the car. We just need to get to the hospital.”

Dmitri looks like he’s about to argue but then takes a deep breath and nods. “Okay. Let’s go.”

He moves toward me as if he’s going to scoop me up in his arms, but I stop him with a raised hand. “I can walk,” I assure him. “The contractions haven’t started yet.”

Both men hover around me as I stand up from the couch. Dmitri takes one side while Alexei takes the other, their hands ready to support me if needed.

“Easy does it,” Alexei murmurs as we start walking toward the door.

Dmitri looks at me every few seconds, concern etched across his features. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asks for probably the tenth time.

“Yes,” I reply patiently, squeezing his hand for reassurance. “I promise I’ll let you know if anything changes.”

We make it outside and toward the car without incident. Dmitri opens the passenger door for me while Alexei heads around to start the engine.

“Just breathe,” Dmitri says softly as he helps me into the seat.

I can’t help but smile at his concern despite my own nerves starting to kick in. “You too,” I tease lightly as he buckles my seatbelt.

Dmitri chuckles weakly and kisses my forehead before closing the door and getting into the backseat himself.

Alexei glances back at us from the driver’s seat with a determined look on his face. “Ready?”

“Ready,” Dmitri and I say in unison.

As Alexei pulls out of the driveway and heads toward the hospital, I take a deep breath and prepare myself for what’s coming next.

The hours in the hospital pass in a blur of pain and anticipation. I grip Dmitri’s hand tightly, feeling each contraction ripple through my body. The nurses move around us, offering words of encouragement and instructions that I try to focus on through the haze.

Dmitri stays by my side the entire time, his face a mixture of worry and determination. “You’re doing amazing, Valentina,” he whispers, his thumb gently brushing the back of my hand.

I nod weakly, focusing on his voice to keep myself grounded. The pain intensifies and sweat drips down my forehead. “I can’t believe this is happening,” I manage to say between breaths.

“You’re strong,” Dmitri assures me.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the doctor announces that it’s time to push. I muster every ounce of strength I have left, and with Dmitri’s support and encouragement, I give it everything I’ve got.

And then, suddenly, it’s over. The sound of a baby’s cry fills the room, and I collapse back against the pillows, exhausted but relieved. Tears well up in my eyes as I look at Dmitri.

“We did it,” I whisper.

Dmitri’s eyes shine with pride and love as he leans down to kiss me softly on the lips. “You did it,” he corrects gently. “You’re incredible.”

The nurses clean up our baby and wrap him in a soft blanket before bringing him over to us. My heart races as they place him in my arms for the first time.

“He’s perfect,” Dmitri murmurs, his voice thick with emotion as he kisses my forehead.

I look down at our son, overwhelmed by a rush of love and joy. Tiny fingers curl around mine, and I can’t hold back the tears any longer. They flow freely down my cheeks as I gaze at his little face.

“Hello, Daniil,” I whisper softly, cradling him close to my chest. “Welcome to the world.”

Dmitri wraps an arm around us both, his lips brushing against my temple as he continues to murmur beautiful words into my ear. “You’re amazing, Valentina. Thank you,” he says again.

I nod through my tears, unable to find the words to express how complete I feel at this moment. Daniil stirs slightly in my arms, making soft cooing noises that melt my heart even more.

---