Page 62 of Justice

“How about we give you both privacy? Call us if you need us,” Mom suggests, and I nod, relieved and feeling overwhelmed.

They leave the room and the door shuts with a soft click. The room is so quiet besides Miracle getting cranky.

“Want me to help you?” Christopher asks.

“This is something you’d help me with?” I shouldn’t be shocked.

Christopher smiles warmly, his eyes filled with love and understanding. "Of course, Elle. We're in this together, every step of the way, remember?”

I feel a rush of gratitude and affection for this incredible man by my side. With trembling hands, I begin to unbutton the front of my hospital gown, exposing my breast. Christopher helps me position Miracle, guiding her tiny mouth toward my nipple.

At first, Miracle seems confused, her little brow furrowing as she tries to latch on. I wince slightly, the unfamiliar sensation of her gums clamping down sending a jolt through me. Christopher gently strokes her cheek, encouraging her. "That's it, baby girl. You've got this," he murmurs softly.

After a few more attempts, Miracle finally latches on properly, her little jaw working as she begins to suckle. A sense of relief and wonder washes over me as I watch her nurse.

Christopher watches in awe, his eyes misty with emotion. "You're a natural, Elle," he whispers, pressing a tender kiss to my temple. "She's so lucky to have you as her mama."

I kiss him. “I love you, Christopher, we’re both so blessed to have you.” I lean back against the pillow, relaxing now that she’s sort of getting the hang of it.

She finishes eating and I lift her to my shoulder so I can burp her. I gently rub her back until she lets out the cutest little burp.

“She is so precious.”

A soft knock at the door breaks us from our reverie. My mom peeks her head in, a warm smile on her face. "Is it safe to come back in?" she asks, her voice low so as not to disturb the baby.

I nod, motioning for her to enter. "Come on in, Mom. We just finished her first feeding."

Mom steps into the room, followed closely by Amelia. They both have looks of pure joy and excitement on their faces, eager to spend more time with their new granddaughter.

"How did it go?" Amelia asks, settling into a chair near the bed. "Was she able to latch on okay?"

I smile, glancing down at Miracle who is now contentedly dozing in my arms. "It took a few tries, but she got the hang of it. Christopher was a great coach."

Christopher beams with pride, his hand gently rubbing my back in a soothing motion. "Elle did all the hard work. I just provided moral support."

Mom chuckles softly. "That's what dads are for, honey. And you're already excelling at it."

A comfortable stillness settles over the room as we all watch Miracle sleep, her tiny chest rising and falling with each breath. It's a moment of pure peace and happiness, a much-needed respite from the chaos and uncertainty of the world outside these walls.

Stalker

She had the baby. I heard some of the nurses in the hospital talking about it.

It’s time for me to make my move. No other man is going to raise my baby.

I watch as everyone goes in and out of the room without a second thought of who the father is.

Those girls I killed are dumb; they trusted me and I needed to try to scare Elle into coming to me, to leaving the club.

But she never did.

Do they really have her that brainwashed? She is mine and that baby is mine too.

I will get her no matter what.

Soon, my love.

“What are you doing here?” Reid asks, breaking me out of my thoughts.

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